Google Australia has announced the creation of a startup accelerator program for AI-focused enterprises.

The Google for firms Accelerator: AI First program is a 10-week accelerator designed exclusively for Australian AI and machine learning firms in the seed and Series A stages.

According to Google Australia, the program intends to stimulate local innovation and builds on the company’s previous initiatives in the sector, including AI Sprint and Google Certificates.

In addition to being equity-free, the accelerator offers a number of other benefits. This includes:

• Mentorship and practical coaching from Google AI professionals
• Technical help via in-depth sessions on AI tools and infrastructure.
• Eligible startups can receive free cloud credits.

The program also includes a Founders’ Network, which allows participants to interact and engage with other AI startups locally and abroad.

Practical bootcamps will also address topics like UX/product design, marketing, sales, leadership, and setting effective goals.

“Australia is a technological pathfinder with the potential to lead the world in AI innovation. “We’re committed to fostering that potential through the Digital Future Initiative,” Scott Riddle, strategic partner manager for Google Australia and New Zealand, told SmartCompany.

“We’re launching a new accelerator to give AI-focused startups support, mentorship and resources to scale rapidly and responsibly. We invite startups to join us and help shape the future of AI in Australia and beyond.”

Google’s AI First program is just one of 24 accelerator programs that the corporation presently operates in 87 countries. The accelerators work in both established startup ecosystems and emerging areas, helping a wide range of entrepreneurs and developers.

The programs are designed to be intensive and concentrated, lasting three months and providing one-on-one mentorship with top Google and industry professionals. During the accelerator, startups focus on one specific goal and devote their efforts to developing a technical solution to achieve it.

According to Google’s inaugural Accelerator Impact Report, there are currently over 1,1000 startup alumni of Google accelerators, with a combined portfolio of $121.5 billion and a valuation of $30.7 billion.

These enterprises now employ more than 115,000 people worldwide and have a 96% survival rate. Twenty of these startups have also achieved unicorn status.

Applications for the AI First accelerator are accepted until July 31, 2024. Australian startups that use AI are urged to apply for Google sponsorship to help them develop faster.