Google for Startups has joined forces with Antler India to introduce the Google for Startups Immersion programme in India. This initiative targets founders and technical leaders who are building artificial intelligence-focused startups with live products. According to an official announcement, applications for the programme opened on May 8 and will close on May 22.
Programme Structure and Focus
The two-phase hybrid programme is tailored for startups that already have a minimum viable product (MVP) and early traction. The primary goal is to enhance how these companies build and scale using AI tools and business frameworks.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The programme is open to founders, CTOs, and technical leads who have a deployed product and verifiable traction. Startups still at the idea stage are not eligible. Participants will be evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate practical use cases of AI tools covered during the sessions. Approximately 50 startups will be shortlisted for interviews, from which 25 to 30 will be selected for the final offline immersion.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Applications open: May 8, 2026
- Applications close: May 22, 2026
- Online sessions: June 2, 4, 9, 11, 2026
- Offline shortlist announcement: June 15, 2026
- Offline immersion: June 26, 2026
The programme reflects a growing emphasis on applied AI development in India's startup ecosystem, combining technical training with business guidance for companies already in execution.
Two-Phase Programme: Technical and Business Tracks
The programme will be conducted in two stages: an online immersion, followed by a selective in-person cohort.
Phase 1 — Online Immersion (June 2, 4, 9, 11, 2026)
This phase will involve up to 5,000 participants from across the country over two weeks, with four virtual sessions. The technical track will include training on technologies such as AI Studio, Antigravity, and the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, with Google for Startups as the lead partner delivering the content. The business track, organized by Antler India, will focus on AI investment trends and defensibility.
Phase 2 — Offline Immersion (June 26, 2026)
A shortlist of around 25 startups will be invited to attend an in-person session at Google Ananta. Selection will be based on performance in the online phase, followed by rapid interviews. The offline event will feature architecture whiteboarding sessions with Google Cloud engineers, one-on-one mentoring with Antler's team, and closed-door discussions.
This initiative underscores the growing focus on applied AI in India's startup landscape, offering a unique blend of technical and business support for companies that have already achieved initial market validation.
