Google teams up with Accel to launch Atoms AI Cohort 2026 to boost early-stage AI startups in India

Accel announced a collaboration with Google's AI Futures Fund to launch Atoms AI Cohort 2026, to support India's AI founders with resources and early access to Google's advanced AI models, including Gemini and DeepMind.

“Accel and Google are partnering through Accel Atoms and Google’s AI Futures Fund to launch the 2026 AI Cohort. This is Google’s first program of its kind globally,” the company said in a statement.

Through this partnership, Accel and Google will collaborate to support India's early AI entrepreneurs with the aim to blend Accel's startup mentorship experience with the tech giant's AI technology, research, and infrastructure. Selected founders will gain early access to Google's Gemini and DeepMind models and receive resources to develop products capable of scaling globally.

The programme is designed to provide founders with the necessary capital, infrastructure, and specialised expertise to develop globally competitive AI products from the beginning.

Each startup selected for the cohort will receive up to $2 million in funding through joint investments by Accel and the AI Futures Fund. Additionally, the programme offers up to $350,000 in compute credits across Google Cloud, Gemini, and DeepMind platforms. The goal is to provide founders with technical expertise and mentorship early in their journey in India.

"This partnership brings together Accel’s global experience in helping founders scale groundbreaking companies and Google’s leadership in AI research and infrastructure. Founders selected for the program will gain access to an unprecedented stack of support," the company said.

According to a statement by Accel, this collaboration aims to combine capital, technology, and early conviction to assist Indian founders in creating AI-driven products for both local and international markets. The programme will also provide one-on-one mentorship from Accel partners and Google's technical leaders, as well as opportunities to work with Google Labs and DeepMind research teams. Chosen startups will join a global community, gaining exposure through the international networks of Accel and Google.

Who can apply for Atoms AI Cohort 2026?

The programme is open to Indian and Indian-origin founders creating AI-first products for users both in India and internationally. Applications are now being accepted via the Accel website, with a submission deadline of January 26, 2026. The application process is facilitated by Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro model, which uses AI to make filling out forms easier for applicants.