As 2026 gets underway, the message to startup founders is clear: innovation doesn’t have a zip code. From major tech hubs to the world’s most remote regions, new initiatives and tools are rolling out to support entrepreneurs wherever they are building.
This month brings a mix of opportunities, industry shifts and product updates aimed at helping early-stage companies scale faster and smarter in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
Gemini Startup Forum Returns for Its Second Edition
Applications are now open for the second edition of the Gemini Startup Forum, an exclusive, in-person gathering designed for Seed to Series A startup leaders. The event will take place in Mountain View in May, bringing together founders from around the world with experts from DeepMind and Google Cloud.
Participants will collaborate on building actionable AI roadmaps tailored to their startups, exchange ideas with fellow founders, and engage in forward-looking discussions on the future of artificial intelligence.
The forum also offers founders a rare opportunity to directly influence the evolution of Gemini while unlocking new growth pathways for their businesses.
“It was an incredible experience. As the only Edtech from Latin America selected, it was very special to participate in an event so rich in technical content. Engaging with specialists from Google and DeepMind made us realize we are on the right track regarding AI. The exchange of ideas and experiences provided many insights and reinforced our confidence to continue developing our product based on the vision of those at the forefront of AI.”
— José Messias Jr., CEO and founder at Emy
Applications close on February 6, making this a time-sensitive opportunity for ambitious startup leaders.
