Introduction to Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Energy

Today, numerous startups are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the energy sector. These innovative companies are developing products that enhance grid resilience, maximize the value of existing assets, and accelerate analysis and planning tools to ensure the smooth operation of our energy systems. To support these AI-focused startups in their rapid and responsible growth, Google is launching the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Energy program, with applications now open. The program will feature cohorts in North America and Europe this year.

Program Overview

This equity-free program offers a 10-week intensive mentorship and technical project support to startups that are integrating AI into their core energy services or products. The selected startups will have the opportunity to collaborate with a group of exceptional peer founders and engage with leaders from Google and the energy sector. The program’s curriculum provides founders with access to cutting-edge AI tools and includes workshops on technology and infrastructure, user experience and product, growth, sales, leadership, and more. The program will focus on key themes that are transforming the energy landscape, including:

• Utility and Grid Operator Solutions: This includes technologies focused on the integration and optimization of Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs), interconnection queue enhancements, demand-side load management integration, grid digitization, data access, and energy project site analysis.
• Residential and Commercial Customer Solutions: This includes technologies focused on advancing demand response, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), load aggregation, and emergency grid alerts.
• Industrial Customer Solutions: This includes technologies focused on industrial energy efficiency solutions, battery optimization, carbon-aware infrastructure, summarizing and analysis of utility tariffs, and electricity rate modeling and forecasting.

Application and Program Schedule

Applications for the North America cohort are now open and can be submitted here. The application window for the Europe cohort is expected to open by summer 2025. The hybrid programming for both cohorts will commence in September and run through November. Stay tuned for further updates on the program schedule and application process.