1. About AI First
AI First is a three-month accelerator program tailored for AI-First startups in India, from Seed to Series A stages of development. This program has an equity-free approach during the program duration. It means that participating startups do not give up ownership stakes in exchange for support.
Selected startups have benefits like expert mentorship and guidance across various domains crucial for startup success. These include AI/ML (including Generative AI), UX (User Experience), Android, Web, Product development, Leadership, and Growth strategies. The program is designed to use Google’s technological expertise, products, industry connections, and network to support startups focusing on AI to address challenges across different sectors.
During the program, founders identify the primary technical and business challenges facing their startups. They are then matched with relevant experts from both Google and the industry to solve these challenges. Moreover, AI First also has immersive workshops and deep dives into aspects like product design, customer acquisition strategies, and leadership development.
2. Benefits of The Program
- Equity-free support: For the duration of the program.
- Mentoring: Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
- Training: Exclusive invitations to technical boot camps hosted by Google were offered.
- Access to experts: Access to Google’s network of industry experts.
- Google product credits: Eligible startups receive product credits.
- Early access: Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.
- Strategic support: Support on company and product strategy.
- Technical project partnership: Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.
3. Entry Criteria for the Program
- Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stages.
- Startups based/headquartered in India.
- Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model.
- Deeply technical, leveraging technologies like Machine Learning and AI.
- Commitment from the founder(s) or relevant people from startups to participate and engage in required program sessions.
3. How Will Startups Be Chosen?
- Startups submit their applications, detailing their use of technologies like AI/ML or data analytics to solve problems in various sectors. The submitted applications are reviewed to make sure that they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
- Eligible applications are then evaluated by a panel of experts or the program team. Based on this evaluation, 40 to 60 startups are shortlisted.
- Shortlisted startups participate in interviews or pitch sessions, where they present their vision, strategy, and capabilities in more detail.
- The selection board reviews the shortlisted startups from the interview/pitch phase and makes the final decision. Selected startups are offered program contracts, officially joining the accelerator.
4. How Will Startups Be Chosen
- Startups submit their applications, detailing their use of technologies like AI/ML or data analytics to solve problems in various sectors. The submitted applications are reviewed to make sure that they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
- Eligible applications are then evaluated by a panel of experts or the program team. Based on this evaluation, 40 to 60 startups are shortlisted.
- Shortlisted startups participate in interviews or pitch sessions, where they present their vision, strategy, and capabilities in more detail.
- The selection board reviews the shortlisted startups from the interview/pitch phase and makes the final decision. Selected startups are offered program contracts, officially joining the accelerator.
5. Format of the Program
- At the beginning of the program, selected startups collaborate with anchor mentors to identify their specific challenges and determine the support they require from the program.
- Startups undergo a one-week in-person Bootcamp, covering topics like Product development, Design strategies, Technological advancements, People management, and Growth strategies. Additionally, a workshop on Objective Key Results (OKR) helps startups define their objectives for the upcoming three months.
- Over the next two months, startups focus on executing their objectives with support from the program. They gain access to a global network, engage in one-on-one mentorships, and participate in virtual group sessions tailored to their needs. Each startup is assigned a dedicated Startup Success Manager (SSM) from Google, who facilitates access to Google’s resources including its people, network, thought leadership, and technology.
- Graduating startups showcase their progress and achievements during an in-person Demo Day attended by Google teams, mentors, venture capitalists (VCs), media representatives, and other stakeholders from the Indian startup ecosystem.
- Following graduation, startups continue to benefit from engagement with the program through an Alumni program and network.
6. Program Timeline of the Program
- May 5 2024: Applications Close
- July 2024: Program Kick-off
- October 2024: Graduation
7. Application Link: Click Here