Empowering India’s Next Wave of AI Entrepreneurs

India’s startup ecosystem is buzzing again, but this time, it’s not just about funding rounds or market share.
It’s about skills.

From November 27 to December 7, Google for Startups and Scaler are coming together to host a two-week AI-Skilling Program exclusively for Indian founders and startup leaders.
The initiative aims to help early-stage entrepreneurs build, deploy, and scale products using generative AI, the technology shaping the future of global business.

This collaboration signals a shift: the next unicorns won’t just be digital; they’ll be AI-native.

The Vision Behind the Program

Both Google and Scaler recognize that AI has moved from a research trend to a business necessity.
However, most founders still lack the practical understanding needed to apply AI effectively in real-world scenarios.

The AI-Skilling Program bridges that gap by combining:

• Google’s deep AI expertise and cloud ecosystem, and
  
• Scaler’s education platform and mentoring network for engineers and startup builders.
  

Together, they’re creating a “skills-to-scale pipeline”, transforming curiosity into capability.

Inside the Two-Week Curriculum

The program is designed as an intensive bootcamp blending hands-on sessions, mentorship, and strategic learning.
Key highlights include:

1️. AI Fundamentals for Founders

Explaining how machine learning and generative models like Gemini and Gemma actually work — and how to apply them for problem-solving rather than just hype.

2️. Building AI Products on Google Cloud

Workshops on deploying scalable AI services, using Vertex AI, PaLM API, and Firebase ML to develop real prototypes.

3️. Ethics and Responsible AI

Sessions on ensuring fairness, transparency, and bias mitigation in AI systems are now a crucial differentiator for global investors.

4️. Go-to-Market Strategy

Mentors from Google for Startups and Scaler Academy will guide founders on marketing, monetization, and pitch design for AI-based products.

5️. Demo Day & Investor Connect

The program will conclude with a Demo Day where top teams showcase solutions to Google and Scaler’s venture partners giving them exposure, feedback, and potential funding opportunities.

Why This Initiative Matters

1. Democratizing AI Access

By offering this training free for selected founders, Google and Scaler are removing knowledge barriers that often separate India’s Tier-1 and Tier-2 startup hubs.
It ensures talent, not location decides opportunity.

2. From Founders to Builders

The program focuses on execution, not theory.
Instead of abstract AI talks, participants will walk away with deployable prototypes and business models.

3. Global Visibility for Indian Startups

Google’s involvement guarantees exposure to international mentors, investors, and accelerator networks.
That means Indian founders can scale globally from day one.

A Moment in India’s Startup Story

India currently boasts over 115 unicorns and more than 90,000 registered startups, according to DPIIT.
But the next generation will need a new edge, AI capability.

This program aligns perfectly with India’s National AI Mission and the government’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
For founders, it’s a chance to move beyond “digital enablement” into “AI empowerment.”

As one Scaler mentor put it:

“We’re not teaching how to use AI tools, we’re teaching how to build them.”

India’s Growing AI Momentum

• Over 60% of Indian enterprises have already adopted some form of AI, according to NASSCOM 2025.
  
• India’s AI market is expected to reach $17 billion by 2027.
  
• Global tech giants are betting big — from Reliance and Google’s AI Pro offer for Jio users to Amazon’s Project Aurora for SMBs.
  

The Skilling Program arrives at the perfect time to equip Indian founders to lead this AI wave, not just ride it.

Expected Outcomes

Creation of AI-Ready Startups – Founders who understand both the business and technical sides of AI.
Regional Inclusion – Tier-2 cities like Pune, Indore and Coimbatore expected to see new AI startups.
Mentor Multiplier Effect – Alumni will mentor the next batch, creating a self-sustaining AI learning loop.

 “India’s startup future is being rewired for intelligence.”

Final Takeaway: Skill Before Scale

For India’s founders, the message is clear, AI literacy is the new currency of entrepreneurship.

With this program, Google and Scaler aren’t just teaching AI; they’re building an ecosystem where innovation meets inclusion.
Whether you’re a solo founder in Bangalore or a startup dreamer in Nagpur, this bootcamp is your runway to the AI economy.

Because in the age of intelligence, the strongest companies won’t be those with the most users, but those with the most understanding.

And this initiative is India’s first step toward that future.