India

Two guys discussing something in front of laptop.
India
3 months
Seed to Series A

Google for Startups Accelerator: India program offers three-month, equity-free accelerator programs for Indian technology startups between Seed to Series A.

Selected startups receive expert mentorship and support around AI/ML, Cloud, UX, Android, Web, Product Strategy and Growth. In addition to Google technical project support, Accelerator programs include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership.

Two guys discussing something in front of laptop.
India
3 months
Seed to Series A

Applications are now closed

If you are interested in Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program,
please see this website.

About the program

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About the program

Each accelerator features a cohort of top startups that come together to tackle specific 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.

The startups are paired with relevant Google and industry experts to solve their startup’s top challenges and are provided with insights and best practices to improve their product and business.

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.

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.

  • Google product credits

    Eligible startups receive product credits.

  • Early access

    Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.

  • 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 with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model.
  • Deeply technical, leveraging technologies like Machine Learning and AI.
  • Commitment from founder(s) and/or relevant people from startups to participate and engage in required program sessions.

Notable Alumni

Meet our mentors

Naiyya Saggi, Founder of Babychakra Naiyya Saggi, Founder of Babychakra

The Google for Startups Accelerator program will always be special to me since it provided a real launchpad for BabyChakra when we were just starting off. Getting unfiltered access to world class mentors across UI/UX, Product, Tech, AI & early access to Google launches for an early stage venture is invaluable.

Naiyya Saggi Founder of Babychakra

Frequently asked questions

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

No, we do not take any equity or charge fee. The Google for Startups Accelerator: India programs are completely free of charge for all startups. All you need to contribute is your time and energy.

What is the format of the program?

The accelerator program currently runs as a hybrid program. During the beginning of the program, we work with the startups selected into the accelerator and the anchor mentors to determine each startup’s challenges and support required from the program. Then these startups will go through an intensive 1-week long in-person Bootcamp around topics such as Product, Design, Technology, People & Growth, followed by the OKR (Objective Key Results) workshop to define their objective for the next 3 months.

The next two months of the program is all about supporting startups executing these objectives by providing access to our global network, 1:1 mentorships and 1:many sessions on demand virtually. The startups will also be paired with a dedicated Startup Success Manager (SSM) from Google to help startups get the best of Google - its people, network, thought leadership, and technology.

The graduated startups will be showcased through an in-person Demo Day with Google teams, mentors, VCs, media and different stakeholders from the Indian startup ecosystem. The engagement with the graduated startups will be continued through the Alumni program & network.

When will the program run?

In 2024, we are running an Accelerator program excusively for AI-first startups. Please find more details here.

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

The Google for Startups Accelerator: India targets Seed to Series A funded tech startups headquartered in India.

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 & entertainment, gaming, enterprise & 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 an Accelerator program for AI-first Seed to Series A funded startups based in India. Please check out the website 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.