Google for Startups Accelerator2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply

Google for Startups Accelerator is Google's equity-free accelerator for technology startups. Google runs regional editions across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The Americas page alone lists five tracks: Brazil, Canada, North America, Spanish-speaking Latin America, and the United States. Each runs as a ten-week program.

The North America edition has shifted toward AI over the last few cycles. In 2024 it ran as "AI First" from April to June. A Cloud AI edition for the US and Canada followed, with applications closing February 4, 2025. The 2026 edition focuses on AI for energy: grid optimization, demand flexibility, and energy products for utilities and commercial customers. Applications for it ran from May 4 to June 30, 2026. The cohort kicked off in September 2026 and graduates at a Demo Day in November 2026.

Google takes no equity and charges no fee. Instead, founders get mentoring from Google teams, a technical project partnership with Google engineers, early access to AI products through Trusted Tester and Early Access programs, and the option to apply for Google Cloud credits. Eligible participants can also get free Cloud TPU access for open-source ML research. Cohorts are small, with 10 to 15 startups per program. The 2026 North America call required revenue-generating AI/ML startups headquartered in the US or Canada with at least five employees.

Each edition runs for ten weeks. The format is hybrid: a mix of remote and in-person sessions, one-to-one mentoring, group learning, and sprint projects. Startups are paired with Google engineers and specialists on their main technical challenges, which is the core of the program.

Workshops and deep dives cover product design, customer acquisition, and leadership. Google also invites participants to technical bootcamps where offered. Founders and the relevant team members, usually the CTO or technical leads, must attend all required sessions.

The program ends with a graduation and Demo Day. Perks include Google product credits for eligible startups, Google Cloud credits through a separate application reviewed for eligibility, early access to new Google AI products, and free Cloud TPU access for eligible open-source ML research. There is no cash investment.