Google for Startups Cloud Program (AI tier) 🎁 Program
Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits over two years for VC-funded startups building on Gemini.
| What you get | Up to $350k |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | VC-funded startups using Gemini/Google AI at the core of their product; qualifying venture funding from seed to Series A; founded within the last 10 years; no more than $5,000 in prior Google Cloud credits. Eligibility decided at Google Cloud's discretion. |
| Open in | Worldwide |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | Rolling, apply any time |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-12 |
About Google for Startups Cloud Program (AI tier)
What you get
Google Cloud's AI programme gives AI-first startups up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits over two years. In year 1, Google covers 100% of eligible usage up to $250,000 for AI-first startups (up to $100,000 for other startups). In year 2, it covers 20% of usage up to an additional $100,000. The credits cover Google's own models such as Gemini and Gemma.
You also get access to Google Cloud AI experts, exclusive webinars and live Q&As with AI product managers and engineers, and insight into the AI roadmap. Google also runs the Gemini Startup Forum, an in-person gathering for seed to Series A founders.
Who qualifies
The AI tier is for VC-funded startups that use, or plan to use, Gemini as the foundation of their main product. The page says it is designed for startups that raised pre-seed or seed rounds within the last five years, or a Series A within the last 12 months, were founded within the last five years, and have not yet received more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits. Equity funding from institutional investors and VCs counts, including SAFEs; angel, friends-and-family, crowdfunding, grants and prize money do not qualify you for this tier (they are evaluated for other tiers).
Good to know
- Third-party models are billed directly and are not covered by the programme credits.
- Google does not accept companies that have IPO'd or been acquired, educational institutions, government bodies, nonprofits, dev shops, consultancies, agencies or crypto-mining companies.
- Acceptance is at Google Cloud's discretion.
Verdict
One of the largest AI credit packages available, and you do not need a partner code. It only fits if you have institutional funding and Gemini is central to your product.
How to apply
- Check you meet the funding, age and prior-credit rules on the AI programme page.
- Set up a Google Cloud billing account under your company domain.
- Click "Apply now for the AI program" on https://cloud.google.com/startup/ai and complete the application.
- Describe how Gemini is the foundation of your product.
- Once approved, track credits and the year-1 / year-2 coverage in the Cloud console.
Who it is for
Steps Google for Startups Cloud Program (AI tier) helps with
Pros
- Very large credit amount
- Covers Gemini and Gemma plus the wider Google Cloud
- No partner code needed
Cons
- Requires institutional equity funding
- Third-party models not covered by credits
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