Google Kicks Off Third Edition of Launchpad Accelerator Programme

US tech giant Google on Thursday asked for applications to attend the next session of its Launchpad Accelerator programme through which startups can utilise Googles mentorship and product access to scale business and capitalise on local markets, while also tapping into new global opportunities.

The Launchpad Accelerator is a specially-designed class to help startups in emerging markets find solutions to their business challenges and successfully scale.

"Developers are in an ever-changing landscape and seek technical training. We've also seen a huge surge in the number of developers starting their own companies. Lastly, this is an unique opportunity to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and emerging markets. To date Launchpad Accelerator has nearly 50 alumni in India, Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico. Startups in these markets are tackling critical local problems, but they often lack access to the resources and network we have here. This dedicated space will enable us to regularly engage with developers and serve their evolving needs, whether that is to build a product, grow a company or make revenue," Roy Glasberg, Global Lead, Launchpad Accelerator, Google, said in an emailed statement.

The startups that can apply for the programme have to be a tech startup aiming to solve a real challenge for the local market and should have proven market fit, essentially beyond the ideation stage.

The equity-free programme will begin on January 30 next year in San Francisco and will include two weeks of all-expense-paid training.

The applications can be submitted by October 24 at the Launchpad Accelerator page.