Google’s AI Futures Fund and venture capital firm Accel are joining forces to invest up to $2 million in each selected early-stage Indian AI startup through Accel’s Atoms program. The partnership aims to accelerate AI innovation in India and support startups targeting domestic and global markets.
Google has formed a strategic partnership with venture capital firm Accel to co-invest in early-stage Indian AI startups, marking a first for Google’s AI Futures Fund globally. Starting in 2026, the collaboration will support at least 10 startups in India and from the Indian diaspora building AI-powered products from inception.
Each startup will receive up to $2 million in investment, with Google and Accel contributing up to $1 million each. In addition to capital, founders will benefit from up to $350,000 in Google Cloud, Gemini, and DeepMind compute credits, early access to AI models and APIs, mentorship from Accel partners and Google technical teams, and opportunities for immersion sessions in global tech hubs like London and the Bay Area.
This partnership aligns with Google’s $15 billion plan to establish a 1-gigawatt AI data center in India and reflects the company’s strong commitment to fostering AI innovation in the region. The focus sectors include creativity, coding, entertainment, and foundational AI models to address large-scale challenges.
Key Highlights:
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Google AI Futures Fund and Accel to co-invest up to $2 million in each selected Indian AI startup
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Program supports founders in India and Indian diaspora building AI products from day one
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Participation includes up to $350,000 in cloud and compute credits, plus early access to AI tech
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Mentorship and immersive experiences with Google and Accel teams in global innovation centers
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Strategic move supporting Google's $15 billion AI data center investment in India
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Target sectors: creativity, software, coding tools, foundation models, and entertainment platforms
Sources: Reuters, TechCrunch, Moneycontrol, Economic Times