Google has strengthened its role in India’s tech startup ecosystem through initiatives like the Google for Startups Accelerator. In 2024, they announced a major partnership with MeitY Startup Hub to train 10,000 AI startups across the country.
Google’s accelerator journey started in 2015 with a one-week Launchpad program and currently it supports over 1,500 startups globally, including 250 Indian startups.
Paul Ravindranath (Program Manager, Developer Relations, Startups & Expert Programs) said, “We interact in person with the company to answer one fundamental question: Can we add value to this company at this stage? If the answer is yes, the likelihood of them making it is high.”
Karthik Padmanabhan (Developer Ecosystem Lead) explained how Google applies its internal OKR (Objectives and Key Results) model to startups in the accelerator. “They decide what their objectives are, what the key result areas are, and by what timeframe they want to achieve them. Our job is to help them get there,” he said. Even startups building competing products are welcome. “We’re focused on finding passionate teams solving real problems and eager to benefit from the program. It’s about mutual value creation,” he added.
Padmanabhan stated, "Startups can raise equity from VCs. But when they need hands-on technical support, VCs can’t usually help. That’s where we come in.”
On the subject of working with Google, both leaders shared unfiltered advice. Padmanabhan focused upon the importance of depth over breadth. “Specialization is key. You need to outperform machines—focus on mastering your niche,” he said. Ravindranath added, “Learning is easier today than ever, but core traits like curiosity, problem-solving, and rigor remain the same.”
In early 2024, Google opened its fourth India campus in Bengaluru, named Ananta. According to Ravindranath, this decision was based on the city’s tech talent, infrastructure, and long-standing innovation culture.
Upon being asked about the state of AI startups in India, Ravindranath acknowledged that building a company is tough. “Bangalore has many founders, but addressing big problems demands commitment. Thankfully, we’re seeing some fantastic work—founders solving diverse challenges using AI, Android, and other platforms.”
He even mentioned that the AI space is evolving too fast for rigid predictions. “What worked last week may not work this week. The platform shift is happening—just embrace it,” he said.
Padmanabhan mentioned the rise of new trends like GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), replacing traditional SEO. “Prototyping, development, marketing—it’s all changing. There’s fear about AI replacing jobs, but it will evolve into something new. Fundamentally, innovation never stops.”