Google to Empower 20 Indian AI Startups in Second Accelerator Cohort
In a big push to India's startup ecosystem, technology giant Google announced the launch of the second edition of its 'Google for Startups Accelerator: Apps' program. Under this program, Google intends to support 20 AI-based Indian startups by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and expertise required to scale their businesses efficiently.
Backed by Google Play and run in partnership with the MeitY Startup Hub, the three-month accelerator program is aimed at enabling app-based startups to utilize artificial intelligence to improve their products and reach. As per Google, the program is a demonstration of its focus on fostering India's "hotbed of innovation" and empowering the country's vibrant developer ecosystem.
Shortlisted startups should be Indian-incorporated, have a published app on the Google Play Store, and be at the Seed to Series-A funding level. The shortlisted startups will get one-on-one mentorship from Google's best engineers and researchers and access to cutting-edge AI tools to enhance app functionality, increase user growth, improve security, and enhance user experience.
Paul Ravindranath, Google for Startups Accelerator India Programme Manager, pointed out that the second batch will have a heavy emphasis on AI, considering its increasing influence on the future of app development.
Startups in the new batch will receive the same high-impact assistance as the first batch, which achieved significant progress in technology, design, and user engagement. The participants will also get customized reports to maximize performance on Google Play.
Applications are now open for the programme and will be considered until May 15. The programme begins in July with an intensive week-long bootcamp. Throughout the application period, prospective startups can attend virtual open forums conducted every Thursday to learn more and clear out queries.
With this initiative, Google continues to strengthen India’s digital economy, fostering innovation and enabling startups to compete on a global scale through the power of AI.
