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USC Startups Showcase AI Talent Pipeline and More at Techstars Demo Day

WireByte Staff · June 18, 2026

Eight USC-connected startups pitched innovative ideas at Techstars Demo Day, including an AI talent pipeline and respiratory care access. The event exposed founders to potential investors and mentors, marking a year-long journey from brainstorm to investor pitch.

Key points

  • Eight Trojan startups from USC and Techstars pitched their ideas at Demo Day, tackling topics like AI talent pipeline and respiratory care.
  • The event was the culmination of a year-long program that began with Startup Weekend and included a 10-week online program and a three-month accelerator.
  • Ishwar K. Puri, USC's senior vice president of research and innovation, praised the founders' potential to shape the nation's future.
  • The startups showcased their ideas in front of potential investors, mentors, and members of the Trojan community.
  • The event highlighted USC's innovation ecosystem, which has produced a range of successful startups.

USC Startups Showcase AI Talent Pipeline and More at Techstars Demo Day

Eight startups from the University of Southern California (USC) and Techstars pitched their innovative ideas at the second annual Demo Day event, held on June 9. The event marked the culmination of a year-long program that began with Startup Weekend and included a 10-week online program and a three-month accelerator.

The startups showcased a range of ideas, including an AI talent pipeline and access to respiratory care from the comfort of one's own living room. Ishwar K. Puri, USC's senior vice president of research and innovation, praised the founders' potential to shape the nation's future.

The event exposed the founders to potential investors, mentors, and members of the Trojan community, highlighting USC's innovation ecosystem and its ability to produce successful startups.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.