Google for Startups Accelerator First AI program
Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program has now arrived in India, offering a fantastic opportunity for startups that are deeply integrating AI into their businesses. Lasting for three months, this program provides tailored training and mentorship to help startups thrive.
The “AI First” accelerator program is a three-month opportunity tailored for startups in India that prioritize AI in their business models, spanning from Seed to Series A stages. Notably, participation in this program does not require giving up any equity.
Startups chosen for this program benefit from invaluable mentorship and guidance in various areas crucial to their growth. These include expertise in AI and machine learning (including Generative AI), as well as support in user experience (UX), Android and web development, product development, leadership, and growth strategies.
The focus of this accelerator program is to leverage Google’s top-notch technology, products, expertise, and network to empower startups that prioritize AI in their operations. These startups are tackling significant problems across diverse industries, aiming to thrive in the ever-changing AI landscape.
During the program, founders identify the primary technical and business challenges facing their startups. They are then matched with relevant experts from Google and the industry who provide tailored support to address these challenges and propel the growth of their businesses.
In addition to personalized mentorship and technical assistance, the accelerator offers deep dives and workshops covering crucial aspects such as product design, customer acquisition strategies, and leadership development for founders. These sessions aim to equip founders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of running a successful AI-driven startup.
To be eligible for participation in the accelerator program, startups must meet the following entry criteria:
Demonstrated Traction: Startups should ideally be between the Seed and Series A stages and show evidence of traction in their business.
Indian Base: Startups must be based or headquartered in India.
Scalable Product or Service: Participating startups should be developing a product or service with the potential for scalability. This means having a significant total addressable market and a growth model that can be defended against competition.
Technical Focus: Startups should have a strong technical focus, particularly leveraging technologies such as Machine Learning and AI in their products or services.
Founder Commitment: There should be a commitment from the founder(s) or other relevant individuals within the startup to actively participate and engage in the required program sessions. This includes attending mentorship sessions, workshops, and other program activities.
India, known for its bustling startup scene, is experiencing a surge in AI startups. These innovative companies are using artificial intelligence to tackle a wide range of challenges across various sectors. From speeding up antibody discovery to preventing identity fraud and revolutionizing video personalization, AI startups in India are making waves.
Recognizing the potential of startups using AI to address significant issues, Google has ramped up its support through the Google for Startups Accelerator program. This initiative has now expanded its scope to include startups leveraging large language models for generative AI solutions.
Google recently announced the opening of applications for the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program in India for 2024. This program offers three months of support without taking equity from the startups. It aims to assist startups in India that are tackling diverse industry challenges using AI.
Selected startups will receive expert guidance in developing AI solutions that are centered around people and responsible. They’ll also gain access to Google’s extensive mentor network, receive training in design, marketing, and leadership, and access tech stack credits and cutting-edge AI tools.
A Google spokesperson commented on the launch, saying, “The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First is part of our commitment to support early-stage startups worldwide, harnessing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud technology to tackle pressing global issues.”
To be eligible, startups must be based in India, have AI as a core component of their solution (including generative AI), and preferably be at the Seed to Series A stages.
To apply, interested startups can visit the program’s website. Additionally, Google is inviting entrepreneurs to attend weekly virtual open forums every Friday from 4-5 PM (IST) to learn more and get their questions answered. Registration for these sessions is available on the website.
