TL;DR:
- Google introduces its North America-wide cloud accelerator program for startups.
- Canadian startups Oncoustics and OneCup AI were among the 12 selected participants.
- Google expanded the program to include the United States after piloting it in Canada.
- Participants gain access to cloud mentorship, technical project support, and workshops on key areas.
- Oncoustics focuses on developing affordable ultrasound systems for preventative care and early intervention.
- OneCup AI utilizes computer vision AI for livestock tracking and monitoring solutions.
- Canadian startups form a smaller portion of the cohort, consistent with previous Google accelerators.
- Google’s efforts extend to supporting women and Black founders with dedicated programs.
Main AI News:
In a move aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancement, Google has introduced its exclusive cloud accelerator program for startups in North America. The inaugural cohort consists of 12 promising startups, with two Canadian companies, Oncoustics and OneCup AI, making the coveted list.
While Canadian startups represent a minority in this year’s cohort, it is worth noting that the Google for Startups Accelerator: Cloud program was initially limited to Canadian companies in the preceding years. Recognizing the robust demand for an accelerator catering to cloud-native startups throughout North America, Google extended the program to include participants from the United States.
The cloud accelerator offers a wide array of benefits to its participants. Entrepreneurs gain access to invaluable cloud mentorship, technical project support, and engaging workshops focusing on crucial areas such as product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development. The aim is to equip these startups with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic business landscape.
Among the esteemed participants is Toronto-based medtech startup, Oncoustics. Committed to revolutionizing healthcare, Oncoustics specializes in the development of affordable point-of-care ultrasound systems. These innovative systems incorporate portable surveillance, diagnostic, and monitoring capabilities, enabling proactive preventative care and early intervention. By participating in the Google for Startups Accelerator: Cloud program, Oncoustics aims to enhance its expertise in scaling machine learning environments and streamlining the development of cutting-edge diagnostic products.
Another notable participant hailing from Vancouver is OneCup AI, a pioneering company leveraging computer vision AI to create advanced tracking and monitoring solutions for the livestock industry. By joining forces with Google’s cloud accelerator, OneCup AI seeks to optimize its algorithms and leverage the robust infrastructure provided by Google’s suite of cloud-computing services.
While the representation of Canadian startups in this cohort may seem modest, it aligns with the overall trend observed in Google’s other accelerators open to both Canadian and American entrepreneurs. In 2020, Google launched the Women Founders and Black Founders programs, designed to support female and Black entrepreneurs, respectively. While the Women Founders program has been accessible to participants from both Canada and the U.S. since its inception, the accelerator for Black entrepreneurs initially catered exclusively to the U.S. market before expanding to include Canadian participants a year later.
The previous cohorts of both the Women Founders and Black Founders programs demonstrated a similar pattern, with a predominance of U.S. startups. In the women founders’ cohort, for instance, three Canadian companies were selected out of a total of 12 participants: Blossom: Social Investing, Emaww, and MedEssist. Likewise, the Black founders’ program featured three Canadian startups, including Node, Beam.city DNA, and HumanSquad.
Conclusion:
The inclusion of Canadian startups Oncoustics and OneCup AI in Google’s North America-wide cloud accelerator program signals an expansion of opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region. This move highlights Google’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement beyond its initial pilot in Canada. The program’s focus on cloud mentorship and technical support equips startups with the necessary tools to thrive in today’s business landscape. Additionally, the representation of Canadian startups in this cohort aligns with the broader trend observed in Google’s other accelerators. This expansion signifies a growing market for cloud-native startups and demonstrates Google’s dedication to supporting diverse founders through initiatives like the Women Founders and Black Founders programs. Overall, this development presents a positive outlook for the market, encouraging collaboration and driving groundbreaking advancements in technology within the startup ecosystem.
