Google on Tuesday announced the launch of Launchpad Accelerator India, a mentorship program that aims to support Indian startups that deploy artificial intelligence(AI) and machine learning(ML) to build solutions for local needs.
The programme, based out of Bengaluru, will provide a cohort of 8-10 Indian startups mentorship and support from the best of Google in AI/ML, Cloud, UX, Android, web, product strategy and marketing, along with up to $100K of Google Cloud credits. Applications for the first class is now open until July 31 and the first class will begin in September 2018, where shortlisted startups will get to attend a two week in-person bootcamp.
All startups in the program should: 1/ Be a technology startup; 2/ Be based in India; 3/ Have preferably at least raised seed funding; 4/ Address a challenge that is specific to India; and 5/ Use advanced technology like AI/ML to power the solution.
"India has the appetite to build entrepreneurs of the future and we are proud to announce a focused program for the next wave of Indian entrepreneurs, who are using new technologies to solve for India's needs. Over the years, Google has worked with some incredible startups across India who are using advanced technologies such as AI/ML to tackle everything from Agri-Tech to Language Web, Healthcare and Transportation. With the dedicated India-only Launchpad Accelerator program, we will be able to build a bridge between startups and the industry ecosystem; and support them to drive innovation in the India market," said global Launchpad Founder, Roy Glasberg.
