The Tech Giant has now opened the application process for the second batch of its Launchpad Accelerator programme. The first batch started in September this year.
Google is reportedly scouting for incubators and accelerator partners with a proven track record to scale its India-focused startup mentorship programme, Launchpad Accelerator.
Through this programme, the Tech Giant plans to mentor 1000 startups in the country in 2019, ET reported.
Launchpad Accelerator India was launched this year in Bengaluru to support startups that use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to solve India specific challenges. Google offers such startups mentorship and support in AI/ML, Cloud, UX, Android, Web, Product Strategy and Marketing.
“We will be working with several incubators and accelerators to add the launchpad’s mentor network, design sprint methodology, ML bootcamps, objectives & key results, and scale these proven engagement tools across all partners,” Paul Ravindranath G, programme manager, Launchpad Accelerator, Google India, was quoted as saying.
According to Ravindranath, Google has mentored 600-650 Indian startups since 2015 under its global programme.
Partnerships bring hope
The company is hoping that the upcoming partnerships will aid in spreading the use of ML and AI to startups across India.
For its India region accelerator, Google is yet to find a partner in the country. Globally, however, it has ten partners who are a part of the “Powered by” programme where Google Launchpad supports accelerators and incubators.
Thousands of applicants were received for the inaugural edition of the three-month accelerator programme in India, out of which 10 startups were shortlisted.
Slanglabs, a multilingual voice interface for mobile apps; Genrobotics, a semi-automatic robot for manhole cleaning; and Wysa, an AI-based chat therapy for mental health, were among the 10 startups that were part of the first batch.
The first batch of the mentorship programme started in September this year. The company has now opened the application process for its second batch.
Launchpad Accelerators
As part of all Launchpad regional accelerators, startups receive:
- Equity-free support
- Access to Google engineers and intensive mentoring from 20+ teams
- Access to Silicon Valley experts and top local mentors
- PR training and global media opportunities
- Close partnership with Google for three months
The California-headquartered company plans to invest $20 million annually in building startups around the globe.
