Google for Startups Accelerator: India

The Google for Startups Accelerator: India is a three-month, equity-free program designed to support AI-first startups headquartered in India that are between the Seed and Series A stages. Run by Google for Startups, the accelerator provides dedicated mentoring from Google teams, exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps, and access to Google's network of industry experts. Participants benefit from early access to new Google AI products through Trusted Tester and EAP benefits, along with Google product credits. Eligible startups also receive Cloud credits and free Cloud TPU access for open-source machine learning research. The program offers strategic support on company and product strategy, fostering technical project partnerships to address significant technological challenges.

• Equity-free three-month accelerator for Indian AI-first startups (Seed to Series A).
• Provides Google Cloud credits, product credits, and free Cloud TPU access.
• Dedicated mentoring from Google teams and early access to new AI products.
• Cohort-based program (10-15 startups) with remote and in-person sessions.
• Covers technical bootcamps, sprint projects, and strategic support.
• Application deadline: 2026-04-19.

To be eligible, startups must demonstrate clear market traction and be positioned between the Seed and Series A funding stages. The startup must be based or headquartered in India. It should be developing a scalable product or service that addresses a significant total addressable market, with a strong and defensible growth model. The core operations must be deeply technical, extensively leveraging machine learning and advanced AI technologies. The program is open to startups building core AI products, with particular interest in agentic, multimodal, thinking/reasoning, or other innovative Generative AI applications. Foundational model developers are also considered. A clear requirement is the identification of potential Google AI use cases integrated within the startup's technology or product. Founder(s) and key personnel must commit to actively participate in all mandatory program sessions.

Google for Startups Accelerator: India is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Google for Startups Accelerator: India closed on 19 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

This is an equity-free accelerator program, meaning no equity is taken for participation. While the funding amount varies and is not specified as a set figure, the benefits include:

• Equity-free support
• Dedicated mentoring from Google teams
• Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps
• Access to Google's network of industry experts
• Early access to new Google AI products via Trusted Tester and EAP benefits
• Google product credits
• Cloud credits for eligible startups
• Free Cloud TPU access for open-source machine learning research
• Strategic support on company and product strategy
• Technical project partnerships to address significant technological challenges
• One-on-one and group learning sessions, sprint projects, and deep dive workshops covering product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development

Google for Startups Accelerator: India is offered by Google for Startups, a corporate programme. It is delivered directly by Google for Startups as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are reviewed by Google for Startups. The selection process is competitive and considers the startup's traction, technical depth, market potential, and fit with the program's focus on AI-first innovation. While specific stages are not detailed, each cohort comprises 10-15 startups. Selected founders collaborate with Google experts and industry specialists to outline and resolve their primary technical challenges through a blend of remote and in-person sessions over the three-month program.

Before you apply to Google for Startups Accelerator: India, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.