The Google for Startups Accelerator: Middle East, North Africa and Turkey is a comprehensive ten-week initiative designed for technology-driven startups across the region. This program focuses on supporting companies that utilize innovative technologies to address scalable market needs, providing them with specialized mentorship and technical resources from Google’s global network. The accelerator is structured to help high-potential startups overcome technical hurdles while fostering growth through expert-led workshops and strategic support.
Program Overview and Specialist Support
- A global series of programs designed for cohorts of 10-15 startups to tackle technical challenges.
- A mix of remote and in-person engagement, including 1-to-1 sessions, group learning, and sprint projects.
- Dedicated expert help where founders are paired with Google and industry specialists to solve specific business challenges.
- Specialist deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development.
- Access to specialized Startup Success Managers (SSM) to guide participants through the program's resources.
Key Benefits and Product Access
- Equity-free support provided for the entire duration of the program.
- Dedicated mentoring from Google teams and access to a global network of industry experts.
- Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps and strategic support on company and product strategy.
- Technical project partnerships to work hand-in-hand with Google experts on major tech challenges.
- Early access to Google’s AI products and tools through Trusted Tester and Early Access Program (EAP) benefits.
- Eligibility for the Google for Startups Cloud Program, offering up to $350,000 in credits for Google Cloud and Firebase for the first year.
- Free Cloud TPU access to accelerate open-source machine learning research.
Entry Criteria and Requirements
- Startups demonstrating traction, ideally positioned between the Seed and Series A funding stages.
- Companies building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and a defensible growth model.
- Deeply technical ventures, preferably those leveraging technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Mandatory commitment from the CEO, CTO, and relevant technical roles to participate in all required program sessions.
- Open to qualified startups from the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Important Dates and Timeline
- Applications Open: December 15, 2025
- Applications Close: January 30, 2026
- Program Kick-off: April 2026
- Graduation: June 2026
- Demo Day: June 2026
Program Structure and Alumni Network
- The program follows a hybrid format, beginning with a kickoff event followed by virtual training bootcamps and 1:1 mentoring.
- Participants receive tailored technical support from experienced engineers and business experts throughout the ten weeks.
- The cohort concludes with a Demo Day presentation to Google teams, mentors, investors, and key stakeholders from the EMEA startup ecosystem.
- Post-program support is provided through the Google for Startups Accelerator Alumni program and network.
This accelerator offers a unique opportunity for high-growth startups in the MENAT region to scale their technical infrastructure and business strategies using Google's extensive resources. Interested founders are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications ahead of the January 2026 deadline to join this global network of innovators and receive long-term support through the alumni ecosystem.