- Google has announced the expansion of its “Google AI Futures Fund” to Japan, a project supporting startups pioneering the future of AI.
- In partnership with KDDI, Google has launched the new “AI Startup Support Program” to boost the growth of Japan-origin, AI-native startups.
- Selected startups will receive joint equity investments from both the “Google AI Futures Fund” and the “KDDI Open Innovation Fund,” along with early access to Google’s cutting-edge AI tools.
On Tuesday, July 28, 2026 (local time), Google announced the expansion of the “Google AI Futures Fund” to Japan, a project designed to support startups shaping the future of AI.
As part of this expansion of the “Google AI Futures Fund” in Japan, Google is partnering with KDDI to launch the “AI Startup Support Program,” a new initiative designed to accelerate the growth of Japan-origin, AI-native startups.
Selected startups will receive joint equity investments from both the “Google AI Futures Fund” and KDDI’s corporate venture capital arm, the “KDDI Open Innovation Fund.” In addition, they will gain early access to Google’s cutting-edge AI tools—such as Gemini, Nano Banana, and Lyria—as well as the opportunity to provide direct feedback to Google’s development teams.
Participants will also receive Google Cloud credits, computing credits for GPUs, and access to the on-premises “Gemini on GDC” service provided for the Japanese market through KDDI’s Osaka Sakai Data Center. Furthermore, they will receive dedicated support, including technical assistance from researchers, engineers, and product managers from both Google and KDDI, as well as access to sales channels and business opportunities.
Google and KDDI are now accepting applications through the official “Google AI Futures Fund” website. For details regarding eligibility and application deadlines, please check the official “Google AI Futures Fund” website.
Source: Google (https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/models-and-research/google-labs/ai-startup-support-program-japan/)