AI Startup Support Program by KDDI & Google AI Futures Fund
Creating next-generation innovative AI services from Japan:
A joint support and investment program by Google and KDDI for AI startups in Japan.
Overview
This initiative brings together two leading investment platforms:
- Google AI Futures Fund, which supports top-tier AI startups globally
- KDDI Open Innovation Fund, KDDI's corporate venture fund
Through this collaboration, we offer a co-investment program dedicated to empowering AI startups in Japan.
What We Provide
Beyond funding, selected startups will gain access to a comprehensive support package designed to help them build globally competitive AI businesses.
| Funding | Up to $2 million in co-investment per startup. |
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| Early Access to Google AI Models | Early access to advanced models from Google DeepMind, like Gemini, Nano Banana, and Lyria. |
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| AI Infrastructure | Up to $350,000 in credits for Google AI tools and Google Cloud. Advanced GPUs available exclusively at the KDDI Osaka Sakai Data Center. |
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| Direct Expert Support | Hands-on technical and business support from Google and KDDI experts, including researchers, engineers, product managers, and designers. Opportunities for joint development and partnerships. |
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Program Operators
■ Google AI Futures Fund
Google AI Futures Fund backs those building what's next in AI, accelerating the almost possible through capital, distribution, and early access to Google DeepMind models.
■KDDI Open Innovation Fund
With over 15 years of activity and investments in more than 175 companies globally, the fund leverages KDDI's business assets to drive co-creation with startups.
It supports the commercialization of innovative technologies and fosters the growth of next-generation businesses.
QA
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AThe AI Startup Support Program is a joint initiative from Google AI Futures Fund and KDDI Open Innovation Fund, built to identify, fund, and accelerate innovative AI-native startups in Japan. It provides a unique blend of equity investment, compute resources, technical and business support, and early access to advanced Google DeepMind AI models to help accelerate the growth of Japan's AI ecosystem.
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AThe AI Startup Support Program focuses on five key areas that are expected to shape the future: the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity, and entertainment.
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ASelected startups may be eligible for joint funding from Google AI Futures Fund and KDDI Open Innovation Fund, as well as AI infrastructure, early access to advanced AI models, and technical and business growth support from experienced experts.
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AThe AI Startup Support Program is an equity-based investment program. Participants are required to provide an equity share in their company in exchange for capital investment and other program resources. Additionally, participants are expected to use Google AI in a meaningful way within their business. This is not an exclusivity requirement, and teams are welcome to use other AI technologies and tools alongside Google AI.
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AWe are looking for full-time founders and startups from across Japan. Preference is given to startups with demonstrated traction from Pre-Seed to Series A. However, founders and researchers with ambitious ideas and a strong plan to bring them to life are encouraged to apply regardless of stage.
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AApplications are open now and do not close. Companies may apply at any time.
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AYes. Participants are expected to use Google AI models in a materially impactful way. However, this is not an exclusivity requirement, and teams are welcome to use other AI technologies and tools alongside Google AI.
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ANo. While it is not required to be technical or an expert in Google AI, we do evaluate a team's ability to successfully execute its vision and leverage AI tools to drive meaningful business outcomes. Ultimately, we are looking for teams that can turn their ideas into reality.
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AOur teams will review your application and evaluate it against criteria aligned with our investment priorities. As part of the selection process, we may contact you to request additional information or schedule follow-up discussions.
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AWe will begin notifying selected applicants in September.
