Helping founders build stronger AI products: Introducing Google for Startups Immersion
In India, the momentum behind generative AI is moving quickly. Among founders, the conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be built to last. The challenge is no longer just experimentation. It is how to integrate AI deeply into live products, build strong technical foundations, and create businesses that can endure.
To support founders at this stage, we are launching Google for Startups Immersion, powered by Antler India. This is a focused program for founders, CTOs, and technical leads who already have a live product and early traction, and want to strengthen how AI is built into their business.
Google brings the technical curriculum and infrastructure, including AI Studio, Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, and Gemini CLI. Antler India brings the venture perspective, with a focus on business viability, fundraising strategy, and what makes an AI company defensible in a crowded market.
This program is designed for teams that want to move from AI experimentation to stronger product integration, better architecture, and clearer business readiness.
The Program Roadmap
Phase 1: The Online Immersion: The first phase is a two-week virtual immersion designed to reach a scaled cohort of technical + non technical founders. The curriculum bridges the gap between engineering and venture strategy:
- Technical Track: Mastering AI Studio, Gemini CLI, and architecting agentic workflows.
- Venture Track: A dedicated look at the AI fundraising environment and what investors are looking for in "Phase 2" of the AI boom.
Note: This phase has a firm technical gate. Applicants must have a live MVP and verifiable traction. This is a "maker-only" zone.
Phase 2: The Offline Immersion: On June 26, 2026, a shortlist of 25 startups will be invited to a high-touch residency at Google’s Bengaluru office. This is an invite-only day focused on:
- Live Architecture Whiteboarding: Solving your specific stack challenges with Google Engineers.
- 1:1 Business Strategy: Fundraising and GTM sessions with Antler India’s investment team.
Founder Network: Off-the-record conversations with India’s top AI-native founders.
Who should apply?
We are looking for the top 1% of the builder ecosystem. This program is for:
- Founders & CXOs with a live product already in the market.
- Technical Leads & CTOs building with AI who need to solve for scale and architecture.
If you are still in the ideation phase, this isn't for you yet. But if you have a product and are asking how to make AI central to its next phase of growth, we want to help you build it.
A Practical Path Forward
At Google for Startups, we want to support founders at the point where it matters most. As AI adoption becomes more consequential, this program provides a practical pathway to move faster and build better.
Key Dates:
- June 02 & 04: Week 1 Online
- June 09 & 11: Week 2 Online
- June 26, 2026: Offline Residency at Google Bengaluru
[Apply here: goo.gle/gfs_immersion2026 ]
Applications close on 22 May.
