Google for Startups Cloud Program

Two-tier program giving early startups a small credit grant and equity-funded startups up to $200K (or $350K for AI-first) in Google Cloud credits over two years.

Google CloudUpdated weekly · checked 30 h ago

Google for Startups Cloud Program is a cloud and infrastructure perk from Google Cloud worth up to $200,000 USD in Google Cloud (up to $350,000 USD for AI startups), for startups under 5 years old.

Who qualifies
Any startup
Benefit type
Credits
What you get

Inside Google for Startups Cloud Program

  • Start tier: up to $2,000 in credits for pre-funding startups.
  • Scale tier (equity-funded, pre-seed to Series A): 100% of eligible Google Cloud + Firebase spend up to $100,000 in year one and 20% up to $100,000 in year two (up to $200,000 total).
  • AI-first startups get up to $250,000 in year one and up to $350,000 total plus $12,000 Enhanced Support credits.

Source: The provider's official program page · as of Sep 27, 2026

Eligibility

Who it's for

Funding / backing
Any startup
Startup stage
Idea, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
Company age
Under 5 years old
Geography
Global
Recurring / expiry
Credits span two years; one-time enrollment.
Other requirements
Under 5 years old; not raised beyond Series A (within last 12 months); not a prior Google Cloud program participant. Scale tier requires equity funding (SAFEs qualify); Start tier open to unfunded. No equity taken.
How to claim

How to apply for Google for Startups Cloud Program

What to have ready
  • Confirmation you were founded within the last 5 years
Steps to apply
  1. 1Apply on the Google Cloud startup page;
  2. 2VC/accelerator association can auto-qualify the Scale tier.
Good to know: AI-first designation unlocks the highest ceiling.

Source: The provider's official program page · as of Sep 27, 2026

Value is the headline maximum Google Cloud advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. Independent comparison, not affiliated with the programs listed. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.
If you don't qualify

Compare other cloud & infrastructure programs

Google for Startups Cloud Program has eligibility restrictions. These alternatives have no accelerator or investor requirement. Check each provider’s current terms and availability.

Questions

Google for Startups Cloud Program: common questions

How much is Google for Startups Cloud Program worth?

Google for Startups Cloud Program is worth up to $200,000 USD in Google Cloud (up to $350,000 USD for AI startups). Start tier: up to $2,000 in credits for pre-funding startups. Scale tier (equity-funded, pre-seed to Series A): 100% of eligible Google Cloud + Firebase spend up to $100,000 in year one and 20% up to $100,000 in year two (up to $200,000 total). AI-first startups get up to $250,000 in year one and up to $350,000 total plus $12,000 Enhanced Support credits.

Who qualifies for Google for Startups Cloud Program?

Google for Startups Cloud Program is for idea-stage, pre-seed, seed and Series A startups under 5 years old. Under 5 years old; not raised beyond Series A (within last 12 months); not a prior Google Cloud program participant. Scale tier requires equity funding (SAFEs qualify); Start tier open to unfunded. No equity taken.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get Google for Startups Cloud Program?

No. Google for Startups Cloud Program is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for Google for Startups Cloud Program?

Apply on the Google Cloud startup page; VC/accelerator association can auto-qualify the Scale tier.

How long do I have to use Google for Startups Cloud Program, and does it expire?

Credits span two years; one-time enrollment.

Is Google for Startups Cloud Program available outside the US?

Google for Startups Cloud Program is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.

Complete guideGoogle for Startups: The Complete 2026 GuideA complete 2026 guide to Google for Startups: the Cloud Program's Start, Scale, and $350K AI tier, the equity-free Accelerator, the non-dilutive Founders Funds, exact eligibility, and how it compares to AWS Activate and Microsoft for Startups.
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