New Delhi: Google has opened recruitment for the class of 2026 for its India-focused startup accelerator, inviting early-stage companies working on artificial intelligence technology.
This 3-month equity-free program is targeted at AI-first startups in India between Seed and Series A stages. We will focus on companies developing solutions across areas such as agenttic AI, multimodal AI, physical AI, and sovereign AI models, particularly those addressing large-scale or industry-specific challenges.
The company said selected startups will receive technical mentorship and access to the company’s AI tools and infrastructure, including models such as Gemini, Gemma, Imagen, Veo and Lyria. Depending on eligibility, participants will also receive mentorship from cross-functional teams including DeepMind, Cloud, Healthcare, and Android, as well as access to cloud credits and dedicated hardware.
The program includes structured support such as one-on-one mentorship, weekly progress tracking, and assistance in defining and achieving product and business milestones.
Google said startups in the initial cohort reported improvements across business and operational metrics. This includes increasing revenue, reducing latency and costs, and enhancing model performance. Some participants are implementing AI-driven solutions in areas such as healthcare, climate technology, enterprise software, and voice-based applications.
The next cohort will begin with an in-person bootcamp in Bangalore in late June, followed by virtual sessions and conclude with a demo day in October. Applications are being accepted until April 19th and details can be found on the program website.
