Alphabet's Google (GOOG, GOOGL) is supporting a new 12-week incubator for artificial intelligence startups founded by former Google employees, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

The program, backed by Google's AI Futures Fund, is expected to choose 10 to 20 startups for its first cohort and offer participants as much as $350,000 in Google Cloud and AI credits, plus up to $100,000 in funding, according to the report.

Bloomberg said the effort is part of Google's broader push to build relationships with AI startups that could become customers for its cloud services and chip platforms, while also strengthening ties with its alumni network. The program is also expected to offer mentorship and early access to some Google AI technology, the report said.

Alphabet did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.

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