US-based tech giant Google has announced a range of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives for developers, startups, enterprises, and educational institutions in India. At the Google I/O Connect India 2026 summit in Bengaluru, the company introduced new AI education programs, healthcare collaborations, cybersecurity initiatives, and expanded infrastructure for Indian enterprises utilizing its AI models.
Google reported that its Google Play Store and Android ecosystem generated approximately Rs 5.3 lakh crore (around $6 billion) in revenue for app publishers and the broader economy in India in 2025, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, speaking at the event, acknowledged Google’s significant role in enhancing internet access and digital services in India through products like Search, Android, YouTube, Maps, and Google Pay.
Among the highlights, Google DeepMind launched the AI Research Foundations curriculum, a free 56-hour program designed to train learners in building and refining large language models. This initiative will be implemented in collaboration with NASSCOM, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, and other institutions.
Preeti Lobana, Country Manager of Google India, emphasized the rapid deployment of AI by India’s developers and the company’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure and support for safe scaling in the evolving AI landscape. Additionally, Google introduced ATL Saathi, a Gemini-powered assistant for teachers under the Atal Innovation Mission, initially rolling out across 100 schools.
In the healthcare sector, Google revealed that researchers at AIIMS Delhi are leveraging its MedGemma open AI models to create India-specific tools for leprosy and sexual and reproductive health. These models will be accessible to the country’s developer community. Furthermore, Google announced that Gemini Live now offers support for 25 Indian languages and dialects, including Sanskrit, Bhojpuri, and Maithili.
