Google for Startups Cloud Program: AI

Google Cloud credits for early-stage AI startups.

Who it is for

  • A Pre-Seed or Seed round in the last 5 years, or a Series A in the last 12 months.
  • Company founded within the last 5 years.
  • The company has not received more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits.
  • Funding from institutional investors or VC firms; SAFEs count. Angel, grant and crowdfunding money does not qualify for this tier.

Check my eligibility

How to get it

  1. Check your round and company age against the program terms.
  2. Apply for the AI tier of the program.
  3. Wait for the Google Cloud decision.
  4. Activate the credits in your Google Cloud account.

Limitations

Credits cover Google models such as Gemini and Gemma. Third-party models are billed separately. In year two, 20% of spend is covered.

Application deadline
Not stated by the source
Activation window
Check when granted
Spending period
2 years from the program start
Later billing
Google Cloud billing. The company domain must not have had a paid Google Workspace plan within 31 days before applying.
Combining with other grants
Eligible if you received no more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits before.

Source and changes

Terms copied from the collection of 1 October 2026. Check the current version before applying.

The official page was checked automatically 18 hours ago, no changes found.

Other ways to get credits

Google Startup PerksGoogle Cloud · Cloud platform
$10 000For partner models in Model Garden

Only for Google for Startups Scale or Scale AI members

How hard to getHighFirst join Scale, then ask a Google Cloud representative
  • Startups
  • Through a Google Cloud representative
Google AI Pro for studentsGoogle · Subscription
1 year of AI ProInstead of $19.99 a month

For US college students aged 18+

How hard to getLowJust verify your student status
  • Students
  • US
  • Status verification on the Gemini site
Google Cloud Free TrialGoogle Cloud · Cloud platform
$300For 90 days

For new Google Cloud customers

How hard to getLowSign up with a card, no application or review
  • Developers, Startups
  • Sign-up on Google Cloud
Gemini API Free tierGoogle · Direct API
Amount not publishedFree

For developers and small projects

How hard to getLowJust get a key in Google AI Studio
  • Developers, Students
  • A key in Google AI Studio