US tech giant Google has announced the opening of applications for the third cohort of its Google Play Accelerator India program. This three-month, equity-free initiative aims to support AI-powered apps and games startups in India. The program is set to begin in July 2026 and will select 20 startups based in India between Seed and Series A stages, with a published app on the Google Play Store.
Startups applying for the program must utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning as a core component to develop products for both Indian and global users. Google’s objective with this initiative is to assist promising startups in enhancing app quality, scaling AI-led innovation, and accelerating business growth. The program includes a 12-week curriculum covering app quality, growth strategies, design, data safety, and global expansion.
Selected startups will be paired with a dedicated Google Startup Success Manager and will gain access to mentorship sessions, technical audits, and custom reports on app performance and security. The program structure involves a hybrid model, starting with an intensive in-person boot camp in the first week, followed by two months of virtual mentorship and on-demand sessions. It will culminate in an in-person Demo Day in November 2026, where startups will showcase their progress to Google teams, investors, media, and ecosystem stakeholders.
The Google Play Accelerator India program has seen past cohorts benefiting from over 300 hours of mentoring, resulting in measurable product enhancements. Paul Ravindranath, Regional Lead of Developer Relations – Startup and Expert Programs at Google, emphasized the focus on assisting startups in strengthening app quality, integrating advanced AI capabilities, and exploring growth opportunities in both Indian and global markets.
