Google has partnered with Accel’s Atoms program to launch a new initiative to accelerate pre-seed artificial intelligence startups in India. The program, part of the Accel Atoms x AI Futures Fund (AIFF) collaboration, is designed to support founders building next-generation AI applications and will begin its first cohort in February 2026.
Through the initiative, selected startups will gain early access to Google DeepMind’s most advanced AI models, including Gemini, Imagen, and Veo. Participants will also receive direct mentorship from engineering, product, and go-to-market specialists across both Google and Accel, providing hands-on support during product development and early scaling.
The Google AI Futures Fund, announced earlier this year, serves as Google’s global initiative to accelerate early-stage innovation by providing access to cutting-edge AI models, technical resources, and cloud infrastructure. The fund focuses on empowering promising founders at the earliest stages of company building to catalyze breakthrough AI applications across markets. By partnering with accelerators and venture firms, the AI Futures Fund aims to strengthen the pipeline of high-impact startups and help them commercialize advanced AI technologies more quickly.
In addition to technical guidance, the Accel Atoms partnership offers Google Cloud credits and tailored assistance to help companies build and deploy AI-powered solutions. Accel and Google may also provide direct equity investments to participating startups.
Applications are now open through the Accel India portal. Google highlighted the program as part of its broader commitment to fostering AI innovation in the Asia region. More details are available on the India-focused Google Blog.
KEY QUOTE:
“At the AI Futures Fund, we believe India’s founders will play a leading role in defining the next era of global technology. By increasing our investment in the region through this new cohort with Accel, we are helping this next wave of innovation be built responsibly on Google’s most advanced AI models.”
Jonathan Silber, Co-Founder and Director of AIFF
