Google DeepMind Launches AI for the Planet Accelerator Program in APAC

A new accelerator program aimed at supporting startups, research teams, and non-profits working on environmental challenges has been launched by Google DeepMind. The three-month AI for the Planet program will provide selected organizations with access to cutting-edge machine learning tools and expertise to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and nature protection in Asia Pacific.

The program is open to APAC-headquartered organizations that are working on projects involving artificial intelligence and environmental innovation. Applications are now being accepted until July 26th, 2026, with the selected teams set to join a three-month accelerator program starting from September this year. The program includes a week-long in-person bootcamp, virtual support through December, and an in-person Demo Day at the end of the program.

Google DeepMind will select between 10 to 15 organizations for the inaugural cohort, which will receive access to the Google AI stack, including specialized frontier models, as well as tailored support from Google experts. The program is designed to sit across multiple areas, including AI skills development, startup support, research commercialization, and environmental innovation.

The application criteria cover a range of projects, including those focused on climate change, sustainability, energy, nature protection, sustainable agriculture, and forest protection. Applicants must demonstrate a plan for integrating Google AI into their solutions, either through general models or specialized ones such as AlphaEarth, Forestry, or Perch. Additionally, selected teams will need to have established in-house technical capabilities in AI and machine learning.

Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education, India, highlighted the launch on LinkedIn, writing: ‘Got a big vision for the planet and the AI chops to back it up?’ The program is aimed at organizations with a functional prototype or minimum viable product, early validation or proven traction, and a roadmap where AI is central to their current solution or future technical development.

The accelerator will begin with an in-person bootcamp from September 7th to 11th, during which participants will meet Google mentors and define project goals through keynotes, workshops, and diagnostic sessions. After the bootcamp, selected organizations will receive three months of virtual support from September to December, guided by a dedicated relationship manager.

Participants will also have access to one-to-one mentorship and technical guidance from Google and industry experts, as well as tailored technical and business training. Selected startups or projects may be eligible for cloud credits through the Google for Startups Cloud program or Google Cloud for research, subject to eligibility review and approval. The accelerator is equity-free for the duration of the program.

The program will culminate in an in-person Demo Day in December 2026, where participating teams can present their AI-driven environmental work to mentors, investors, partners, and Google teams. Google DeepMind describes the program as a route for early-stage projects to move from experimentation into applied problem-solving: ‘Our mission is to use frontier AI to tackle the world’s most critical environmental challenges.’ The launch adds another AI accelerator route for APAC organizations working at the edge of research, climate technology, and applied AI development.

Applications for the first AI for the Planet cohort close on July 26th, 2026. Google DeepMind is also hosting virtual open forums during the application phase to provide more information about the program and answer questions from interested applicants.