Tech big Google has closely invested within the Indian tech startup ecosystem, supporting them by means of its Google for Startups Accelerator program.
In 2024, the corporate introduced its plan to coach 10,000 AI startups in India by means of a partnership with MeitY Startup Hub.
In an unique interplay with AIM as a part of the Tech Talks collection, Paul Ravindranath, program supervisor, developer relations, startup and knowledgeable applications at Google India, and Karthik Padmanabhan, developer ecosystem lead at Google India, supplied insights on the corporate’s rising position in India’s startup ecosystem, what AI startups must know, and the tech big’s stance on the Indian AI panorama.
From Fairness-Free Mentorship to AI at Scale
‘Google for Startups’ accelerator journey began modestly in 2015 with a one-week Launchpad. At this time, it helps over 1,500 startups globally, together with 250 from India.
The pure subsequent query was, “How do you choose a startup?” Ravindranath laid out a rigorous course of. He defined that every cohort attracts over a thousand candidates for simply twenty slots. Shortlisting includes a number of rounds of analysis, culminating in in-depth interviews targeted on one query.
“We work together in particular person with the corporate to reply one elementary query: can we add worth to this firm at this stage? And if the reply is sure, the probability of them making it’s excessive,” He stated.
He highlighted that the method begins with a complete diagnostic to establish the startup’s targets and areas they may overlook.
In the meantime, Padmanabhan talked about that they’ve a system referred to as the target key outcome space (OKR) pushed mannequin, which Google drives internally. “We apply the identical mannequin for startups, in order that they determine what their targets are and what the important thing outcome areas are, and by what timeframe they need to obtain that,” he stated.
However what if the startup is constructing one thing that competes with Google?
Padmanabhan answered the query, saying they’re targeted on discovering passionate groups regardless of their choices, keen to resolve issues, and looking for steering to utilise the accelerator program successfully. He believes this creates a mutually useful state of affairs the place their success aligns with this system’s objectives.
Belief additionally issues, particularly when this system is equity-free. So, how does Google persuade them there’s no catch?
Padmanabhan defined that startups have quite a few avenues to boost fairness. Nonetheless, after they require technical and engineering help, enterprise capitalists (VCs) sometimes can not present direct assist. Google is keen to bridge that hole.
Whereas VCs can provide fairness, their technical contribution is often restricted to creating connections for recommendation. Our core power lies in our expertise with numerous challenges and our skill to supply options primarily based on that familiarity, he added.
From Hiring to Hurdles: What It’s Prefer to Construct with or round Google in India
The query of how somebody can land a job at Google and what recommendation they might give to an aspirant introduced candid responses.
Padmanabhan burdened that depth issues greater than breadth. To outperform machines, one should specialise and develop deep experience in a single’s chosen subject. Ravindranath added that whereas studying is less complicated now, the basics—problem-solving, curiosity, and rigour—stay unchanged.
Earlier this yr, Google opened its fourth campus in Bengaluru and named it Ananta. Based on Ravindranath, town’s selection stems from expertise, infrastructure, and long-standing funding.
When requested if there’s a drawback within the Indian startup area constructing with AI, Ravindranath defined that beginning an organization is difficult and requires important dedication. “Bangalore has many founders, however addressing large issues calls for drive and keenness,” he stated, including that he believes Indian founders are tackling various points utilizing AI and platforms like Android and are doing spectacular work.
What’s Subsequent within the AI Hype Cycle?
Ravindranath acknowledged the speedy developments in AI and famous that within the fast-paced altering expertise world, one thing related final week could not maintain true the next week. Due to this fact, he recommended that embracing all prospects can be smart, because the potential of this platform shift stays unsure.
He recalled how a number of years in the past, search engine marketing was all the trend—now it’s GEO, or Generative Engine Optimisation. Advertising and marketing, growth, even prototyping—it’s all altering.
“There’s plenty of negativity round AI that’s being overhyped, like individuals dropping jobs, employment alternatives going away. That is all going to evolve. So it’ll evolve into one thing completely different, one thing new…However essentially, nothing goes to alter,” Padmanabhan concluded.
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