Launching Google for Startups AI Academy India 2024, supported by MeitY Startup Hub

India is rapidly emerging as a major player in the global AI landscape. Fueled by exceptional tech talent and a dynamic startup ecosystem, the country is uniquely positioned to leverage and drive significant advancements in AI. A recent NASSCOM report highlights the remarkable growth of India's Generative AI ecosystem, with a 3.6X increase in startups since 2023. This surge encompasses all areas, from foundational models to innovative applications and services poised to transform industries.

To support this growing Indian startup ecosystem, we recently partnered with MeitY Startup Hub to empower 10,000 Indian startups on their AI journey. Building on this commitment in line with the IndiaAI Mission to harness AI's potential for India's citizens, we are excited to launch the Google for Startups AI Academy India program in association with leading accelerators/incubators and industry partners.

This program is supported by MeitY Startup Hub and will be hosted in 7 cities across India in partnership with Kerala Startup Mission, T-Hub & MATH, IHFC-IIT Delhi, NSRCEL IIM Bangalore, SINE IIT Bombay, IIT Madras Incubation Cell and IIMA Ventures from November to December 2024. We are also joining hands with NASSCOM AI and People+ai to establish strategic alignment for the program.

The program structure is designed as a 3-day bootcamp designed to support early stage startups solving challenges across Healthcare, Climate, Agriculture, Education, Financial Inclusion, Cybersecurity & Public Infrastructure (including DPI) by leveraging AI, with the goal of facilitating the development of human-centered AI solutions.

This program is open to all startups up to Pre-Series A, solving challenges in the areas above domains with a ready minimum viable product. Interested startups can apply here.

The program aims to provide support to startups leveraging or looking to leverage AI with specialized resources, mentorships, training and access to infrastructure around the Start, Build, Grow framework.

• Expert-led workshops and training: Tailored training and workshops around topics like People + AI (PAIR), Responsible AI, GenAI technologies, AI powered marketing, storytelling etc.
• 1:1 mentoring: Office hours with experts to address the specific challenges.
• Access to Google product credits: Eligible startups will receive cloud credits up to $350K to build scalable AI solutions & infrastructure.
• Support from Google and partners: Access to Google's network and experts, potential showcases in various forums, and consideration for partner's startup programs and funding.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, industry leaders, and investors.

With the addition of Google for Startups AI Academy, Google for Startups now features a three-tiered system of enabling Indian startups:

• Startup School, which provides scaled training for early-stage startups and entrepreneurs
• AI Academy, which provides training and support for early to mid-stage startups through medium-touch engagement
• GFS Accelerator, which offers tailored support for mid to growth-stage startups through high-touch engagements.

Google is a proud and leaned in collaborator of the Indian startup ecosystem and we’re very excited to introduce the new Google for Startups AI Academy.

To apply, click here.