Google has teamed up with Accel to identify and support early-stage AI startups in India through the Google AI Futures Fund collaboration. This unique partnership, launched this year, aims to invest in India’s emerging AI talent.
Accel and Google recently announced their joint venture to invest up to $2 million in each startup through Accel’s Atoms program, with both companies contributing up to $1 million. The focus for the 2026 cohort will be on Indian founders and members of the Indian diaspora who are developing AI products from the ground up.
Prayank Swaroop, a partner at Accel, highlighted the goal of creating AI products that cater to the needs of billions of Indians while also supporting Indian-built AI products for global markets. India’s vast internet and smartphone user base, along with its abundance of engineering talent, make it an attractive market for AI innovation. However, the country still lacks companies at the forefront of AI development, which is predominantly concentrated in the U.S. and China.
The landscape is evolving, with major players like OpenAI and Anthropic setting up offices in India, and global investors showing interest in early-stage commitments. The potential for India to become a significant player in the AI market lies in its large mobile-first population, expanding cloud infrastructure, and cost-effective software solutions. The key challenge is transforming talent and demand into original AI research and products.
Investments will be directed towards various sectors such as creativity, entertainment, coding, and work. Swaroop emphasized the inclusive nature of the future of work, encompassing SaaS and other applications, including foundational models. The collaboration will also focus on identifying areas where large language models are expected to advance in the next 12-24 months and supporting Indian startups in those segments.
In addition to financial support, founders will receive up to $350,000 in compute credits across Google Cloud, Gemini, and DeepMind. They will also have early access to Gemini and DeepMind models, APIs, and experimental features. The program includes mentorship from Accel partners, Google technical leads, immersion sessions in London and the Bay Area, and marketing support through global channels.
Jonathan Silber, co-founder of the Google AI Futures Fund, expressed confidence in India’s innovative potential in the AI sector. He highlighted Google’s commitment to India’s digital transformation journey through significant investments and partnerships. This collaboration marks the first of its kind for the Futures Fund, underscoring India’s strategic importance.
The partnership follows Google’s recent announcements of a $15 billion data center and AI hub in India, as well as a $10 billion digitization fund. These initiatives aim to support companies like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Flipkart in their digital endeavors. Google’s investment in Indian startups like Toonsutra and STAN reflects its ongoing commitment to the country’s tech ecosystem.
Silber emphasized that Google’s involvement in the funded startups would be significant, without disclosing specific equity stakes. The focus is on collaborating with market leaders like Accel to engage with early-stage founders and drive meaningful innovation in the AI space. While startups are encouraged to leverage Google’s technology, there are no strict requirements to exclusively use Google products.
Accel’s Atoms program, launched in 2021, has already backed over 40 companies that have collectively raised over $300 million in follow-on funding. The program’s expansion to include Indian-origin founders based overseas demonstrates Accel’s commitment to supporting diverse talent.
This collaboration comes on the heels of Accel’s partnership with Prosus to co-invest in Atoms X, further supporting early-stage Indian founders tackling large-scale challenges in the country. Silber clarified that the partnership with Google is not aimed at future acquisitions or acquiring new cloud customers. The primary objective is to foster innovation and drive advancements in the AI sector in India.