(Image Source: The Economic Times)
Google India started the Market Access Program to help AI startups from India expand overseas. The program connects companies with Google’s network of executives and customers around the world. It targets startups that built working products but need help selling to big businesses.
India’s AI industry could hit $126 billion by 2030. About 47 percent of companies already took AI test projects into real use. Google’s program gives training and introductions to help startups move from local customers to international contracts.
What the Market Access Program Offers
Sales Training and Customer Connections
Startups get training on selling in different countries. This covers pricing, how buyers think, and sales strategies. Google sets up meetings with CIOs and executives through its global contacts. Partners like TiE Silicon Valley help arrange in-person visits.
The program gives access to Google’s AI tools like Gemini for complex tasks and Gemma models for research. Training includes security, trust, and reliability that big customers expect.
Companies need to show they have customers already and products ready for bigger scale. Applications opened right after the announcement.
Google India Leader Explains the Need
Preeti Lobana from Google India said AI moved from experiments into real work in schools, hospitals, farming, and factories. “Many startups struggle with the next step – getting paying customers,” she pointed out. The program focuses on sales skills founders often lack.
Lobana said it takes startups from building products to making profits through real deals.
Google Builds AI Support in India
Google runs a Global AI Hub in Visakhapatnam with 1-gigawatt green power and advanced chips. Indian startups can use this computing power for big AI projects. Tools like MedGemma 1.5 handle medical imaging for health AI companies.
Google’s Bigger AI Plans for India
This program follows Google’s AI Futures Fund from May 2025. That fund puts money into early AI companies worldwide. Google works with VC firm Accel on $2 million investments for some Indian startups.
Earlier programs picked 20 AI companies from 1,600 applicants. Those covered health, money, and climate work with advice and free cloud computing.
India grows fast in business AI use. The Market Access Program speeds up sales for startups solving big problems.
Google offers complete help with training, computers, safety rules, and customer connections. Qualified AI startups with customers already can apply now.
Key Program Benefits:
- Sales training for global markets
- Meetings with Google’s CXO network
- Access to Gemini and Gemma AI models
- Partnerships with TiE Silicon Valley
- Computing power from Visakhapatnam AI Hub
