An opportunity is available for AI-first startups based in India through a three-month, equity-free accelerator program. Designed for companies between the Seed and Series A funding stages, the initiative focuses on startups building core AI applications or agentic AI solutions. Selected participants will receive expert mentorship and comprehensive support across critical areas including AI, Cloud, Android, Web, Product, Design Leadership, and Growth. Applications for the upcoming cohort are currently open.
Program Structure and Format
• Program Series: Part of a global series of accelerator programs.
• Cohort Size: Each cohort consists of 10-15 startups.
• Learning Environment: The program utilizes a hybrid model, combining remote and in-person activities.
• Session Types: Includes a mix of 1-to-1 and group learning sessions, along with sprint projects.
• Core Objective: To assist startups in tackling technical challenges that can facilitate business growth.
Expert Support and Specializations
• Dedicated Mentorship: Founders identify their startup's primary technical challenges and are paired with experts from Google and the broader industry to address them.
• Specialist Workshops: The accelerator features deep dives and workshops focused on key areas such as product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.
Key Benefits for Participants
• Equity-Free Support: The program does not take equity from participating startups.
• Mentoring: Startups receive dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
• Training: Participants get exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google, where offered.
• Expert Network: Access to Google's network of industry experts is provided.
• Early Product Access: Participants gain access to new Google AI products and tools through Trusted Tester and Early Access Program benefits.
• Product Credits: Eligible startups receive Google product credits.
• Strategic Guidance: Support is offered on company and product strategy.
• Technical Partnership: Participants work directly with experts from Google on their most significant technical challenges.
Google Product Benefits
• Early Access to AI Products: Eligible participants receive Early Access Program and Trusted Tester benefits for Google’s AI products.
• Cloud Credits: Eligible participants can apply for Google Cloud credits to support their business’s growth.
• Cloud TPUs: Participants are eligible to receive free Cloud TPU access to accelerate open-source machine learning research.
Entry Criteria
• Stage: Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage.
• Location: Must be based or headquartered in India.
• Business Model: Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and a defensible growth model.
• Technology Focus: Deeply technical, leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI.
• AI Application: Startups building core AI products (especially agentic, multimodal, thinking/reasoning, or other unique Generative AI applications) or foundational models, with potential Google AI use cases.
• Commitment: Founders and relevant team members must commit to participating and engaging in all required program sessions.
Key Dates
• Applications Close: April 19, 2026
• Program Kick-off: June, 2026
• Graduation Day: September, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
• Equity or Fees: The program is equity-free for all participants. However, it requires that founders (CEO and CTO) and appropriate team members are available for all program elements.
• Program Schedule: The accelerator will run from June to September 2026.
• Applicant Profile: The program targets Seed to Series A funded, AI-first startups headquartered in India. Applicants should be past the idea stage, with customer validation and market traction, and be building core AI products or foundational models.
• Selection Process: Eligible applications are reviewed by a panel of experts. Shortlisted startups (40-60) are invited for an interview/pitch session to evaluate the team, problem, solution, and scalability. A final selection board chooses the cohort, who then sign a program contract.
• Program Format: The accelerator will be delivered in a hybrid format, with a mix of virtual and in-person sessions.
• Product Credit Eligibility: Startups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for Google product credit offerings. Details on Google Cloud credit eligibility can be found on the Google Cloud startup page.
Accelerator Alumni
• BrainSight AI: Blends AI-guided listening with professional expert support to help users self-manage stressors.
• An AI enabled application suite developed by a diverse and expert team of scientists, researchers and designers.
• ShareChat: A vernacular social network for the next billion internet users.
• Niramai: A deep-tech startup addressing critical healthcare problems through automated solutions.
• SpotDraft: An AI-powered contract lifecycle management platform for legal and business teams.
• Drivezy: Offers self-drive cars, bikes & scooters on rent.
• A Generative AI platform to revolutionize patient care delivery through a Digital Care Assistant.
• An asset-light, tech-enabled shared electric mobility (eMaaS) platform for delivery and mobility.
• A video tech company with an ecosystem of smart video editing tools using AI.
• An AI-powered royalty-free background music creation platform for content creators.
• A video personalization platform that leverages Generative AI to create personalized videos at scale.
• A deep tech startup at the intersection of Generative AI and Computer Vision for fashion e-commerce.
• An AI-powered SaaS platform for SMBs to grow their business with high-performing digital ads.
• Enables design teams to generate user interface designs with AI.
• NestAway: A managed home rental network providing rental solutions via design and technology.
• A live upskilling platform for Indian women to set up home businesses.
• ApnaKlub: Digitising and organising the FMCG procurement market.
• Babychakra: A platform for parents to discover care for their families.
• MagicPin: A community platform connecting people, activities, and merchants in a locality.
• BharatAgri: Provides end-to-end decision-making support to Indian Farmers.
• A vernacular language learning platform focused on job skills.
• Enables immersive 3D & XR customer experiences for brands across web, app, & in-store.
• SigTuple: A health-tech organisation transforming quality healthcare delivery in India.
• A fully integrated Hospital in the cloud - "GSuite for hospitals of any size".
• A cloud-agnostic and model-agnostic MLOps workflow orchestration platform for Generative AI models.
• Flyrobe: A fashion rental platform for occasion wear.
• HashLearn: A tutoring app for sharing actionable learning content with students.
• A Visual Intelligence Platform for Global CPG Retail.
• InnerHour: A tech-enabled mental health platform.
• Enhances productivity for business users by integrating AI capabilities into daily workflows.
• A fun, interactive app to learn Indian languages and gain cultural insights.
• An instant personal loan app providing loans up to ₹1 lakh in 3 minutes.
• PlaySimple Games: Develops engaging word games for all ages.
• The world's first OTT platform in local dialects.
• Builds trust, speed & transparency in the agriculture supply chain using AI-based food quality assessments.
• A healthcare company delivering accessible and specialised care through clinically led solutions.
• A Gaming and eSports content platform for gaming enthusiasts.
• A booking app for pnr status, waitlist prediction, and train running status.
• Translates videos, images, podcasts, and text into 75+ languages using AI.
• Empowers enterprises with AI-driven risk intelligence for disaster preparedness.
• Builds a vertical AI operating system for the beauty industry with virtual try-ons and skin analysis.
• An AI-powered smart stethoscope for early detection of cardio-respiratory disorders.
• Builds realtime AI agents that can listen, speak, see, and take action.
This accelerator presents a significant opportunity for India's growing community of AI-first startups. By providing equity-free support, access to a network of seasoned experts, and deep technical guidance, the program is structured to help founders overcome critical challenges and scale their ventures. Eligible startups are encouraged to review the application details and consider this pathway for accelerating their growth and innovation.