Google announces latest AI American Infrastructure Academy cohort
Google has officially unveiled the second cohort for its AI Academy American Infrastructure Academy, an initiative designed to bolster companies leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle critical challenges across sectors like cybersecurity, education, and transportation.
This four-month, equity-free program is specifically tailored for startups ranging from seed to Series A stages. Participants gain access to invaluable resources, including bespoke leadership coaching and comprehensive sales training. While predominantly virtual, the program culminates in an in-person summit where founders will converge at Google’s facilities. Applications for this highly competitive program were open for a brief window from late April to mid-May, with selected companies required to demonstrate a minimum of six months of financial runway and proven market traction.
Google boasts a commendable history of identifying and nurturing promising AI startups. Previous alumni from the AI Academy’s inaugural cohort last year include Cloverleaf AI, a government contractor that subsequently secured a $2.8 million seed round, and Zordi, an autonomous agtech firm that had already raised $20 million from Khlosa Ventures. Google’s strategic partnerships also extend to many of the most significant AI companies that utilize its robust cloud infrastructure.
The latest cohort comprises a diverse array of innovative companies: Attuned Intelligence, developing AI-powered voice agents for call centers; Block Harbor, focused on cybersecurity solutions for vehicle systems; CircNova, which employs AI to analyze RNA for therapeutic applications; and CloudRig, providing AI technology to assist contractors in managing schedules, production, and work plans. Further, Making Space connects employers with disabled talent; MedHaul facilitates non-emergency medical transportation by linking healthcare organizations to mobility services for patients; and Mpathic automates clinical workflows and offers AI oversight for clinical trials.
The cohort also includes Nimblemind.ai, which aids in organizing health data; Omnia Fishing, providing personalized fishing suggestions; Otrafy, automating supply management processes; and Partsimony, helping companies build and manage their supply chains. Rounding out the selections are Satlyt, a computing platform for processing satellite data; StudyFetch, offering personalized learning experiences for students, educators, and institutions; Tansy AI, enabling users to manage their health records and appointments; Tradeverifyd, assisting businesses in tracking global supply chain risks; Vetr Health, providing at-home veterinary care; and Waterplan, which helps businesses monitor water risk.
This initiative is one of many through which Google actively invests in AI startups and research. Earlier this year, Google launched its inaugural AI Futures Fund to back startups building with the latest AI tools developed by DeepMind. Additionally, Google’s charitable arm has committed $20 million to researchers harnessing AI for scientific breakthroughs and another $20 million through an AI accelerator program for nonprofits developing AI technology. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, also announced a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund aimed at making AI education more accessible worldwide.
Beyond the AI Academy, Google operates other prominent programs like its Founders Academy and Growth Academy, further demonstrating its dedication to nurturing emerging businesses. A Google spokesperson confirmed earlier this year that the Google for Startups Founders Fund would also begin directing its support towards AI-focused startups this year, solidifying the company’s pervasive commitment to the advancement of artificial intelligence.
