Venture capital firm Accel and technology giant Google have joined forces to launch a new co-investment initiative dedicated to supporting early-stage Indian artificial intelligence (AI) startups.
The program will operate through Accel’s Atoms accelerator and Google’s AI Futures Fund.
Investment Details
Each selected startup is eligible to receive up to $2 million in co-investment from both Accel and Google.
The initiative targets startups building AI solutions out of India or those founded by Indian-origin founders aiming for global markets.
Benefits for the 2026 Cohort
Startups chosen for the 2026 cohort will gain significant resources and support, including:
Google Cloud credits
Access to Gemini and DeepMind models
Tech mentorship and product support from Google
Strategic backing from Accel
This partnership emphasizes a growing commitment by global tech firms to foster AI innovation based in India, a market projected for substantial growth and viewed as a crucial hub for global tech expansion.
How to Apply
The programme is set to launch in 2026 and early-stage startups can apply via Accel’s established Atoms channel. Accel has successfully run the Atoms programme for four years, backing 40 companies that have collectively raised over $300 million in follow-on funding.
By: Sandhya Bharti
