AI First

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Australia - Hybrid
Ten Weeks
Seed to Series A

A ten-week equity-free accelerator program for Seed and Series A (or equivalent) Australian startups building AI&ML-driven platforms and products.

The AI First accelerator connects founders with the best people, products and best practices to help them grow, with Google’s AI&ML technical expertise and global networks to support startups success.

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A group of 3 men and a woman sitting around a table and discussing something.
Australia - Hybrid
Ten Weeks
Seed to Series A

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About the program

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About the program

Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First is a ten-week hybrid accelerator program for high-potential Seed to Series A (or equivalent) technology startups that use AI/ML to build their business in Australia.

Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program offers the best of Google: through in-person and virtual activities and dedicated AI technical support as well as people, growth and product support from external industry experts and senior leaders from Google.

Startups will receive credits via the Google for Startups Cloud Program.

Key benefits

  • Equity-free support

    Equity-free support: For duration of program.

  • Mentoring

    Dedicated mentoring from Google experts and external industry leaders.

  • Training

    Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google.

  • Go global

    Get key insights into expanding your business to new markets.

  • AI expert mentoring

    Get connected with AI experts to improve your business technical performance.

  • OKR’s

    Learn Google’s signature methodology, set ambitious targets and track progress.

  • Responsible AI Training

    The People + AI research team bring the latest in responsible AI development.

  • Google product credits

    Eligible startups receive product credits.

Entry Criteria

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Two men and a woman discussing something.

Entry Criteria

  • Startups demonstrating traction, between Seed to Series A (or equivalent)
  • Deeply technical, leveraging machine learning and AI with a dedicated AI lead within the team
  • Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market (TAM) and defensible growth model
  • Commitment from CEO, CTO and/or executive roles in business to participate in required program sessions for the 10 week timeframe
  • We are committed to building accelerator classes that are diverse and inclusive, and encourage applications from qualified startups with founders of all backgrounds

Key Dates

  • June 17, 2024

    Applications Open

    Add to calendar
  • July 31, 2024

    Applications Close

    Add to calendar
  • September, 2024

    Program Kick-off

  • December, 2024

    Graduation

  • December, 2024

    Demo Day

Meet the Cohort

Meet our mentors

Frequently asked questions

Why should I apply to Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First aims to level the playing field for startup founders and communities to succeed, connecting them with the best of Google. By taking part in this program, you can connect with the right people, products and best practices to help your startup grow.

Who should apply?

The accelerator targets technology startups using AI/ML. These startups should be based in Australia and demonstrate traction, ideally between Seed to Series A or equivalent. They are building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model. There is commitment from the CTO to participate and engage in required program sessions.

I'm the founder of my company but I am non-technical. Can I take part?

Yes - please do! You will also need your technical co-founder to join the program to ensure the team benefits from the technical AI support provided.

Do you take equity or charge a fee?

The Accelerator is free of charge and equity-free.

Who should not apply?

This program is not suitable to non for profits, government agencies, businesses engaged in illegal activity or businesses which have existing employees of Google.

When will the program run?

This is a ten-week program, delivered between September and December 2024.

I am not based in Sydney for the in-person events - should I still apply?

The accelerator is a hybrid program, Google can support interstate applicants to attend Bootcamp days and Demo days in-person.

What are the criteria to receive product credits, and what does "eligible for product credits" mean?

Startups participating in the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First may be eligible to receive credits from the Google for Startups Cloud Program to use towards their Google Cloud and Firebase usage, as well as other tailored benefits to help them grow their business. Participants can find eligibility and benefit details at the Google Cloud startup page.

I have never used Google products before - am I still able to apply?

Startups familiar or new to GCP will benefit from joining the program through personalised support from Google Engineers. Our aim is to help you solve your technical problems and to leverage the best possible cloud-based tools and services.

How does the program operate?

The AI First accelerator features a small cohort of AI startups that come together to tackle specific technical challenges that can help grow their businesses. Offerings include an in-person bootcamp at the Sydney Google office, 1-to-1 mentoring, group learning sessions, and sprint projects.

Tailored, expert help

Founders outline the top technical challenges for their startup, and are then paired with relevant experts from both Google and the industry to solve those challenges and grow their business.

Specialist deep dives

In addition to mentorship and technical project support, Google for Startups accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.

How does the Mentoring system work?

The accelerator offers internal Google experts and external industry leaders to help startups solve specific business and technical challenges. Mentorship usually consists of 1:1 sessions, held in-person, or virtual. Sessions focus on a specific business need which aligns with the mentor’s area of expertise. Mentors can offer support in a range of business areas, from helping founders to set and achieve goals, to scaling to new markets.

What happens once the program has finished?

When you finish the AI First accelerator program, our goal is that you have solved specific technical challenges through the support of our Google engineers; and through the support of our people, product and growth mentors, feel empowered to pitch, raise funds and grow at scale.

Does the program culminate in any final event - like a pitch competition?

At the end of the program, startups will take part in closing celebrations and Demo Day. Founders will also have the opportunity to share their startup/products with cohort-mates, Google senior leaders, members of our investor mentor network, and other teams around Alphabet. It is mandatory for each startup to participate in Demo Day. For inspiration, you can watch one of our global Demo Days here.