Google has launched a strategic three-month AI accelerator program aimed at boosting India’s startup ecosystem. The initiative supports seed to Series A companies developing core AI products and foundational models, as outlined by Google for Startups.
The program selected 20 startups for its inaugural cohort, including Nawgati, BigOHealth, GenWise, FrontPage, and kindlife, as well as Sub-K, Sunfox Technologies, DeepVisionTech.AI, and TrueFan AI. Each startup benefits from expert mentorship and access to Google’s extensive global network resources.
This accelerator marks Google’s most significant commitment to India’s AI landscape, having supported over 230 Indian startups through its Google for Startups initiative over the past decade. Participants receive dedicated backing from Startup Success Managers, along with access to Google’s AI, cloud, Android, and product growth resources.
Unique offerings such as genAI buildathons and AI masterclasses are also included. Vaibhav Kaushik, CEO of Nawgati, emphasized the program’s potential to enhance technology and create significant value for fuel station owners and consumers alike.
The Generative AI market in India is set to grow beyond $17 billion by 2030. This growth will help India achieve its goal of a $1 trillion digital economy by 2028.
The accelerator collaborates with the MeitY Startup Hub, highlighting strong public-private partnerships for advancing AI innovation nationally. This year’s focus is on Agentic AI and Multimodal AI startups, heralding new phases of AI adoption.
Startups have access to advanced AI tools, generous cloud support, and hands-on collaboration with Google AI experts. Last year’s cohort yielded over $61 million in cumulative funding among participants.
With an equity-free structure, founders can prioritize long-term impact. Concluding with a Demo Day for venture capitalists, this initiative paves pathways to funding and partnership opportunities.
Applications for the 2025 cohort remain open until 30 June, targeting legally registered startups focused on foundational AI models and multimodal applications.
Google’s mentorship network spans multiple domains, providing startups with unparalleled technical expertise. This initiative underlines Google’s commitment to nurturing responsible AI innovation in India, equipping startups for global scaling.
