Google Partners with Accel to Propel India’s AI Startup Ecosystem
In a groundbreaking alliance, Google has teamed up with Accel to identify and support the country’s emerging AI startups through the newly launched Google AI Futures Fund. This partnership, unveiled on Tuesday, aims to invest up to $2 million in promising startups in India’s burgeoning AI landscape.
Under the Accel Atoms program, both Google and Accel will allocate $1 million each to foster innovation among early-stage founders, particularly targeting those from India and the Indian diaspora who are focused on AI product development. The 2026 cohort is set to explore opportunities that leverage the country’s rich engineering talent amid a growing digital economy.
India, with the world’s second-largest internet and smartphone user base, presents a unique opportunity for developing AI technologies. Despite this potential, the country has seen limited advancement in cutting-edge AI model development compared to the U.S. and China. However, interest from major entities such as OpenAI and Anthropic, which have recently established offices in India, signals a shift toward a more robust AI ecosystem, enhanced by a mobile-first populace and increasing cloud infrastructure.
Accel and Google are particularly looking to identify promising areas for growth in large language models within the next 12 to 24 months, aiming to support startups that align with these advancements.
In addition to financial backing, founders will benefit from up to $350,000 in credits for Google Cloud services, early access to transformative tools and features from Gemini and DeepMind, and collaborative opportunities with Google Labs and research teams. Participants will also gain valuable mentorship from Accel partners and Google technical experts, as well as immersion experiences in key tech hubs like London and Silicon Valley.
This initiative builds on Google’s substantial investment plans, including a $15 billion commitment for a new 1-gigawatt data center and AI hub in India. With a history of supporting local startups through its $10 billion digitization fund, Google has already invested in notable firms such as Bharti Airtel and Flipkart.
“Collaborating with market leaders like Accel provides us with invaluable insights into the early-stage startup landscape in India,” stated a Google representative. The partnership aims not just to access Google’s premium technologies but also to explore unique integrations with other leading AI firms.
Launched in 2021, Accel’s Atoms program has already backed over 40 startups, collectively securing more than $300 million in subsequent funding. This recent collaboration follows Accel’s co-investment initiative with Prosus to support large-scale solutions from early-stage Indian founders.
The focus of this joint effort is clear: to unveil the next wave of innovation in AI, spearheaded by India’s vibrant startup community.
