Google Cloud has launched an accelerator program for India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), providing grants, open source infrastructure, and APIs to revolutionise e-commerce. Startups can apply for a $25,000 grant.
In a major move to transform the e-commerce landscape in India, Google Cloud has introduced an accelerator program exclusively for the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This program aims to assist digital sellers in building and expanding their online businesses effectively. This is a government-backed initiative.
Google has made this announcement during a recent developer conference held in Bengaluru. The company has plans to open source a fully functional implementation of the ONDC infrastructure and core application programming interfaces (APIs). This strategic step will ensure scalability and bolster security, providing a strong foundation for businesses operating on the ONDC platform.
One of the standout features of the accelerator program is the introduction of a start-up credits initiative. Under this program, eligible organisations that enable ONDC can apply for a substantial grant of $25,000. This financial support empowers startups and aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to leverage the ONDC ecosystem and fuel their growth.
T Koshy, the Managing Director and CEO of ONDC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Google Cloud, emphasising its transformative impact on the e-commerce landscape. He stated, “The addition of Google Cloud’s Accelerator Program reinforces ONDC’s mission to revolutionise the e-commerce landscape, ushering in a new era of efficiency, agility, and customer-centricity.”
Ambarish Kenghe, Vice President of Product Management at Google, emphasised the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and position India as a global technology hub. Kenghe said, “At Google, we are committed to supporting the ecosystem’s growth by investing significantly in a rich set of open and integrated technologies.”
The ONDC initiative, backed by the Indian government, is poised to transform the digital commerce landscape in the country. The accelerator program empowers digital sellers to focus on their core competencies and accelerate their business growth by providing a robust infrastructure and streamlining the onboarding process.
With Google Cloud’s expertise and the government’s support, the ONDC platform is expected to witness widespread adoption, fostering a dynamic and competitive digital commerce ecosystem in India.
In conclusion, Google’s ONDC accelerator program represents a significant milestone in the evolution of e-commerce in India. By providing comprehensive support and access to cutting-edge technologies, the collaboration between Google Cloud and ONDC aims to empower Indian startups and reshape the future of digital commerce in the country.
