Global annual demand for electricity is expected to be 50% higher over the next five years compared to the past decade, driven by a new era of manufacturing, electrification and digital infrastructure. This presents a huge opportunity for smarter grid growth – leveraging artificial intelligence to rapidly deploy new solutions to meet the world’s power needs.
At Google, we see potential to bring AI-powered tools across several key areas: optimizing data systems to help utilities and grid operators better utilize flexible energy resources, accelerating timelines for developing new power and transmission infrastructure, and expanding access to energy efficiency and affordability initiatives.
That’s why today we’re announcing – for the second year in a row – the open call for applications to our Google for Startups Accelerator, designed to support startups that use AI to modernize grids and make energy consumption more efficient and affordable.
How it works
These equity-free accelerators run from September to November and include virtual sessions and in-person opportunities to connect with other founders, Googlers, our partners and energy experts. Startups selected to participate in the program will receive intensive mentorship and hands-on technical support, as well as access to our advanced AI tools, the Google Cloud infrastructure, and talent from across Google. Tailored for energy innovators, the curriculum includes deep dives into AI and machine learning infrastructure, product design and UX, go-to-market strategies, and leadership development.
During last year’s program, we saw firsthand how access to Google’s Cloud infrastructure, technical mentorships and AI tools can transform a startup’s trajectory. Our 2025 class demonstrated rapid product development that has translated into measurable impact:
- Artemis (US) halved its 3D solar image extraction error rate by integrating Gemini into its AI platform to lower the cost of solar technology for households.
- Delfos (Spain) upgraded its virtual AI engineer to process energy data at scale, using predictive maintenance to flag potential failures in wind and solar assets up to 300 days ahead, giving teams the time they need to act early.
- Tilt Energy (France) expanded into two new countries, now operating hundreds of megawatts of distributed flexible capacity on its software platform.
This year we are working with more than 20 organisations, including energy utilities and grid operators, venture capital firms and other leading industry partners across Europe and North America, who are extending their expertise to support the cohort.
Who should apply
We are looking for pre-seed to post-Series A startups based in North America, Europe and Israel that have strong early traction and technology foundations that align with Google Cloud.
We are specifically looking for startups that are focused on:
- Energy efficiency and utilization: startups developing AI solutions that reduce energy burdens for households or lower costs for industries, including automated incentive discovery, energy efficiency, carbon-free energy and carbon-aware infrastructure
- Network modernization and improvement: startups building AI solutions and Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) for transmission analysis, interconnection queues, permits and power flow
- Demand flexibility and optimization: startups advancing virtual power plants (VPPs), flexible interconnection, load aggregation and demand response capabilities to handle periods of high grid stress
If you’re a founder using AI to build a more sustainable and resilient energy future, we want to help you scale your impact.
Hear from last year’s class how participating in the accelerator program helped supercharge their products: