Prime Highlight
- Google and Accel have partnered to invest up to $2 million in each selected early-stage AI startup in India through the Google AI Futures Fund.
- The program targets founders building AI-led products from inception, aiming to serve large markets in India and globally.
Key Facts
- Startups in the 2026 cohort will receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud, Gemini, and DeepMind compute credits, along with technical mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Both Google and Accel will contribute $1 million each per startup via Accel’s Atoms pre-seed and seed program, and startups are not restricted to using only Google technologies.
Background
Google has teamed up with global venture capital firm Accel to support early-stage AI startups in India. The companies announced a new partnership under the Google AI Futures Fund, which will jointly invest up to $2 million in each selected startup. Both Google and Accel will contribute up to $1 million each through Accel’s Atoms pre-seed and seed program.
The 2026 cohort will focus on founders building AI-led products from the very beginning, especially those based in India and the Indian diaspora. The goal is to build AI solutions that can serve large markets, including India’s billions of digital users and customers worldwide.
Prayank Swaroop, Partner at Accel, said the idea is to support startups creating AI tools for sectors like creativity, entertainment, software development, and workplace productivity. He added that the fund may also back companies developing foundational AI models.
India is becoming a more active player in global AI, with a fast-growing internet user base and deep engineering talent. Recent moves by major AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic to set up offices in the country show the growing interest in India’s potential.
Startups selected for Atoms will also receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud, Gemini, and DeepMind compute credits, along with hands-on support from Google’s technical teams. This includes early access to advanced AI models, co-development opportunities, mentorship sessions, and networking events in London and Silicon Valley.
Jonathan Silber, Director of Google AI Futures Fund, said India is a key location for the program’s first global partnership. He noted that Google’s long-term investments, including a $15 billion AI and data center hub, show the company’s strong commitment to the country.
The collaboration follows Accel’s recent partnership with Prosus to back Indian startups building technology for large-scale use. Both Google and Accel confirmed that startups will not be required to use only Google technology, keeping the program flexible for founders.
