Google DeepMind Launches AI for the Planet Accelerator, Calls for Asia-Pacific Innovators

The Asia-Pacific region remains the world’s most disaster-prone, with climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters. According to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), climate-related disasters could cost the region nearly US$1 trillion annually – around 3% of regional GDP – under a 2°C global warming scenario.

Although green technologies are expanding across the region, experts say they are not scaling quickly enough to address the growing environmental challenges.

To help bridge this gap, Google DeepMind, Google’s AI research division, has launched the inaugural AI for the Planet Accelerator. The three-month program will support 10 to 15 startups, research teams, and non-profit organizations based in the Asia-Pacific region that are using advanced artificial intelligence to tackle environmental issues.

Selected participants will receive:

• Access to Google’s advanced AI technology stack, including frontier AI models.
• One-on-one mentorship from Google engineers and AI experts.
• A week-long in-person bootcamp followed by three months of virtual support.
• Potential Google Cloud credits and complimentary Cloud TPUs.
• An opportunity to pitch their solutions during a Demo Day attended by investors and industry partners.
• Membership in the Google Accelerator Alumni network, which includes more than 2,000 startups and non-profits worldwide.

The accelerator is seeking projects focused on climate, nature conservation, agriculture, sustainability, and clean energy, with particular interest in AI-powered solutions for forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agriculture.

To qualify, applicants must have a functional prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) with early validation, an in-house team with strong AI and machine learning expertise, and a solution where artificial intelligence is the core technology. Teams should also demonstrate the potential to integrate Google AI models such as Gemini, Gemma, AlphaEarth, Forestry, or Perch.

Additionally, at least two to three senior leaders – including founders or C-suite executives – must actively participate throughout the accelerator.

Applications are now OPEN, with the deadline set for July 26, 2026.