Google has announced the latest edition of its free three-month AI accelerator programme in India, selecting 20 startups from over 1,600 applicants. Named “Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First in India,” the programme aims to help emerging AI-driven ventures scale solutions across sectors including healthcare, finance, climate, education, and more.
The initiative targets AI First startups at the Seed to Series A stage, based in India, focusing on building core AI products, applications, or foundational models. Selected startups will gain access to Google Cloud infrastructure, cutting-edge Gemini AI models, technical mentorship, and guidance on go-to-market strategies, providing comprehensive support to accelerate growth.
“At Google, we view startups as co-creators in shaping the future of AI with impactful, scalable, and responsible solutions,” said Darren Mowry, VP, Global Startups, Google Cloud.
The programme’s strategic focus is closely aligned with the IndiaAI Mission, according to Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY and CEO, IndiaAI Mission. The cohort features startups developing full-stack agentic AI platforms, where AI systems create other AI tools, as well as healthtech innovations, including a webcam-based autism screening tool.
Founders are paired with Google engineers and industry mentors to address scaling challenges, refine product roadmaps, and ensure ethical AI deployment. Approximately 45% of the programme focuses on leveraging Agentic AI, 30% on multimodal AI solutions, and 25% on foundational models and Responsible AI practices.
India’s generative AI ecosystem has witnessed rapid growth, expanding 3.7-fold over the past year, making the country the world’s second-largest hub for GenAI startups. Through this accelerator, Google aims to nurture India’s AI talent and support the development of innovative, responsible AI solutions that can scale globally while addressing local challenges.
