Google and KDDI launched the AI Startup Support Program to accelerate AI-native startups in Japan, combining investments from Google’s AI Futures Fund and the KDDI Open Innovation Fund. Selected companies will receive early access to Google AI models, including Gemini, Nano Banana and Lyria, with opportunities to provide feedback to the researchers developing them. Participants will receive Google Cloud credits alongside sovereign Gemini and GPU capacity provisioned in Japan through KDDI’s Osaka-Sakai Data Center. The program also includes hands-on technical support from Google and KDDI researchers, engineers and product teams, as well as potential distribution and business development opportunities. For founders, the initiative combines funding, compute access and technical expertise within one support program. By pairing advanced model access with Japan-based infrastructure and commercial support, Google and KDDI aim to help local AI startups develop products faster and strengthen Japan’s broader AI ecosystem.