Google for Startups Accelerator: India

• Indian startups seeking acceleration, mentorship and cloud credits from Google for Startups.

About this scheme

The Google for Startups Accelerator: India is a three-month, equity-free program designed for AI-first startups operating between the Seed and Series A stages. Google for Startups runs this accelerator to support innovative companies headquartered in India that are developing core AI applications or agentic AI solutions. The program offers equity-free support, dedicated mentoring from Google teams, and exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps.

Participants receive access to Google's extensive network of industry experts, early access to new Google AI products via Trusted Tester and EAP benefits, and Google product credits. Eligible startups also benefit from Cloud credits and free Cloud TPU access for open-source machine learning research. The accelerator provides strategic support on company and product strategy, fostering technical project partnerships to address significant technological challenges.

Each cohort, comprising 10-15 startups, addresses technical hurdles through a blend of remote and in-person sessions. The curriculum includes one-on-one and group learning, alongside sprint projects. Founders collaborate with Google experts and industry specialists to outline and resolve their primary technical challenges. Deep dives and workshops also cover critical areas like product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development.

Who can apply

• Startups must be demonstrating clear market traction, ideally positioning them between the Seed and Series A funding stages.
• The applicant startup is required to be based or headquartered within India.
• Applicants need to be developing a scalable product or service designed to address a significant total addressable market.
• The proposed product or service must also exhibit a strong and defensible growth model for sustained expansion.
• The startup's core operations must be deeply technical, extensively leveraging machine learning and advanced AI technologies.
• Eligibility extends to startups building core AI products, with a particular interest in agentic, multimodal, thinking/reasoning, or other innovative Generative AI applications.
• Startups focused on developing foundational models are also considered within the program's scope.
• A clear requirement is the identification of potential Google AI use cases integrated within the startup's technology or product offering.
• Founder(s) and other key personnel are expected to provide a firm commitment to actively participate in all mandatory program sessions.

Frequently asked questions