Google Opens Applications for Third Cohort of Play Accelerator India
The three-month, equity-free programme will select up to 20 startups, starting in July 2026, with applications open until May 24, 2026.
AI
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.
Google has opened applications for the third cohort of its Google Play Accelerator India programme, aimed at supporting AI-powered apps and games startups.
The three-month initiative is equity-free and will select up to 20 startups, with the cohort scheduled to begin in July 2026. Applications will remain open until May 24.
The programme is open to India-based startups between Seed and Series A stages that already have a published app on the Google Play Store. Eligible startups must be using AI and machine learning as a core part of their products, targeting users in India and global markets.
Through the accelerator, Google aims to help startups improve app quality, scale AI-led innovation, and accelerate growth by providing access to its technology, mentorship, and global network.
“India’s developer ecosystem is building some of the most innovative, AI-first applications for users at scale,” said Paul Ravindranath, Regional Lead, Developer Relations – Startup and Expert Programs at Google. “With Google Play Accelerator India, we are focused on helping startups strengthen app quality, integrate advanced AI capabilities, and unlock new growth opportunities both in India and globally.”
Now in its third year, the accelerator offers a structured 12-week curriculum covering areas such as app quality, growth, design, data safety, and international expansion. Each selected startup is assigned a dedicated Google Startup Success Manager and receives support through mentorship sessions, technical audits, and performance insights. Previous cohorts have collectively received more than 300 hours of mentoring.
The programme follows a hybrid format, starting with an in-person bootcamp, followed by virtual mentorship and on-demand sessions. It will conclude with a Demo Day in November 2026, where participating startups will present their work to investors, media, and industry stakeholders.
Startups from earlier cohorts have reported product improvements through the programme.
Applications for the current cohort are open until May 24, 2026.
Google has opened applications for the third cohort of its Google Play Accelerator India programme, aimed at supporting AI-powered apps and games startups.
The three-month initiative is equity-free and will select up to 20 startups, with the cohort scheduled to begin in July 2026. Applications will remain open until May 24.
The programme is open to India-based startups between Seed and Series A stages that already have a published app on the Google Play Store. Eligible startups must be using AI and machine learning as a core part of their products, targeting users in India and global markets.
Entrepreneur Staff • Editor
Entrepreneur Staff
For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of... Read more
