Google Play Accelerator India 2026: Applications open for third cohort

Google on Monday, 5 May 2025, opened applications for the third cohort of its Google Play Accelerator India, a three-month, equity-free programme designed to support AI-powered apps and games startups across India. The cohort is set to begin in July 2026, with a concluding Demo Day scheduled for November 2026.

Who Can Apply

Up to 20 India-based startups at the Seed to Series A stage are eligible for selection. Applicants must have a published app on the Google Play Store and must use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in a core capacity to build products for Indian and global users. The programme is equity-free, meaning selected startups do not give up any ownership stake in exchange for participation.

What the Programme Offers

Selected startups gain access to a 12-week curriculum covering app quality, growth strategies, design, data safety, and global expansion. Each participating startup is paired with a dedicated Google Startup Success Manager and receives mentorship sessions, technical audits, and custom reports on app performance and security. According to Google, past cohorts have collectively logged over 300 hours of mentoring across participating companies.

The programme runs as a hybrid model — beginning with an intensive in-person bootcamp in the first week, followed by two months of virtual mentorship and on-demand sessions. It culminates in an in-person Demo Day in November 2026, where startups present to Google teams, investors, media, and ecosystem stakeholders.