VSG Residency

Program

USC Viterbi's Unique Incubator for Early-Stage Technology Startups

A Place To Call Home

Enjoy 24/7 access for up to 3 team members to our collaborative workspace in Marina del Rey. Our residents view our space as their primary office and regularly engage with colleagues, mentors, and staff.

The USC Network

Get dialed in to USC’s famed network of alumni, mentors, investors and potential partners, both here in Southern California and beyond.

Extensive Support

USC talent pipeline, including opportunities to collaborate with student interns and researchers.

Founder Community

Surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs, working in the same space to bring ideas to life. Community perks, from networking events to workshops that foster meaningful peer-to-peer support.

Strategic Guidance

Meet with VSG's mentoring team and guests (executives and investors) to review your progress in achieving your goals during the current quarter, discuss wins and losses, and set your goals and milestones for the upcoming quarter.

I-Corps Hub West

I-Corps Hub West (sponsored by the National Science Foundation) works closely with the Viterbi Startup Garage to help startups identify commercial opportunities and accelerate their understanding of the marketplace via The National I-Corps Program.

Resident Activities & Events

Routine & Consistent

Founder’s Circle

VSG founders meet weekly to share war stories, practice pitches, or ask for advice over a casual lunch.

Innovators-in-Residence (IIRs) Office Hours

Once a week our founders benefit from check-ins with a seasoned business executive or venture guru.

VC/Angel Office Hours

Once per quarter, VCs and Angels join us virtually to provide pitch feedback. We run this panel-style with 2-3 investors per Zoom room in 20-minute slots.

Legal Clinic

Bi-Monthly, a startup-friendly lawyer joins us for Founders' Circle to answer questions.

ISI Tech Exchange

In conjunction with the Information Sciences Institute, startups get researchers and experts from USC to weigh in on technical challenges they are experiencing.

Summer Smasher

Over the Summer, we tap into the talent pool of USC's undergraduate and graduate students for 8-weeks of project support. Learn more about Summer Smasher.

Oceanside Chat Speaker Series

Our virtual speaker series invites investors, serial entrepreneurs, and topical experts to share advice and insight for entrepreneurs. Talks are open to the full VSG community. Sign up on our mailing list below to stay informed.

All Stages Welcome – From early idea to growth stage, we support startups at every step of the journey.
Any Sector – Industry agnostic, as long as your product or service is tech-enabled.
Flexible Team Sizes – Solo founders and growing teams alike are encouraged to apply.
Location Friendly – While many teams are based in Los Angeles, we welcome startups from anywhere.
Open Community – USC affiliation is a plus, but never a requirement.

Year-Round Opportunities

Apply anytime — we accept startups on a rolling basis, so you can join when the timing is right for your team.

Streamlined Process

Our application is simple and efficient, designed to showcase your strengths and get you up and running quickly.

Direct Conversations

Engage with our team through personalized Zoom interviews, giving you the chance to share your vision and goals.

Limited Capacity, High Value

We host only 18–20 teams at a time, ensuring you receive dedicated resources, mentorship, and space without overcrowding.

Stay As Long As You Need

Once accepted, your team can remain part of the Garage for as long as the program supports your growth — no deadlines, no cohorts, no limits.

VSG Alumni Since 2018

Published on March 11th, 2024Last updated on March 18th, 2026