Google Cloud AI startup program: up to US$350,000 in credits over two years

The offer

Eligible VC-funded AI-first startups in India can apply for up to US$350,000 in Google Cloud credits over two years; selection and the maximum award are not guaranteed. Year one covers 100% of eligible usage up to US$250,000, while year two covers only 20% of usage up to another US$100,000, so substantial paid costs can apply. A matching business email, company website, Cloud billing account and funding verification are required; third-party models are excluded and all uncovered usage is billable.

Who can claim it

• AI-first startup using or planning Gemini as a foundation of its primary product, not just a productivity add-on.
• Founded within five years; qualifying institutional or VC equity funding required.
• Pre-Seed or Seed funding within five years, or Series A within 12 months.
• No more than US$5,000 in previous Google Cloud credits.
• Business email, company website and Cloud billing account domains must match; approval is discretionary.
• Agencies, consultancies, dev shops, acquired or public companies, nonprofits, schools and government entities are excluded.

How to claim it

1. Open the official application and sign in with your Google account.
2. Have your 18-character Google Cloud billing account ID ready.
3. Use a business email matching your company website and billing account.
4. Provide public online funding evidence; stealth startups should arrange investor verification.
5. Submit the application and wait for written approval and your credit conditions.

Good to know

Credits expire on the dates in your award or Cloud console. You owe all usage not covered by credits, including the other 80% in year two and usage after expiry or exhaustion; stop paid resources to avoid further usage fees.

Up to US$250,000 in year one and 20% coverage up to US$100,000 more in year two, not US$350,000 cash or unlimited free cloud. Third-party models and marketplace offerings are excluded. A Cloud billing account is required; normal payment and tax terms apply. Google need not alert you when credits run out. Credits are non-transferable and cannot be cashed out. India contracting terms explicitly cover this startup program; Google can reject applications by country or other eligibility factors.