Google, Accel bet on India

Google and Accel have partnered to invest in early-stage AI startups in India, with each startup potentially receiving up to $2 million in funding. The initiative, under Accel's Atoms programme and Google's AI Futures Fund, aims to support Indian founders building AI solutions for both the Indian and global markets. Selected startups will gain access to Google Cloud, Gemini, and DeepMind resources, along with mentorship.

The collaboration seeks to foster AI innovation across various sectors, including coding tools, productivity solutions, creative platforms, and entertainment technologies. Accel and Google will each invest equity in the selected startups, with a focus on identifying companies demonstrating original thinking and deep problem-solving capabilities. This partnership marks the first of its kind for Google's AI Futures Fund globally.

Accel's Atoms programme has previously supported 40 companies, which have collectively raised over $300 million in follow-on funding. The fund is particularly interested in startups working at the intersection of AI and the physical world, leveraging India's advantages in robotics and healthcare due to its extensive data pools and clinical testing infrastructure. Applications for the 2026 AI Cohort are now open, with the program scheduled to commence in February 2026.