Google recently announced the launch of a new investment program which focuses on early-stage startups that are working to build more hardware or features for the Google Assistant.
The company announced the program in an official blog post and revealed that the investment program will offer startups financial resources, early access to the company’s features and tools, access to the Google Cloud Platform, and promotional support to highlight the new companies.
Through the investment program startups would get investment capital from Google for the development, hiring, and management of these startups.
Google says it will also mentor the company’s engineers, product managers, and design experts to share technical guidance and product development feedback. Google partnership programs will give startups early access to upcoming features and tools from Google Assistant, so they can jump the queue on innovative changes.
From a technical point of view, startups will get access to the Google Cloud Platform, which powers Google Search and YouTube. This will help startups scale with ease and with relatively less overhead or technical difficulties.
And finally, Google will also give promotional support so that consumers become more aware of your Google Assistant powered apps.
The first batch of startups to receive funding/support from the company include:
- GoMoment– The developers behind Ivy, a 24/7 concierge service which is capable of answering common questions like “can I get a late checkout?”. Responses that require any human input are redirected to hotel staff, ensuring a quick turnaround.
- Edwin– An artificial intelligence powered English tutor which allows students to take foreign language tests and provides customized lessons for each student. The service allows users to prepare for tests on the Facebook Messenger and gives them the flexibility to study whenever and wherever they want to.
- BotSociety– A simple tool for developers which allows them to test and design voice interfaces.
- Pulse Labs– An application with which developers can test their voice service apps with real people.
As of now, Google hasn’t disclosed how much its investments are worth, but the company has opened applications for more companies that are interested in the program.
