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Google has launched a new program called the AI Futures Fund. The fund aims to support startups using Google’s latest AI tools and research. It offers early access to Google DeepMind, Gemini Models, as well as direct investments. Google shared this update on May 12, 2025, according to Business Today.
This new initiative will help startups at all stages, from seed to late stage. Unlike traditional programs, it doesn’t have fixed deadlines, startups can apply anytime. Selected companies will also get credit for Google Cloud to grow their operations.
The AI Futures Fund is not just about money. Google wants to help startups build real, useful products. The selected companies will work closely with Google’s AI teams. These include experts from Google DeepMind and Google Labs.
They will get hands-on help from researchers, designers, engineers, and marketing specialists. Google will also offer early access to its most powerful AI models. These include Gemini, which handles language tasks. There is also Imagen for image generation, and Veo for video creation.
In a statement, Google said, “We work closely with ambitious startups across all stages to quickly enable groundbreaking 0-to-1 products and features.” The fund will offer flexible support based on the needs of each company.
The program works on a rolling basis. This means there are no fixed windows or deadlines. Google will select startups when it finds good matches. A spokesperson said, “We’re not announcing a specific fund size at this time, and check sizes vary based on the company’s stage and needs.”
Some startups will also receive direct funding from Google while others may just get support and early access to tools. Google wants to help startups grow faster using its AI research and cloud services.
Google has already supported a few startups under this program. One of them is Viggle, a platform that creates memes using AI. It uses Gemini, Imagen, and Veo to build new kinds of content. Another company is Toonsutra, a webtoon app from India that uses Gemini to translate comics into Indian languages. The AI Futures Fund adds to Google’s recent efforts to boost AI innovation. In September 2023, Google launched a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund. This fund helps bring AI education and training to more people around the world.
In November, Google.org, the company’s charity arm, committed $20 million to AI research. It also announced an generative AI accelerator for nonprofits. This helps them build new tools using AI. Google has also invested in other AI startups. The company put over $1 billion into Anthropic, a major AI firm. This follows earlier investments of $2 billion and a strong partnership in cloud technology.
The AI Futures Fund also connects with Google’s other startup programs. One of them is the Google for Startups Founders Fund, which recently started focusing on AI companies in the U.S. Startups interested in joining the program can apply online. Applications opened on May 12, 2025, and have no deadlines. Companies can apply when they’re ready and Google will review applications as they come in.
This new fund shows Google’s long-term commitment to shaping the future of AI. By supporting promising startups early, the company hopes to lead in the next generation of AI breakthroughs.