Insider Brief
- Google has launched a 12-week, equity-free accelerator program to support startups in Europe and Israel that are using AI to drive energy innovation and decarbonization.
- The program targets startups working on grid modernization, load flexibility, smart grid applications, and industrial energy efficiency, with applications due by June 30 and programming set to run from September through November.
- Participants will receive mentorship, technical support, Google Cloud credits, and networking opportunities to help scale their solutions and accelerate the energy transition across the region.
Google is expanding its commitment to artificial intelligence in the energy sector with the launch of a new accelerator program aimed at startups across Europe and Israel.
The initiative, announced in a company blog post, invites applications for the “Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Energy in Europe & Israel,” a 12-week, equity-free program designed to help emerging companies use AI to advance the region’s energy transition. Applications close on June 30, with the program set to run from September through November.
The effort follows the earlier launch of a similar program in North America and according to the company, reflects Google’s growing emphasis on leveraging artificial intelligence to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change and energy security.
“We believe that AI presents a significant opportunity to help meet Europe’s ambitious climate targets while boosting economic growth — but meeting this opportunity requires modernising European energy systems, enhancing grid security and reliability, and empowering industrial transformation,” the company said in the post.
The new program will provide selected startups with technical support, mentorship, and access to Google’s cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and talent. Participants will also engage with experts from Google’s Energy and Sustainability teams as well as from Google Cloud.
Google said the accelerator is looking for startups focused on key areas of energy innovation, including software tools for utilities and grid operators, smart grid applications that enhance system stability, and industrial energy efficiency solutions. The program will emphasize support for companies tackling load optimization, decarbonization, and the integration of renewable energy into national grids.
Startups selected will receive mentorship, technical project support, access to AI tools, Google Cloud infrastructure and talent from across Google, the company said. Programming will include deep dives into AI and machine learning infrastructure, product design, go-to-market strategy, and leadership development.
With Europe facing mounting energy demands, rising costs, and ambitious net-zero targets, the integration of artificial intelligence into the energy sector is viewed as both a necessity and an opportunity, Google said. By supporting early-stage companies, Google hopes to accelerate the deployment of next-generation solutions capable of improving efficiency, increasing reliability, and reducing emissions.
The accelerator will combine virtual workshops with in-person networking opportunities, connecting founders with peers, Googlers, and partners across the energy ecosystem. A full list of program partners is available on the company’s accelerator website.
This latest announcement builds on Google’s ongoing efforts in the clean energy space. The company has previously committed to operating entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030 and has invested in renewable energy procurement, grid modernization, and data center efficiency.
