Google has opened applications for its accelerator programme for startups in Southeast Asia and Pakistan, according to an announcement.
The three-month virtual programme, called the Google for Startups Accelerator, is designed for high-potential seed to Series A tech startups that could help solve the region’s tech challenges.
Google is looking for 10-15 startups based in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand or Vietnam that are in the seed or Series A stage.
The accelerator will support these startups by providing the best of Google’s resources: Googler mentors, a network of new contacts to help them on their journeys, and the most cutting-edge technology.
As part of this programme, the selected founders will outline the top challenges facing their startups and will then be paired with relevant experts from Google and the industry to solve those challenges.
The participating startups will receive mentorship and specialised support from Google’s global mentor network, as well as access to Google’s AI/ML, Cloud, Android, Play and Web experts, the company announced.
Interested startups are encouraged to apply by Oct 7 2022.
“One explanation for this acceleration is that Pakistan and Southeast Asia both have a thriving youth population. These young people tend to be tech-savvy, have an interest in entrepreneurship and are more in tune with global trends. With that mindset, they’re often more inclined to use emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to solve problems and build digital products,” Google said.
Google said in its blog that in Southeast Asia alone, 80 million new users have come online since March 2020, boosting activity for startups developing digital products and services across a variety of industries.
Fundraising in Southeast Asia hit a record $11.5 billion in the first half of 2021. Separately, in Pakistan, startups raised $350 million in funding in 2021, five times the amount in 2020.