Climate Change
A 10-week equity-free accelerator program for Seed to Series A startups based in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. The accelerator aims to connect the best of Google's products and people to climate change and clean technology innovators across the region building with Cloud Services.
Applications are now closed
If you are interested in our AI First program in the region,
please see this website.
About the program
About the program
Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change is a 10-week, equity-free hybrid program for Seed to Series A startups tackling Climate Change with tech. In partnership with Google Cloud, the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program helps high-potential startups based in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey grow with the best of Google through a mix of in-person and virtual activities, 1:1 mentoring, and group learning sessions.
In addition to mentorship, The Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program features deep dives and workshops focused on product design, business growth, and leadership development. Selected startups will also benefit from dedicated Google Cloud technical expertise and receive credits via the Google for Startups Cloud Program.
Key benefits
-
Equity-free support
Equity-free support: For duration of program.
-
Mentoring
Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
-
Training
Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where 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.
Entry Criteria
Entry Criteria
- Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage
- Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
- Focusing on sustainable technology climate solutions, cleantech and green energy
- Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI
- Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions
- We are committed to building accelerator classes that are diverse and inclusive, and encourage applications from qualified startups with founders of all backgrounds
Accelerator Alumni
I think the crucial value add of the program is its’ ability to connect us with so many people from Google, as well as its wider global network and partnering organizations, who have helped us fine-tune our tech operations and enhance the nitty-gritty in our go-to-market approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change ran from September to November 2023. We expect to host more similar accelerator programs in the future. When that happens we will update the Accelerators page here.
Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First is also available for startups based in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. Please review this page for more information.
Yes! Google for Startups Accelerator offers several sustainability-focused programs in various regions, including:
- Climate Change: Available for startups in North America and Europe.
- Circular Economy: This program focuses on startups based in North America and Asia Pacific.
For more information on other programs, please visit this page.
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program is completely free for all participating startups, and Google does not take any equity. Please note that we do require all founders (CEO & CTO) and appropriate team members to be available to join all elements of the program.
Through a combination of 1-to-1 and 1-to-many learning sessions, startups will receive mentoring from experienced engineers and business experts from Google and the wider ecosystem throughout the program. This support will be specifically tailored to the needs of the startups' businesses. Along with being paired with specialized Startup Success Managers (SSM) from Google, participants will also receive further training on how to use our best practices, tools, and personnel. At the end of the program, the cohort will present their achievements in a Demo Day in front of Google teams, mentors, investors, partners and key stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa and Turkey startup ecosystems. After the program ends, startups will continue to receive support via the Google for Startups Accelerator Alumni program & network.
The program is open to Seed to Series A stage, tech startups based in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey that are building innovative green technology solutions to tackle climate change. Google for Startups Accelerators are best suited for revenue generating startups with a minimum of five or more employees. Founders (CEO & CTO) and appropriate team members must be available to join all elements of the program. In order to ensure Google can provide meaningful value, startups should aim to leverage either Cloud or AI/ML technologies in their product, service, or operations and/or show an interest in leveraging these technologies in the future.
There will be approximately 10-15 startups from the Middle East, Africa and Turkey selected for this cohort.
Selected startups will be eligible for the Google for Startups Cloud Program, with your first year of Google Cloud and Firebase usage covered with credits up to $100,000. Plus, in year two get 20% of Google Cloud and Firebase usage costs covered, up to an additional $100,000 in credits (subject to terms and conditions).
Startups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for Google product credit offerings. To learn more about the Google Cloud credit eligibility requirements, please visit the Google Cloud startup page.