India

Three team members collaborating and reviewing data on a laptop screen.
India - Hybrid
Three months
Seed to Series A

A three-month equity-free accelerator program for AI-first startups between Seed to Series A based in India, that are building core AI applications or agentic AI solutions.

Selected startups receive expert mentorship and support around AI, Cloud, Android, Web, Product, Design Leadership and Growth.

Three team members collaborating and reviewing data on a laptop screen.
India - Hybrid
Three months
Seed to Series A

Applications are now open

Seed to Series A funded AI-first startups are invited to apply

Apply Now

About the program

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About the program

A global series of programs
Each cohort of 10-15 startups comes together to tackle technical challenges that can help grow their businesses through a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, and sprint projects.

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

Specialist deep dives
Accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.

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’ growth. Find out more.

Cloud TPUs: Participants are eligible to receive free Cloud TPU access to accelerate open source machine learning research. Find out more.

Key benefits

  • Equity-free support

    Equity-free support: For duration of program.

  • Mentoring

    Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.

  • Training

    Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.

  • Access to experts

    Access to Google's network of industry experts.

  • Early access to AI products

    Access new Google AI products and tools as relevant through Trusted Tester and EAP benefits.

  • Google product credits

    Eligible startups receive product credits.

  • Strategic support

    Support on company and product strategy.

  • Technical project partnership

    Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.

Entry criteria

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Entry criteria

  • Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage
  • Startups based/headquartered in India
  • Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
  • Deeply technical, leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI
  • Startups building core AI products (especially agentic, multimodal, thinking/reasoning, or other unique Generative AI applications) or foundational models, have potential Google AI use cases
  • Commitment from founder(s) and/or relevant people from startups to participate and engage in required program sessions
  • We are committed to building accelerator classes with great startups, and encourage applications from all qualified startups

Key dates

  • April 19, 2026

    Applications Close

    Add to calendar
  • June, 2026

    Program Kick-off

  • September, 2026

    Graduation Day

Accelerator Alumni

Meet our mentors

Laina Emmanuel Laina Emmanuel

The Google for Startups Accelerator program gave us access to the minds of senior Googlers! It helped us understand the kind of work that it takes to make a great company. We are deeply grateful for all the advice, from design to performance management. Thanks to the program, we feel BrainSight is more ready for the world.

LAINA EMMANUEL FOUNDER OF BRAINSIGHT AI

Frequently asked questions

Do you take equity or a fee to be a part of this program?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: India is equity-free for all participating startups. Please note that we do require all founders (CEO and CTO) and appropriate team members to be available to join all elements of the program.

When will the program run?

Google for Startups Accelerator: India will run from June to September 2026.

You can refer to the key dates section above for more information.

Who should apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: India?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: India targets Seed to Series A funded AI-first startups headquartered in India. We are looking for startups building core AI products (especially agentic, multimodal, thinking/reasoning, or other unique Generative AI applications) or foundational models, have potential Google AI use cases.

The startups should be past the "idea stage" with some level of customer validation and market traction with their product.

How will startups be chosen?

We are looking for Indian startups that are solving problems using advanced technology like AI/ML or data in healthcare, education, finance, media and entertainment, gaming, enterprise and other industries and that can scale globally.

We review the completed applications from the startups in parallel to the application phase to check their eligibility for the accelerator program. The eligible applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts/program team and shortlist 40-60 startups for the interview/pitch session to evaluate the team, problem, solution and scalability. Then the shortlisted startups from the interview/pitch phase will be reviewed by the selection board for the final list. The final list of startups will receive the program contract to sign for the official announcement.

Note: All incomplete applications after the application deadline will be ineligible.

What is the difference between Launchpad and Google for Startups Accelerator?

For over five years, Google has operated its Launchpad Accelerators which reach entrepreneurs in over 40 countries and include some of the most successful startups in the world in its global portfolio. Towards the end of 2019, all Launchpad Accelerators were renamed to Google for Startups Accelerator to simplify Google's startup offerings.

Is there a different program for startups in the region?

We also have other startup programs in the region, find more details here.

Will the accelerator be virtual or in-person?

The accelerator will be a hybrid one with a mix of virtual and in-person sessions.

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

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.