accelerator

“Introducing the $20M Generative AI Accelerator Program by Google.org”

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Google.org, Google’s charitable wing, is launching a new program to help fund nonprofits developing tech that leverages generative AI. Called Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI, the program is to be funded by $20 million in grants and include 21 nonprofits to start, including Quill.org, a company creating AI-powered tools for student writing feedback, and World Bank, which is building a generative AI app to make development research more accessible. “Generative AI can help social impact teams be more productive, creative and effective in serving their communities,” Annie Lewin, director of global advocacy at Google.org, said in a blog post. But there remain significant barriers for nonprofits looking to build their own AI solutions or adopt third-party products — chiefly cost, resources and time. Nonprofit accelerator Fast Forward said that this year, more than a third of applicants for its latest class were AI companies.

Techstars refreshes its approach: Concerns raised by ex-employees over straying from original winning formula

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As Techstars retools, some former staffers say it lost focus on what made it successfulWell-known accelerator group Techstars announced a slew of changes to its operations this week, including the shuttering of some of its city-based programs. And one former Techstars managing director (MD) told TechCrunch that the move away from local fundraising for city-based accelerator programs was an error. One former managing director (MD) said that having local limited partner investors in Techstars meant that more people in those cities had a stake in its local programs. The shift away from local capital and more focus on corporate dollars meant that city-based boosters and founders were less central to Techstars’ focus, the MD said. Still, Techstars faces competition, not just from Y Combinator domestically, but from other accelerator programs in the US and elsewhere around the world.

“Exploring the Benefits of Accelerators and Incubators: A Discussion with Emily Knight at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024”

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Emily Knight will talk about choosing an accelerator or incubator at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024In just three short months, TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 — our one-day founder summit/bootcamp — kicks off on April 25 in Boston. Emily Knight’s talking at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024Turning a deep tech breakthrough into a tech startup — and then turning it into a commercial success — is a series of complex challenges. TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 takes place on April 25, 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts. Buy a TC Early Stage pass now — saving up to $300 — and join us in Boston! Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Early Stage 2024?