The equity-free programme spans three months, covering AI integration, security, and monetisation. Startups span edtech, healthtech, gaming, and fintech.
Google has selected 20 Indian startups for the 2026 cohort of its Google Play Accelerator India programme, the company said. This is the third batch since the equity-free accelerator launched in 2024.
The three-month programme gives founders hands-on support across AI integration, app quality, security, growth, and monetisation. Startups span edtech, healthtech, gaming, agritech, fintech, ecommerce, and media.
“Through Google Play Accelerator India, we want to support founders across the full journey, from product quality and AI integration to growth, security, monetisation, and global scale,” Google Play Partnerships managing director Aditya Swamy said. “The 2026 cohort reflects the ambition of Indian startups to build trusted, useful products for India and the world.”
Selected startups include ChennaiGames, a mobile game studio behind titles such as MR RACER and LudoX; Dalvoy, an AI edtech platform that builds personalised learning tools for competitive exam preparation; and Frontier Markets, a rural social commerce and last-mile distribution network that connects brands with rural consumers through women entrepreneurs.
HeyDoc AI offers AI-powered tools for hospitals and public health systems that automate patient interactions and clinical workflows. The agritech platform Plutus Labs combines AI-generated game creation, social interaction, and creator monetisation. Other picks include Lingopanda, an AI language-learning app focused on conversational English; Machaxi, a sports tech platform for booking and participating in activities; and MindYourLogic Studios, which builds brain-training games and educational content.
The cohort also features regional OTT streaming service which is available as an add-on via Amazon Prime Video Channels; mixed reality gaming startup that makes a smart cricket bat with motion sensors; and Zave, an AI shopping assistant that analyses products in real time across ecommerce platforms.
MrMed, a specialised online pharmacy for chronic and life-threatening conditions, was selected alongside fintech SaaS platform Swipe, which helps small businesses create GST-compliant invoices and manage accounting. UrbanPro connects learners with verified tutors and coaching providers. ZET, rebranded from OneCode in 2023, offers secured credit cards backed by fixed deposits and UPI payments linked to credit cards.
Google introduced the accelerator in 2024 and has now completed three cohorts. The company did not disclose whether it plans additional cohorts this year.
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