Google Cloud has launched an AI accelerator for startups in Southeast Asia, with a focus on developing enterprise tools for sectors including fintech and smart logistics.
The three-month, equity-free initiative, named Google for Startups Accelerator: Southeast Asia, will commence in August 2026.
The programme is a collaboration with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, and Vietnam’s National Innovation Center and Startup and Innovation Hub of Ho Chi Minh City.
A cohort of 25 startups will receive up to US$350,000 in cloud credits to build their products using Google Cloud’s AI infrastructure.
The initiative includes a residency in California, connecting founders with technical teams in Mountain View and investors in Silicon Valley.
“Building on this success, Google for Startups Accelerator: Southeast Asia aims to serve Seed to Series B AI startups across industries and six countries,”
said Sami Kizilbash, Head of Developer Ecosystems for Asia Pacific at Google Cloud.
Kizilbash added that partner agencies like EnterpriseSG will provide tailored support for startups from their respective countries.
The six countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Participants will be enrolled in Trusted Tester programmes, giving them early access to Google’s upcoming AI models before general market release.
Founders will also receive technical training at the Google Developer Space, alongside regional hubs run by partner innovation agencies.
Startups in the cohort will undergo architectural reviews with engineering teams from Google Cloud and Google DeepMind in Singapore.
To support commercial growth, the initiative includes mentorship from product teams across Google Pay, Android, and other divisions.
“Our partnership with Google Cloud has benefitted close to 60 Singapore AI startups,”
said Wong Zeng Yi, Assistant Managing Director at EnterpriseSG.
“We are pleased to deepen this collaboration to enable the next wave of startups to gain access to the networks and technical expertise needed to scale and enter new markets,”
Wong added.
The programme targets founders looking to move from early product fit to international expansion. It concludes with a demo day in Singapore for venture capitalists and enterprise customers.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by The Yuri Arcurs Collection via Magnific
