Deadline: Unspecified
Google is once again championing global innovation and social impact through its Startups for Sustainable Development Program 2025. This equity-free, global, and fully online initiative supports mission-driven startups using technology to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Whether your startup addresses climate change, financial inclusion, healthcare, education, or clean energy—the Google Startups for Sustainable Development Program 2025 offers a valuable opportunity to scale your impact with Google’s world-class resources.
About the Program
The Startups for Sustainable Development Program is part of Google’s broader effort to support social innovators worldwide. It is not a fixed-term accelerator but a flexible, ongoing programme that offers:
- Equity-free support
- Bespoke 1:1 technical and strategic mentoring from Google advisors and domain experts
- Workshops on AI/ML, product design, business growth, leadership, and fundraising
- Community-driven support from like-minded impact entrepreneurs
- Access to demo days and global networking opportunities
Unlike most startup accelerators, this initiative has no specific end date, region lock, or cohort structure—meaning eligible startups can join from anywhere, at any time.
Who is Eligible?
To be considered, your startup should:
- Be working directly to solve at least one UN SDG
- Use technology (especially AI or ML) to power your solution
- Have clearly defined technical or business challenges that Google can help address
- Be led by a team open to mentorship, knowledge sharing, and community engagement
This programme is especially ideal for startups in emerging markets or underrepresented regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Impact Case Studies
Previous participants have achieved measurable and large-scale impact:
- Boomitra, a startup using AI-powered soil analysis, enabled smallholder farmers to join global carbon markets. They’ve removed over 10 million tons of CO₂—with ambitions to reach gigaton levels by 2030.
- Other standout ventures include:
- Earthly (climate and nature restoration)
- Ignite Power (clean energy access)
- mDoc (digital health)
- OKO (agriculture insurance)
- SkillLab (employment through digital skills)
These startups are transforming lives across multiple continents, powered by technology and guided by social purpose.
Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025
In parallel with the SDG programme, Google runs the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa, a three-month hybrid accelerator targeting AI-enabled startups from across the continent. The 2025 cohort, made up of 15 startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Senegal, and South Africa, is currently underway and set to conclude this August.
This accelerator offers:
- Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
- Customised mentoring and leadership support
- Access to investor networks and Google specialists
If you are building an AI-first product in Africa, this could be a great future opportunity to explore.
How to Apply
Startups can apply to the Startups for Sustainable Development Program 2025 directly via Google’s dedicated platform. The application process is straightforward but competitive, so ensure your pitch highlights:
- Your impact thesis and how it aligns with specific SDGs
- The technology powering your solution (particularly AI/ML)
- Key areas where Google’s support could accelerate your progress
Final Thoughts
The Google Startups for Sustainable Development Program 2025 is more than just access to technical resources—it’s a global opportunity to scale sustainable impact, backed by one of the world’s leading tech giants.
Whether you are an early-stage startup or scaling your solution globally, this is a strategic chance to learn, grow, and connect with a purpose-driven ecosystem.
Need support with your application?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
