AI First
A ten-week equity-free accelerator program for Seed to Series A startups based in Europe and Israel. The accelerator aims to connect the best of Google's products and people to empower startups to scale their business, towards success in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and technology.
About the program
About the program
Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First is a ten-week, equity-free hybrid program for Seed to Series A, AI First startups. In partnership with Google Cloud and Google Deepmind, the European program helps high-potential startups based in Europe and Israel grow with the best of Google through a mix of in-person and virtual activities, 1:1 mentoring, and group learning sessions.
In addition to mentorship and technical project support, The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program features deep dives and workshops focused on product design, business growth, and leadership development. Selected startups will also benefit from dedicated Google AI technical expertise and receive credits via the Google for Startups Cloud Program.
Key benefits
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Equity-free support
Equity-free support: For duration of program.
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Mentoring
Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
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Training
Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.
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Access to experts
Access to Google's network of industry experts.
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Google product credits
Eligible startups receive product credits.
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Early access
Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.
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Strategic support
Support on company and product strategy.
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Technical project partnership
Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.
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Exposure
To potential partners, VCs and ecosystem players interested in AI startups.
Entry Criteria
Entry Criteria
- Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage, and have a team of 10 or more
- Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
- Deeply technical, leveraging AI and machine learning technologies with a dedicated AI lead within the team
- Commitment from CEO, CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions
- 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
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June 7, 2024
Applications Open
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July 21, 2024
Applications Close
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September, 2024
Program Kick-off
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November, 2024
Demo Day
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December, 2024
Graduation
Meet the Cohort
Accelerator Alumni
Advisory Board
The level of support and coaching provided exceeded my expectations. Not only did it aid us in achieving the initial milestone for the computer-vision use case we are building, but it also played a pivotal role in successfully finalizing negotiations with investors.
Frequently asked questions
The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program is completely free for all participating startups, and Google does not take any equity. Please note that we do require all founders (CEO & CTO) and appropriate team members to be available to join all elements of the program.
The program runs in a hybrid format for Europe & Israel. The events will take place in Europe, with an in-person kick-off in September 2024, followed by virtual training bootcamps, 1:1 mentoring, and experiences, and an in-person demo day and graduation in November 2024.
Through a combination of 1-to-1 and 1-to-many learning sessions, startups will receive technical support and mentoring from experienced engineers and business experts from Google and the wider ecosystem throughout the program. This support will be specifically tailored to the needs of the startups' businesses. Along with being paired with specialized Startup Success Managers (SSM) from Google, participants will also receive further training on how to use our best practices, tools, and personnel. At the end of the program, the cohort will present their achievements in a Demo Day in front of Google teams, mentors, investors, partners and key stakeholders from the European startup ecosystem. After the program ends, startups will continue to receive support via the Google for Startups Accelerator Alumni program and network.
Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First (for startups in Europe & Israel) will kick off in September 2024 and run through November 2024. Please do not apply if you are not available to participate during these dates.
The program is open to Seed to Series A stage, tech startups based in Europe and Israel that are building innovative and highly technical AI first startups. Google for Startups Accelerators are best suited for revenue generating startups with a minimum of five or more employees. Founders (CEO & CTO) and appropriate team members must be available to join all elements of the program. In order to ensure Google can provide meaningful value, startups should aim to leverage either Cloud or AI/ML technologies in their product, service, or operations and/or show an interest in leveraging these technologies in the future.
There will be approximately 10-15 startups from Europe & Israel selected for this cohort.
Selected startups will be eligible for the Google for Startups Cloud Program, with your first year of Google Cloud and Firebase usage covered with credits up to $100,000. Plus, in year two get 20% of Google Cloud and Firebase usage costs covered, up to an additional $100,000 in credits (subject to terms and conditions).
Startups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for Google product credit offerings. To learn more about the Google Cloud credit eligibility requirements, please visit the Google Cloud startup page.