Google DeepMind opens APAC accelerator for AI climate teams

AIResearch

14 Jul

The three-month AI for the Planet program will support 10 to 15 startups, research teams and non-profits working on environmental challenges across Asia Pacific.

image showing a glass globe resting on green moss. The image is used to illustrate Google DeepMind’s AI for the Planet accelerator, which supports APAC startups, research teams and non-profits using AI for nature protection, sustainable agriculture, — ***Google DeepMind has opened applications for AI for the Planet, a three-month accelerator for APAC startups, research teams and non-profits using AI to address environmental challenges.***

Google DeepMind has opened applications for AI for the Planet, a new accelerator program for Asia Pacific startups, research teams and non-profits using artificial intelligence to address environmental challenges.

The program is focused on APAC-headquartered organizations working in areas including nature, climate, agriculture, sustainability and energy. Applications are open until 26 July 2026, with selected teams due to join a three-month accelerator that includes a September bootcamp, virtual support through December and an in-person Demo Day at the end of the program.

Google DeepMind says it will select 10 to 15 organizations for the inaugural cohort. Participants will receive access to the Google AI stack, including specialized frontier models, and tailored support from Google experts.

The program sits across AI skills, startup support, research commercialization and environmental innovation. It is aimed at organizations with a functional prototype or minimum viable product, early validation or proven traction, and a roadmap where AI is central to the current solution or future technical development.

Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education, India, highlighted the launch on LinkedIn, writing: “Got a big vision for the planet and the AI chops to back it up?”

AI support for environmental projects

AI for the Planet is designed for teams building AI-enabled solutions for environmental work, with Google DeepMind naming nature protection, sustainable agriculture and forest protection as areas of particular interest.

The application criteria also cover broader projects in climate, sustainability and energy. Applicants must show a plan for integrating Google AI, either through general models such as Gemini and Gemma, or specialized models such as AlphaEarth, Forestry or Perch.

Google DeepMind says participants will need established in-house technical capabilities in AI and machine learning. At least two or three senior leaders from each organization must also actively participate in the program, including founders, CxOs or primary technical decision-makers.

The accelerator will begin with a week-long in-person bootcamp from 7 to 11 September 2026. During the bootcamp, participants will meet Google mentors and define project goals through keynotes, workshops and diagnostic sessions.

Training, mentoring and Google AI access

After the bootcamp, selected organizations will receive three months of virtual support from September to December 2026, guided by a dedicated relationship manager.

The program includes one-to-one mentorship and technical guidance from Google and industry experts. Google DeepMind says teams will work with Google experts on technical challenges, including engagement with Google DeepMind and Google Research models.

Participants will also receive tailored technical and business training, with invitations to Google tech bootcamps. Selected startups or projects may be eligible for cloud credits through the Google for Startups Cloud program or Google Cloud for research, as well as free Cloud TPUs, subject to eligibility review and approval.

The accelerator is equity-free for the duration of the program. Graduating teams will join the Google Accelerator Alumni network, which Google DeepMind describes as a global community of more than 2,000 startups and non-profits.

Demo Day planned for December

The program will culminate in an in-person Demo Day in December 2026, where participating teams can present their AI-driven environmental work to mentors, investors, partners and Google teams.

Google DeepMind describes the program as a route for early-stage projects to move from experimentation into applied problem-solving: “Our mission is to use frontier AI to tackle the world’s most critical environmental challenges.”

The launch adds another AI accelerator route for APAC organizations working at the edge of research, climate technology and applied AI development. Applications for the first AI for the Planet cohort close on 26 July 2026, with virtual open forums running during the application phase.