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Google's AI-First Accelerator: 8 Aussie startups pioneering AI innovation

Dec 18, 2024

[[read-time]] min read

Screenshot 2024-09-17 at 10.41.16 AM
Kristine Song
Developer Relations Program Manager
Scott-Riddle
Scott Riddle
Strategic Partner Manager, Google Australia and New Zealand
A group photo of the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First cohort at the Demo Day event
The inaugural cohort at the Demo Day event

Australia has a proud legacy of innovation and a vibrant startup ecosystem. Australian innovators have pioneered breakthroughs which have had global impact – from the cochlear implant to our very own Google Maps (which had its beginnings in Sydney).

This year, we launched the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program under the Digital Future Initiative to support homegrown innovation with AI technology. This program is designed to help Seed and Series A startups to scale responsibly and rapidly – providing mentorship from Google AI experts, technical resources, cloud credits and workshops covering key areas like UX design, marketing, and leadership.

A photo of Pip Bingemann (cofounder of Springboards) on-stage presenting at the Demo Day event at Google’s Sydney office.

Pip Bingemann, cofounder of Springboards, presenting at the Demo Day event at Google’s Sydney office.

Over the 10 weeks, the inaugural cohort of eight startups have achieved remarkable progress. To mark the conclusion of the program, we hosted a Demo Day at our Sydney office where each startup shared their impact, addressing critical challenges across diverse industries.

Here’s a snapshot of their achievements throughout the program:

  • Asseti: With a newly built AI model, Asseti is now able to complete processing large amounts of data in just a few hours. Google assisted by providing novel image pre-processing techniques to improve the efficiency of labeling.
  • BuildShip: Launched a new AI tool to build, test, and deploy ideas quickly on Google Cloud – leading to 50k growth in developer projects using BuildShip templates.
  • Fetch: Designed and built an AI solution for veterinary teams to onboard and pay claims 3x faster, offering a better experience for pet parents and vets.
  • GigaBuddy: With guidance from Google mentors, Gigabuddy pivoted and used Gemini on Vertex AI to build a multi-modal interactive whiteboard with an always-on assistive companion.
  • LoveHeart: Streamlined LoveHeart’s compliance product, enabling educators to manage documentation with greater efficiency and focus more time on what matters most: their children.
  • Marqo: Successfully launched Marqo Cloud on Google Cloud and used Google Kubernetes Engine to better serve customers and offer more choice in Cloud offerings.
  • Sauce AI: Rebuilt an AI analysis pipeline to deliver more grounded trends on unstructured data, with help from Google mentors.
  • Springboards: Developed an evaluation framework using Gemini and Vertex AI to assess and enhance their creative tools and workflow promoting innovation and originality, with guidance from Google mentors.
A photo of a lady in a yellow top with curly hair smiling and talking with Google Mentors, VCs and startup ecosystem supporters at our Demo Day event

Google Mentors, VCs and startup ecosystem supporters at our Demo Day event

Google is thrilled to celebrate these startups' incredible progress and look forward to their continued success as they lead the charge in shaping the future of AI innovation in Australia and beyond.

If you are an AI focused startup and you are interested to join our 2025 cohort, register your interest here.

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