Google and KDDI Launch AI Startup Support Program in Japan

Google and KDDI Launch AI Startup Support Program in Japan The Google AI Futures Fund and Japanese telecom company KDDI have partnered to launch the AI Startup Support Program, offering equity investments, early model access, and compute resources to Japanese AI-native startups. Selected startups will receive joint equity investments from the Google AI Futures Fund and KDDI Open Innovation Fund. Participants gain early access to Google AI models such as Gemini, Nano Banana, and Lyria, alongside hands-on technical guidance from Google and KDDI specialists.

Google与KDDI联合推出日本AI创业支持计划 Google AI Futures Fund与日本电信运营商KDDI达成合作，推出AI创业支持计划（AI Startup Support Program），以扶持日本本土的创新型AI原生初创企业。 入选企业将获得Google AI Futures Fund与KDDI Open Innovation Fund的联合股权投资 提供Gemini、Nano Banana、Lyria等最新AI模型的早期访问权限及研究团队对接机会

Jonathan Silber Co-Founder & Director, Google AI Futures Fund Jul 28, 2026 The Google AI Futures Fund backs the startups that are building what’s next in AI — and we’re extending our support to Japan. In partnership with Japanese telecom leader KDDI, we’re launching the AI Startup Support Program to accelerate the most innovative AI-native Japanese startups. This initiative is built on our conviction that Japan is home to some of the most visionary AI builders in the world. Selected startups will receive: Joint funding: Equity investments from both the AI Futures Fund and KDDI Open Innovation Fund. The latest AI models: Early access to some of Google’s most advanced AI tools — including Gemini, Nano Banana, and Lyria — plus, opportunities to provide feedback to the researchers building them. Compute credits: Google Cloud credits, as well as credits for sovereign Gemini and GPUs, uniquely provisioned in Japan via KDDI’s Osaka-Sakai Data Center. Dedicated support: Hands-on technical support from a network of Google and KDDI researchers, engineers, product managers, and more, as well as distribution and business opportunities. Learn more about the program on the AI Futures Fund website . We encourage any Japanese team with an ambitious vision to apply. Related stories