Google for Startups Cloud Program — AI-First Tier

Google for Startups Cloud Program's AI-First tier is the premium path for early-stage AI companies building on Gemini. It sits inside Google Cloud's startup program for US startups and can deliver up to $350,000 in credits over two years, with the largest package reserved for VC-backed teams using Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform or Gemini as the core of their product. Year one covers 100% of eligible usage up to $250,000, and year two covers 20% up to another $100,000. The package also includes $12,000 in Enhanced Support credits, access to Google AI product managers and engineers, exclusive AI webinars, and Google DeepMind model access. Applicants must be for-profit, equity-backed, under ten years old, and within the seed-to-Series A window; the same exclusions on crypto mining, token distribution, consultancies, and content businesses still apply. The program is aimed at teams that are already committed to AI infrastructure and can show why Gemini belongs in the product stack. Strong applicants usually have a real application, a credible technical roadmap, and venture backing that makes a two-year credit commitment meaningful. The value is less about a one-time subsidy and more about getting product, platform, and model access aligned while the company is still early.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.