If you’re a startup founder working with AI to improve how governments serve their communities, here’s a fantastic opportunity for you.

The Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for GovTech is a specialized three-month program designed for early-stage startups based in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

This program focuses on AI-powered innovations that tackle big challenges in sectors like agriculture, cybersecurity, education, energy, housing, transportation, and manufacturing.

What the Program Offers: Workshops, Mentorship, and Networking

Throughout the program, founders get access to an exciting lineup of workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events.

These are all crafted to help startups sharpen their data-driven strategies for attracting new customers and forming valuable partnerships.

On top of that, participants learn how to responsibly innovate using emerging AI technologies and explore ways to break into new markets confidently.

Continued Support Beyond the Initial Program

While the core program lasts three months, the support doesn’t stop there.

After completing the initial phase, startups will continue to benefit from Google’s product expertise and mentorship, helping them overcome hurdles as they grow and evolve.

In-Person and Virtual Elements

The program kicks off and wraps up with in-person sessions—though the exact locations will be revealed soon.

The rest of the experience is fully virtual, making it easier for startups across the EMEA region to join without travel hassles.

Why Join This Program: Key Perks

Equity-Free Support: Get all this valuable help without giving up any equity.
Tailored Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance from Google mentors and industry leaders who understand your product and leadership needs.
Direct Google Product Insights: Learn firsthand tips and tricks from the Googlers behind the tools you might be using.
Global Network Access: Join a vibrant alumni community with founders from over 135 countries, opening doors to connections worldwide.
Growth and Expansion Guidance: Gain crucial knowledge on how to take your startup global successfully.
Founder-to-Founder Support: Connect and collaborate with other startup founders in the Google for Startups network.

Who Should Apply: Startup Eligibility

To join, your startup needs to meet the following criteria:

You’re based somewhere in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa and currently at Seed or Series A funding stage, ready to scale internationally.
Your focus is on AI-driven solutions for government tech—think digital public services, smart cities, digital infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy, climate and environment, or public safety.
You’ve already shown traction through funding, user growth, or revenue.
Your product or service is scalable, targets a sizable market, and has a clear, defensible path to growth.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

June 30, 2025: Last day to apply for the program.
July – August 2025: Founder interviews take place.
Early September 2025: Official announcement of the cohort.
Late September – Early October 2025: In-person kickoff session.
September – December 2025: Main virtual program sessions.
December 2025: Graduation ceremony in person to celebrate your journey.