Google selects 100+ AI startups from more than 2,000 applicants for Gemini Startup Forum

Founders from 17 countries will head to Google’s Mountain View headquarters in November for two days of work with Google DeepMind and Google Cloud specialists

Google has selected more than 100 startups from over 2,000 applications for the fourth Gemini Startup Forum. Credit: Google

Google has selected more than 100 startups from over 2,000 applications for the fourth cohort of its Gemini Startup Forum, bringing founders from 17 countries to its California headquarters for an intensive two-day AI program.

The November event is aimed at Seed to Series A startups building with artificial intelligence. Participants will work directly with specialists from Google DeepMind and Google Cloud on their AI roadmaps, product development and technical challenges.

The cohort spans companies working on areas including genetic disorder diagnosis, cancer screening and control systems for next-generation robotics.

Google launched the first Gemini Startup Forum in November 2025 as a collaboration between Google DeepMind and Google Cloud. The program is now entering its fourth cohort.

Rather than operating as a conventional startup conference, the forum centers on direct work between founders and Google’s AI teams. Participants will receive technical support from engineers, access AI demonstrations and take part in sessions with Google experts and other founders.

From AI models to products that can scale

The program is built around the practical work of developing and deploying AI products.

Google says founders will use the summit to refine their AI roadmaps and work through technical and product challenges with teams across Google DeepMind and Google Cloud.

That gives the selected companies access not simply to general startup advice, but to teams involved in building the AI infrastructure and models many of them are using to develop their own products.

The cohort also reflects the increasingly broad range of sectors now building around AI. Google cites participating startups working across healthcare and life sciences as well as robotics, with applications ranging from screening for cancer to diagnosing genetic disorders.

Google expands its startup AI ecosystem

The Gemini Startup Forum sits within Google for Startups’ wider Gemini Kit, which brings together support for companies building with Google’s AI technology.

Eligible AI startups can access up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits across Google Cloud services. The broader program also includes API sprints, training resources and learning materials, as well as access to Google AI Studio.

Google says the forum itself is intended to create deeper interaction between startup founders and its AI specialists, with the fourth cohort joining the network built through the previous three groups.

The more than 100 selected founders will meet at Google’s Mountain View headquarters in November.