Google has partnered with ChangeX to launch the ‘Google Udaan India Fund’, committing support for up to 100 community-led projects focused on skilling, small business growth and environmental sustainability, as part of its broader push to deepen grassroots impact in key operating regions.

The fund, which will initially be rolled out in the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region, offers grants of up to ₹14 lakh per eligible organisation and will be managed by ChangeX. Applications are set to open in phases, with the programme also extending to markets such as Malaysia and Thailand as part of a wider Asia strategy.

Grassroots focus across skilling, climate and entrepreneurship

The initiative aims to support projects spanning AI-led skilling labs, digital literacy programmes, local entrepreneurship, and climate-focused interventions such as solar energy adoption, rainwater harvesting and watershed protection.

Utaukwa Allen, global head of economic development & data centers at Google, said the partnership reflects the company’s intent to invest in communities around its operational footprint. “Through this partnership, we look forward to working with communities across Visakhapatnam, and other communities in Asia, to build practical skills and deliver sustainable initiatives in areas like water stewardship and energy affordability,” he said, adding that ChangeX brings strong execution capabilities in enabling community-led action.

Asia expansion signals broader community investment strategy

Niamh McKenna, co-founder and head of impact at ChangeX, said the collaboration is designed to scale proven grassroots solutions while allowing flexibility at the local level. “Together with Google, we’re backing community-led action in Visakhapatnam—drawing on proven ideas, while giving local changemakers the freedom to respond to local needs,” she said.

The fund will support both pre-designed, proven models and original proposals from registered organisations, provided they meet eligibility criteria, including FCRA compliance for India-based applicants. The deadline for the first round of applications is April 30.

The move underscores a growing trend among large technology companies to embed themselves deeper into local ecosystems, moving beyond infrastructure investments to community-centric development. For Google, the initiative signals a sharper focus on fostering digital inclusion, economic resilience and climate action at the grassroots level, particularly in emerging Asian markets.