The 2026 Google for Startups Accelerator for Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey Program is a 10-week initiative designed to support high-potential startups in the region that leverage technology, particularly AI and ML, to solve scalable market needs. Accepted startups, ideally between the Seed and Series A stages, receive equity-free support, dedicated mentorship from Google experts, access to AI products, and Google Cloud credits. A commitment from technical leadership (CTO/technical roles) is required for participation. Applications close on January 30, 2026.
Google for Startups Accelerator 2026 Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Google for Startups |
| Target Region | Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENA & Turkey) |
| Category | Accelerator Program |
| Eligible Countries | Startups operating in the MENA & Turkey region |
| Reward | Equity-Free Support |
| Duration | 10 Weeks |
| Application Open | December 15, 2025 |
| Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
Google for Startups Accelerator: MENA & Turkey
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey Program is a prestigious, ten-week program designed to propel the growth of high-potential startups across the region. The accelerator focuses on companies that are utilizing technology in innovative ways to address scalable market needs.
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Each cohort of 10–15 startups engages in a mixture of remote and in-person sessions, including 1-to-1 mentorship, group learning sessions, and focused sprint projects. Founders outline their top technical challenges, and Google pairs them with experts across fields like AI/ML, Cloud, UX, Android and Google Play, Web, and Product Strategy to solve these issues and scale their business. The program culminates in a Graduation and Demo Day in June 2026.
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
The program provides comprehensive, equity-free support across technical, strategic, and resource areas.
Tier 1: Equity-Free Support & Mentorship
- Equity-Free Support: All participants receive comprehensive support and training for the duration of the 10-week program without Google taking any equity in the company.
- Dedicated Mentoring: Receive dedicated mentorship from top experts and teams within Google.
- Strategic Support: Gain support and guidance on crucial aspects of company and product strategy.
Tier 2: Google Product Benefits and Early Access
- Early Access to AI Products: Eligible participants receive Early Access Program (EAP) and Trusted Tester benefits for Google’s newest AI products and tools, allowing them to leverage cutting-edge technology.
- Google Cloud Credits: Eligible participants can apply for substantial Google Cloud credits to support infrastructure and growth.
- Cloud TPUs: Participants are eligible to receive free access to Cloud TPUs (Tensor Processing Units) to accelerate open-source machine learning research.
Tier 3: Technical Partnership and Training
- Technical Project Partnership: Work hands-in-hand with experts from Google on resolving the startup’s biggest technical challenges through dedicated sprint projects.
- Access to Experts: Gain access to Google’s broader network of industry experts for specialized advice.
- Exclusive Training: Receive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google, where offered, and participate in specialist deep dives focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development.
Eligibility Requirements for Google for Startups Accelerator 2026
The program targets technical startups with clear market traction and growth potential.
- Traction and Stage: Startups demonstrating significant traction, ideally situated between the Seed and Series A stage of funding.
- Scalability: Must be building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and a defensible growth model.
- Technical Focus: Must be deeply technical, with a preference for startups leveraging technologies such as machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Commitment: Requires a commitment from the CTO and/or key technical roles to actively participate and engage in all required program sessions.
- Inclusivity: Google encourages applications from all qualified startups and is committed to building classes with great diversity.
How to Apply for Google for Startups Accelerator 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process follows a defined timeline spanning submission to program kick-off.
- Preparation: Ensure your startup meets the technical criteria, traction requirements (Seed to Series A), and secures the participation commitment of your CTO/technical lead.
- Application Submission: Complete and submit the online application form via the official Google for Startups portal, detailing your technical challenges, market traction, and use of AI/ML. Applications are open from December 15, 2025.
- Evaluation and Selection: Submitted applications are reviewed based on technical depth, scalability, market opportunity, and team commitment.
- Notification and Kick-off: Successful applicants are notified following the selection process. The program officially kicks off in April 2026.
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the length of the Google for Startups Accelerator program?
The program runs for a total of ten weeks, providing intensive support and mentorship.
2. Is this program open to all global startups?
No, the program is specifically for startups based in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENA & Turkey) regions.
3. Does Google take any equity from participating startups?
No, the support provided is equity-free for the duration of the program.
4. What stages of funding are ideal for applicants?
The program is ideally suited for startups demonstrating traction, typically between the Seed and Series A stage.
5. What technical area does the program prefer applicants to leverage?
The program prefers startups that are deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
6. What is the final deadline for submitting the application?
The applications close on January 30, 2026.
7. What kind of financial resources does Google provide to eligible participants?
Eligible participants receive Google Cloud credits and access to free Cloud TPUs to accelerate machine learning research.
8. Who from the startup team is required to commit to participating in the sessions?
The CTO and/or key technical roles from the startup team must commit to participate and engage in the required program sessions.
9. When does the 2026 program kick off?
The 2026 program is scheduled to kick off in April 2026.
10. Besides mentorship, what specific technical engagement does the program offer?
The program offers technical project partnership, allowing startups to work hand-in-hand with Google experts on their biggest technical challenges.
