Google just announced an India-tailored mentorship program for local start-ups

Bringing the best of Google to Indian start-ups, Google today announced Launchpad Accelerator India - a new comprehensive mentorship program, tailored exclusively for startups based in India, deploying Machine Learning/AI to build solutions for India's local needs.

Launchpad Accelerator India program builds on the success of the global Launchpad Accelerator program and has been designed to grow the AI/ML ecosystem in India by helping Indian start-ups build scalable solutions for India's unique problems. The three-month accelerator will provide a cohort of 8-10 Indian start-ups with mentorship, and access to the best of Google - its people, network, and technologies. Up to $100K of Google Cloud Credits will also be provided.

"India has the appetite to build entrepreneurs of the future and we are proud to announce a focused program for the next wave of Indian entrepreneurs, who are using new technologies to solve for India's needs. Over the years, Google has worked with some incredible startups across India who are using advanced technologies such as AI/ML to tackle everything from Agri-Tech to Language Web, Healthcare and Transportation. With the dedicated India-only Launchpad Accelerator program, we will be able to build a bridge between startups and the industry ecosystem; and support them to drive innovation in the India market," said global Launchpad Founder, Roy Glasberg.

The India focused accelerator program is building on Google's "Solve for India" roadshow from last year. Ten Indian startups were shortlisted from across India - and underwent four days in one-on-one consults with experts from Google and mentors from the industry to solve critical product and growth challenges.

Applications for the first class is now open until July 31, 12pm IST and the first class will start in September 2018.

Startups will need to meet the following criteria to be considered for the Launchpad Accelerator India mentoring program:

-Be a technology startup.

-Be based in India.

-Have preferably at least raised seed funding.

-Build a solution that addresses a real challenge of the country.

-Uses advanced technology like AI/ML to power the solution.

As part of the Launchpad Accelerator India, the shortlisted startups will go through extensive mentorship and support from the best of Google in AI/ML, Cloud, UX, Android, Web, Product Strategy and Marketing.