Google for Startups is launching a new forum aimed at bolstering the next generation of cybersecurity companies leveraging artificial intelligence. The Gemini Startup Forum: Cybersecurity, a two-day in-person event scheduled for in London, will connect Seed to Series A stage founders with experts from Google DeepMind, Google Cloud, Mandiant, and Virus Total.
The program builds on the success of previous Google for Startups cybersecurity initiatives, which have supported companies like BforeAI, Patchstack, and LetsData. This new forum specifically focuses on the rapidly evolving intersection of AI and cybersecurity, recognizing the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in both defending against and enabling cyberattacks. The initiative comes at a time when threat actors are increasingly utilizing AI tools, as highlighted by Google Cloud’s GTIG AI Threat Tracker, which details advances in the use of AI by malicious actors.
The forum isn’t intended as a traditional conference, but rather as a collaborative environment designed to foster “deep, substantive conversations” about the practical application and strategic integration of AI within cybersecurity startups. According to Google, the goal is to help founders develop a “tangible, actionable AI roadmap” co-designed with Google’s AI experts.
Selected founders will have the opportunity to explore practical applications of Google AI, learn how to scale their products using the Gemini model directly from Google engineers, and engage with a global network of peers. The program also emphasizes co-creation and debate, aiming to influence the future development of Gemini itself through direct feedback from participating startups.
The Gemini Startup Forum is a benefit of the Google for Startups Gemini Kit. This kit provides startups with access to APIs, tools, training, and technical resources designed to accelerate AI integration, and scaling. The Gemini Kit includes access to models like Gemini and Imagen through Google AI Studio, allowing for rapid prototyping and experimentation. The kit also emphasizes responsible AI development, offering tools and resources to build secure and reliable applications.
The increasing reliance on AI in cybersecurity is a double-edged sword. While AI offers powerful new capabilities for threat detection, prevention, and response, it also introduces new vulnerabilities and attack vectors. The GTIG AI Threat Tracker from Google Cloud underscores this point, detailing how threat actors are leveraging AI for tasks such as malware creation, phishing campaigns, and automated vulnerability exploitation. This makes it crucial for cybersecurity companies to not only adopt AI but also to understand and mitigate the risks associated with its use.
The forum’s focus on Seed to Series A stage companies suggests a strategic effort to influence the direction of early-stage cybersecurity innovation. By providing these startups with access to Google’s resources and expertise, Google aims to shape the development of AI-powered security solutions from the ground up. This approach could lead to more effective and resilient cybersecurity technologies, better equipped to address the evolving threat landscape.
The program’s emphasis on long-term support through Google for Startups signals a commitment beyond simply providing access to tools and training. This ongoing support network could be invaluable for startups navigating the complexities of building and scaling an AI-driven cybersecurity business. The collaborative nature of the forum, with its focus on co-creation and feedback, also suggests a desire to build a strong ecosystem around Google’s AI technologies.
Applications for the Gemini Startup Forum: Cybersecurity are open until . Given the limited number of spots available, the selection process is expected to be competitive, prioritizing founders who are committed to integrating AI as a core component of their growth strategy. The forum represents a significant investment by Google in the future of cybersecurity, recognizing the critical role that AI will play in protecting against increasingly sophisticated threats.
The Gemini Kit also allows developers to quickly prototype with no initial payment, leveraging Google AI Studio to experiment with models and integrate them into applications via the Gemini API. This ease of access is intended to lower the barrier to entry for startups looking to incorporate AI into their cybersecurity offerings, fostering innovation and accelerating the development of new solutions.
