Google's Latest Start-Up Cohort is Targeting Energy Security

Over the next five years global annual electricity demand is set to be 50% higher on average compared with the average across the previous decade, according to research from the International Energy Agency.

This demand is said to be driven by manufacturing, electrification and digital infrastructure, presenting a vast opportunity for smarter grid growth.

Google is announcing, for the second year in a row, the open call for applications for its ‘Google for Start-Ups Accelerator’, supporting start-ups that are using AI to modernise grids and create energy efficiency and security.

Can AI improve the resilience of power grids?

The equity-free programme is designed to support climate-tech innovators developing next-generation sustainable energy solutions through artificial intelligence.

Running from September to November, the initiative blends virtual sessions with in-person collaboration, linking founders with Googlers, energy utilities, investors and technical specialists.

Google highlights several priority areas where AI can directly support energy systems, including:

• Improving how utilities manage flexible energy resources through advanced data optimisation

• Accelerating the rollout of new power generation and transmission infrastructure

• Expanding access to affordable and efficient energy solutions

Participating start-ups gain access to Google Cloud infrastructure, AI tools such as Gemini and dedicated technical mentorship to help refine and scale their technologies.

“No single company can solve the energy crisis alone,” says Adam Elman, Google's Director of Sustainability for the EMEA region.

“Our goal is to foster a collaborative ecosystem where ground-breaking, market-ready start-ups can leverage Google’s AI and cloud expertise to sharpen their technology.

“By helping these companies improve and scale, we’re accelerating the deployment of solutions that are critical to a sustainable future”

With a focus on grid modernisation, demand optimisation and efficiency, the programme aims to enable more flexible, low-carbon and resilient energy networks.

Scaling solutions for the energy transition

The accelerator has already demonstrated how AI can deliver tangible improvements across energy systems.

Start-ups from the 2025 cohort reported measurable gains using Google’s technology stack.

US-based Artemis enhanced solar imaging accuracy while reducing costs for households through AI-driven analysis.

“Google’s AI for Energy helped us use generative AI to improve our platform,” says Walid Halty, Co-Founder & CEO at Artemis.

“The Gemini and GCP team gave us access to cutting-edge tools and pushed our tech further.”

France’s Tilt Energy expanded its distributed energy platform across multiple markets, helping utilities better manage demand during peak grid stress.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Delfos advanced predictive maintenance capabilities that can detect renewable energy asset failures up to 300 days in advance, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

“The accelerator sharpened out technology, clarified our GTM strategy and unlocked speed in execution,” says Guilherme Studart, CEO of Delfos Energy.

“We’re now better equipped and more confident to scale globally," he adds.

These outcomes support Google’s wider ambition to enable the clean energy transition, alongside its target of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy across all data centres and campuses by 2030.

Following the success of the 2025 cohort, where 29 start-ups from Europe and the US raised more than US$140m, the programme is being expanded to further accelerate AI-led energy innovation.

Building a global energy innovation network

Beyond the accelerator itself, Google is developing a broader ecosystem to support energy and climate innovation at scale.

Since 2021, the Google for Start-Ups Accelerator: Climate Change has supported 83 start-ups across five continents, offering access to engineering expertise, technical infrastructure and global partnerships.

This sits alongside complementary initiatives such as:

• AI for Science, which provides mentorship and pro bono support to organisations developing high-impact AI applications

• Start-ups for Sustainable Development, which aims to back more than 800 start-ups across 80 countries aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Together, these programmes connect research, commercial innovation and energy system transformation.

By providing access to tools including Google Cloud, Google Earth Engine, environmental datasets and advanced AI modelling, Google is lowering barriers to entry for start-ups tackling energy challenges.

The result is a growing pipeline of technologies capable of strengthening grid infrastructure, reducing emissions and supporting a more secure and scalable global energy system.