Google is inviting startups for its third 'Launchpad Accelerator' program; here's how you take part

US tech giant Google on Thursday asked for applications to attend the next session of its "Launchpad Accelerator programme" through which startups can utilise Google's mentorship and product access to scale business and capitalise on local markets, while also tapping into new global opportunities.The "Launchpad Accelerator" is a specially-designed class to help startups in emerging markets find solutions to their business challenges and successfully scale."This is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and emerging markets," Roy Glasberg, Global Lead, Launchpad Accelerator, Google, said in a statement.The startups that can apply for the programme have to be a tech startup aiming to solve a real challenge for the local market and should have proven market fit, essentially beyond the ideation stage.The equity-free programme will begin on 30 January next year in San Francisco and will include two weeks of all-expense-paid training.The applications can be submitted by 24 October.Google's Launchpad Accelerator is designed to "empower founders" of startups with interesting ideas by supporting them with "mentorship and equity-free support." Essentially, Google will leverage its own capabilities to help selected startups reach their true potential.With inputs from IANS