The AI Startup Support Program focuses on startups exploring five distinct technological futures, all of which will reshape Japan and the broader world in the coming years: the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity, and entertainment.

Selected startups will be eligible for joint funding from Google AI Futures Fund and KDDI Open Innovation Fund, as well as Google Cloud credits, and credits for sovereign Gemini and GPUs uniquely provisioned in Japan via KDDI’s Osaka-Sakai Data Center. Additionally, teams receive early access to cutting-edge models from Google DeepMind (such as Gemini, Gemma, Nano Banana, and Lyria). Participants also get hands-on technical mentorship and go-to-market support from Google DeepMind, Google Labs, and other Google teams globally, as well as dedicated teams of experts from KDDI.

The AI Startup Support Program is an equity-based investment program, so participants are required to provide an equity share in their company, in exchange for capital investment and other program resources. Specific terms will be negotiated on a company-by-company basis. Additionally, program participants are required to use Google AI in some material way. We understand that companies use a variety of models, but we look for applications that will use at least some part of Google’s core AI stack in an impactful way. This is not an exclusivity requirement, however. Teams are welcome to use other models and tools in addition to Google’s AI technologies.

We’re looking for current full-time founders and startups from across Japan. We’re seeking applicants with big ideas that drive impact in Japan across our thematic areas: the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity, and entertainment. While preference is given to startups with funding and commercial traction (pre-seed to series A), we consider all founders and researchers with great ideas and a strong plan for how to build them.

Applications are open now; they do not close. Companies can apply at any time.

Applications are open now, and being handled by our partners at KDDI. Visit their website here or via the “Apply Now” link above. For a Japanese version, please visit this page instead.

Yes. We understand that companies and teams use a variety of models, but we are seeking teams that will use Google’s AI models in a materially impactful way. This is not an exclusivity requirement, however. Teams are welcome to use other models and tools in addition to Google’s AI technologies.

All founders with a startup idea are eligible to apply (Pre-Seed to Series C+). While commercial traction is a strong data point of startup success, we are open to all Japanese startups with a clear idea that generates high impact using Google AI.

While not required, we do evaluate team composition and completeness as part of the application process.

While it is not required to be technical or an expert in Google AI, we evaluate technical proficiency as part of the application process, especially with regard to the expertise and experience required to drive successful outcomes with AI tools. Ultimately, we are seeking teams that we are confident will be successful in building their vision.

Our teams will review your application and evaluate it against a series of criteria tied to our investment focus areas. We may reach out to you for additional information as we make our final selection decisions.

We will notify selected applicants on a rolling basis.

We will notify you if you were not selected. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide feedback to all applicants.

KDDI Open Innovation Fund has committed to supporting startups both in Japan and overseas for 15 years since 2011. Its open innovation initiatives have been highly recognized, earning the No. 1 ranking for nine consecutive years in the “Innovative Companies Ranking” as selected by promising startups. Furthermore, since 2025, KDDI has strengthened its collaboration with U.S. venture capital firms to enhance cross-border support for startups globally.

The Google AI Futures Fund (AIFF) backs those building what’s next in AI, accelerating the almost possible. Through capital, distribution, and early access to Google DeepMind models, AIFF braves the frontier with global partners who disregard the impossible. As patrons for the new architects of creativity and code, AIFF funds the catalysts charting the course into a boundless future.