Deadline: August 28, 2026
Applications are open for the Google for Startups Accelerator: South Africa 2026. This is a three-month hybrid accelerator program for growth-stage technology startups. The Accelerator is designed to bring the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to South African-led startups looking to scale their impact.
Each cohort of 10-15 startups comes together to tackle technical challenges that can help grow their businesses through a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, and sprint projects. Founders outline the top technical challenges for their startup and are paired with experts from Google and the industry to solve those challenges and grow their business.
Benefits
- Equity-free support: Equity-free support for the duration of the program.
- Mentoring: Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
- Training: Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.
- Access to experts: Access to Google’s network of industry experts.
- Early access to AI products: Access new Google AI products and tools as relevant through Trusted Tester and EAP benefits.
- Google product credits: Eligible startups receive product credits.
- Strategic support: Support on company and product strategy.
- Technical project partnership: Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.
- Non-dilutive funding: Up to R1 million in non-dilutive (equity-free) funding for each participating startup.
Eligibility
- Open to South African-led startups demonstrating traction, ideally growth-stage startups
- Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
- Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI
- Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions
- They are committed to building accelerator classes with great startups, and encourage applications from all qualified startups
Application
The Google for Startups Accelerator: South Africa will kick off in September 2026 and run until December 2026.
For more information, visit Google for Startups Accelerator.
