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Google Launches Market Access Programme to Boost Indian AI Startups Globally

Google has launched the Google Market Access Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help Indian AI-first startups strengthen their go-to-market strategies and scale globally. The programme offers selected startups structured learning on enterprise selling, global pricing, and access to Google's international network of business leaders. Alongside this, Google announced new additions to its open Gemma model family, including MedGemma 1.5 for medical imaging and FunctionGemma for on-device AI agents. The initiative aims to bridge the "commercial last mile" for startups that excel at prototyping but face challenges in securing long-term enterprise contracts.

Key Points: Google's Market Access Programme for Indian AI Startups

  • Helps AI startups move from pilots to global scale
  • Provides training on enterprise selling and pricing
  • Offers access to Google's global CIO/CXO network
  • Introduces new open AI models MedGemma and FunctionGemma
2 min read

Google launches market access programme to help Indian startups scale globally

Google launches a new programme to help Indian AI startups scale globally with training, global exposure, and access to enterprise leaders.

"India has become strong in turning ideas into prototypes, many startups struggle during the scaling phase. - Preeti Lobana"

New Delhi, Jan 15

Google on Thursday announced the launch of the Google Market Access Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at helping Indian startups strengthen their go-to-market strategies and move faster from local pilots to global scale.

The announcement was made at the 'Google AI Startups Conclave' here, where the company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to India's rapidly growing AI startup ecosystem.

The new programme is designed for AI-first startups that have crossed the prototype stage but face challenges in converting successful pilots into long-term enterprise contracts.

Through structured learning, global exposure, and direct access to senior business leaders, Google aims to help founders bridge what it calls the "commercial last mile" of innovation.

Under the Market Access Program, selected startups will receive training on enterprise selling, global pricing models, and international buyer behaviour.

They will also gain facilitated access to Google's global network of CIOs and CXOs, along with immersion opportunities in key international markets in partnership with ecosystem organisations such as TiE Silicon Valley and Alteus.

Speaking at the event, Preeti Lobana, Country Manager for India at Google, said Indian startups are building deep technology and solving problems at population scale.

"India has become strong in turning ideas into prototypes, many startups struggle during the scaling phase," Lobana added.

Alongside the programme, Google announced new additions to its open Gemma model family to support advanced AI applications.

The company introduced MedGemma 1.5, an open medical AI model that enables startups to work with complex medical imaging such as CT scans, MRI scans, histopathology slides, and medical reports.

The model is expected to support next-generation healthcare diagnostics and research.

Google also launched FunctionGemma, a lightweight model optimised for function calling and on-device AI agents.

It allows applications to convert natural language instructions into real actions on devices, enabling fast, private, and low-latency AI solutions even without constant internet connectivity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
MedGemma 1.5 sounds incredibly promising for our healthcare sector. If startups can leverage this for affordable diagnostics in tier 2 and 3 cities, it could revolutionize patient care. Hope the selection for the programme is merit-based and transparent.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but let's see the actual results. Many such programmes end up helping only a handful of startups in Bangalore or Delhi-NCR. I hope they have a quota or special focus for founders from smaller cities and diverse backgrounds.
S
Sarah B
The connection to TiE Silicon Valley is key. That network is invaluable. Indian founders are technically brilliant but often need that mentorship on navigating Western business culture. This could bridge the gap perfectly.
V
Vikram M
FunctionGemma for on-device AI is the real news here! In a country where internet connectivity can be patchy, enabling fast, private AI on the device itself opens up so many possibilities for rural and real-world applications. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Preeti Lobana is right. We are great at Jugaad and building prototypes, but scaling requires a different skillset – enterprise sales, contracts, compliance. Hope this programme delivers practical, hands-on training and not just theoretical modules.

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