Google is expanding its commitment to fostering innovation in artificial intelligence by announcing the second cohort for its AI Academy American Infrastructure Academy. This initiative targets early-stage companies leveraging AI to tackle pressing challenges across sectors like cybersecurity, education, and transportation.
The four-month program provides vital resources to startups at the seed to Series A stage. Participants benefit from equity-free support, including leadership development, sales training, and networking opportunities. While primarily virtual, the program culminates in an in-person summit at Google headquarters, allowing founders to connect and collaborate. Selection criteria were stringent, requiring companies to demonstrate at least six months of operating capital and proven market traction.
Google's previous cohort has already produced promising results. Cloverleaf AI, a government contractor from the inaugural class, secured a $2.8 million seed round, while Zordi, an autonomous agtech firm, raised $20 million from Khlosa Ventures. These success stories underscore Google's ability to identify and support high-potential AI startups. Furthermore, the program benefits from Google's partnerships with leading AI companies that utilize its cloud infrastructure.
The newly selected cohort includes a diverse range of companies poised to disrupt their respective industries:
Attuned Intelligence: Developing AI-powered voice agents for call centers.
Block Harbor: Providing cybersecurity solutions for vehicle systems.
CircNova: Utilizing AI to analyze RNA for therapeutic development.
CloudRig: Offering AI-driven technology for construction contractors to optimize scheduling, production, and work plans.
Making Space: Connecting employers with talented individuals with disabilities.
MedHaul: Linking healthcare organizations with non-emergency medical transportation for patients with mobility challenges.
Mpathic: Automating clinical workflows and providing AI oversight for clinical trials.
Nimblemind.ai: Streamlining health data organization.
Omnia Fishing: Providing personalized fishing recommendations based on location and conditions.
Otrafy: Automating supply management processes.
Partsimony: Assisting companies in building and managing supply chains.
Satlyt: Offering a computing platform for processing satellite data.
StudyFetch: Delivering personalized learning experiences for students, educators, and institutions.
Tansy AI: Empowering users to manage their health through appointment tracking and record management.
Tradeverifyd: Helping businesses track global supply chain risk.
Vetr Health: Offering at-home veterinary care services for pets.
Waterplan: Enabling businesses to monitor and manage water risk.
The AI Academy American Infrastructure Academy is one component of Google's broader investment in AI research and development. Other initiatives include the AI Futures Fund, which backs startups building with DeepMind's latest AI tools. Google's philanthropic arm has also committed $20 million to AI research and an AI accelerator program for nonprofits. In addition, Sundar Pichai announced a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund to promote AI education worldwide. Google also operates other Academies, such as its Founders Academy and Growth Academy, to assist entrepreneurs. The Google for Startups Founders Fund intends to support AI-focused startups this year.