Google for Startups Accelerator: Korea is a ten-week, equity-free program designed for Seed to Series A Korean startups that are developing AI-driven platforms and products. The accelerator connects founders with Google's expertise, products, and global network to foster growth and help them tackle significant technical challenges, with a focus on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.
Program Structure and Offerings
• Cohort Size: Each cohort consists of 10-15 startups.
• Program Format: A hybrid model combining remote and in-person activities, including an in-person bootcamp, 1-to-1 mentoring, group learning sessions, and sprint projects.
• Core Focus: Founders outline their primary technical challenges and are paired with relevant experts from Google and the industry to solve them.
• Specialist Workshops: The program includes deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.
• Mentorship System: Offers access to internal Google experts and external industry leaders for 1:1 sessions, held in-person or virtually, to address specific business and technical needs.
Key Benefits and Support
• Equity-Free Support: The program is offered free of charge and does not take any equity.
• Dedicated AI Experts: Participants work closely with dedicated AI specialists to address their most significant technical challenges.
• Access to Networks: Provides access to a network of Google experts, external industry leaders, and a global startup community.
• Strategic Guidance: Offers support on company and product strategy, including training on Google’s OKR (Objectives and Key Results) methodology.
• Google Product Benefits: Eligible startups receive product credits, including Google Cloud credits and free Cloud TPU access to accelerate machine learning research. Eligibility requirements can be found on the Google Cloud startup page.
• Early Access to AI Products: Participants may receive Early Access Program (EAP) and Trusted Tester benefits for new Google AI products and tools.
• Google Play Store Feature: Opportunity for apps to be featured on the local Google Play Store.
• Exclusive Training: Invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google, when offered.
Eligibility and Ideal Candidate Profile
• Stage: High-potential technology startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage.
• Location: Must be based in Korea.
• Technology Focus: Deeply technical startups, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI.
• Business Model: Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and a defensible growth model.
• Team Commitment: Requires commitment from the CTO, AI Lead, or other technical roles to participate and engage in all required program sessions.
Program Timeline
• Applications Open: January 12, 2026
• Applications Close: March 2, 2026
• Program Kick-off: April, 2026
• Graduation: July, 2026
• Demo Day: July, 2026
Participation and Requirements
• Team Composition: Non-technical founders are encouraged to apply but must have their technical co-founder join the program to benefit from the technical support provided.
• Location Flexibility: The program is hybrid, and support is available for interstate applicants to attend in-person events like Bootcamp and Demo Day in Seoul.
• Graduation Criteria: To qualify for the Demo Day pitch, participants must have 100% attendance for the Bootcamp week and a minimum of 80% attendance for online sessions.
• Demo Day: Participation in the final Demo Day is mandatory. This event allows founders to present their products to cohort-mates, Google senior leaders, and members of an investor mentor network.
Upon completion, graduates of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Korea are equipped with solutions to key technical challenges and are empowered to pitch, raise funds, and scale their businesses effectively. For further inquiries or additional information about the program, interested parties can send an email to gfsa-kr@google.com or schedule an 'Ask Me Anything' session.