Wrappers to Winners: Why Google Chose India for Its First AI Futures Fund

Google and Accel have teamed up to launch their first-ever AI Cohort in India, a pre-seed program designed to back the country’s most ambitious AI founders at a moment when global giants like Microsoft are announcing multibillion-dollar AI investments in India. In this episode, host Anirban Chowdhury talks to Jonathan Silber, Co-Founder & Director of AI Futures Fund, Google, and Accel partners Prayank Swaroop and Pratik Agarwal to unpack why India was chosen as the global starting point, what the program offers, and how it aims to shape the next wave of AI innovation. From early access to cutting-edge Google DeepMind models to hands-on mentorship from engineers, researchers and venture partners, the guests explain how the cohort is built to give Indian startups a genuine global advantage. They discuss the surge in AI adoption across India, the challenges founders face in scaling internationally, and why both organisations believe India is ready to produce category-leading AI companies for the world. Tune in.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: X and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like ET in the Valley:  Grant Lee, Co-Founder & CEO of Gamma, ET in the Valley: Databricks Co-founder Patrick Wendell, ET in the Valley: Replit Founder and CEO Amjad Masad, ET in the Valley: ElevenLabs Co-Founder Mati Staniszewski and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.