Google and Accel Launch $2 Million AI Cohort for Indian Startups

Google's AI Futures Fund has partnered with Accel Atoms to launch the "Atoms AI Cohort 2026," a pre-seed program designed to accelerate artificial intelligence innovation among founders in India. This collaboration marks Google's first global initiative of its kind, offering substantial capital and advanced technological resources to early-stage AI startups. The program aims to support ambitious Indian and Indian-origin founders building AI-first products for India and global markets.

Each selected startup in the cohort will receive up to $2 million in co-investment from both Google and Accel, alongside up to $350,000 in compute credits across Google Cloud, Gemini, and DeepMind resources. Founders will also gain early access to Google DeepMind's advanced models, including Gemini, Imagen, and Veo, as stated by Min Choi in a recent tweet. The program emphasizes providing comprehensive support, including expert mentorship from Google and Accel specialists, and opportunities for global immersion.

The Atoms AI Cohort 2026 is specifically targeting startups innovating in areas such as the future of coding, productivity, creativity, and entertainment, all powered by AI. "Access to capital, compute, and credible guidance can mean the difference between an idea and a category-defining company," Accel noted in an announcement, highlighting the program's intent to remove traditional barriers for early-stage AI builders. Applications are currently open, with the cohort scheduled to commence in February 2026.

This strategic partnership underscores a significant commitment to fostering India's burgeoning AI ecosystem, blending Accel's expertise in early-stage startup development with Google's cutting-edge AI technology and infrastructure. The initiative is poised to empower a new generation of AI entrepreneurs, enabling them to build and scale globally from the outset.