Google has announced the selection of 20 Indian artificial intelligence startups for its 2026 Google for Startups Accelerator programme. The cohort, chosen from around 2,500 applicants, includes companies working across sectors such as healthcare, finance, climate tech, legal services, and enterprise software.
Selected Startups
The 20 startups selected for the 2026 cohort are:
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Adalat AI
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Aikenist
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Aurassure
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Ayna
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Binocs
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CraftifAI
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Dodo Payments
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Fitsol
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FlexifyMe
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H2Loop AI
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Jidoka
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NodeOps (CreateOS)
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OnFinanceAI
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Pipeshift
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PotpieAI
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Proxgy
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Soundverse AI
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SuperBryn
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TartanHQ
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Zeron
Most of these companies are at the Seed to Series A funding stages and core AI capabilities such as agentic AI, multimodal systems, and foundational model development feature prominently in their product offerings.
Programme details
The accelerator is a three-month, equity-free initiative that provides participating startups with access to Google’s AI technologies, including models like Gemini and Veo. Founders will also receive technical mentorship from Google engineers, Google Cloud credits, and support for go-to-market strategy. The programme begins with an in-person bootcamp in Bengaluru and concludes with a Demo Day in October.
Context within India’s AI ecosystem
Google’s accelerator is one of several programmes supporting AI startups in India. In recent years, other investors and accelerators have also launched initiatives targeting early-stage AI companies.
For example, in March 2026, Accel and Google’s AI Futures Fund selected five startups from over 4,000 applications, providing up to $2 million each along with access to Google’s AI models and computing infrastructure. That cohort focused on companies building non-wrapper AI solutions in areas such as healthcare and enterprise tools.
Parallel to private initiatives, the Indian government’s IndiaAI Mission includes a startup pillar aimed at funding and supporting AI innovation, particularly in sectors of national importance such as agriculture, health, and financial inclusion.
Programme history
Google has been running startup accelerator programmes in India for about a decade. Over the years, these cohorts have included companies from diverse sectors, not limited to AI. Past accelerators have supported startups in areas like consumer apps, fintech, health tech, and developer tools, with many participants going on to raise follow-on funding or expand into international markets.
The 2026 cohort marks a shift toward AI-first companies, reflecting broader industry trends and investor interest in foundational AI technologies and applied AI solutions tailored to Indian and global markets.
What happens next
The selected startups will now enter the three-month acceleration phase, during which they are expected to refine their products, strengthen their technical infrastructure, and prepare for investor engagement. The outcomes of this cohort, including funding raised, products launched, or partnerships formed, will become clearer in the months following the October Demo Day.
