Google, Accel bet on India

What happened

Google's AI Futures Fund and Accel's Atoms programme established a global-first partnership to invest up to $2 million equity each in early-stage Indian AI startups. This initiative provides selected companies with access to Google Cloud, Gemini, and DeepMind resources, alongside mentorship. The 2026 AI Cohort, commencing February, expands Accel's existing Atoms programme, focusing on AI solutions for Indian and global markets, including coding, productivity, creative, and entertainment sectors, with an emphasis on AI/physical world intersections like robotics and healthcare.

Why it matters

This collaboration introduces a new dependency on external AI development, increasing the due diligence burden on procurement and platform operators to assess the security and compliance posture of third-party AI solutions. It raises exposure for IT security and compliance teams to novel AI applications developed outside established enterprise frameworks, potentially creating a visibility gap regarding data handling, intellectual property controls, and integration risks associated with these nascent technologies.