Google launched the accelerator to create a new generation of AI-powered cybersecurity companies.
Google launched the Gemini Startup Forum: Cybersecurity, an accelerator program designed to help early-stage companies develop AI-powered cybersecurity technologies as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated.
The announcement of the program’s first cohort of 33 startups marks the initiative’s official launch. Google wants to accelerate the development of new defensive technologies by giving startups access to technical expertise, AI resources, and mentorship.
Participants will work with experts from Google Cloud, Google DeepMind, and Wiz, Google’s recently acquired cloud security business, and collaborate with other startups in the program.
Rather than concentrating on a single area of security, Google selected startups across six technology categories that reflect the breadth of challenges organizations face as they deploy AI:
- AI agent security and governance
- AI identity and access management
- AI data security
- AI security operations
- AI application security
- Post-quantum cryptography
Sandra Joyce, VP, Google Threat Intelligence, said: “This year’s cohort reflects the industry’s transition from perimeter defense to autonomous AI agent security — emphasizing enterprise governance and the safe deployment of self-governing AI.”
Some of the highlighted startups include Capsule Security, which develops AI agent security technologies; Arcjet, which focuses on application security; and Prowler, which provides cloud security solutions.
Google did not announce when applications for a future cohort will open.
