Google.org commits $15 million to The/Nudge for Indian MSME AI tools
Google.org, Google's philanthropic arm, has committed $15 million to nonprofit organisation The/Nudge (formerly The/Nudge Institute) to support the growth and digital enablement of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The funding is aimed at developing scalable AI tools that can help small businesses improve access to formal credit, discover new markets and navigate compliance requirements.
The initiative includes a multilingual AI platform to train talent in Tier III and Tier IV towns in job-ready skills and connect them with small businesses.
An open call for proposals to identify innovative solutions addressing challenges faced by MSMEs is also on the cards.
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The initiative also aims to establish open standards that can help Indian MSMEs become more competitive, creditworthy and visible in global markets.
India's MSME sector, the country's second-largest employer, continues to face structural challenges in accessing formal finance, expanding market reach and navigating compliance requirements.
A World Economic Forum report published in October 2025 estimated that AI adoption could unlock $490-685 billion in economic value for India's MSME sector.
"By partnering with The/Nudge, we are putting open digital tools directly into the hands of small business owners, ensuring that India's economic backbone is equipped to lead this technology shift," said Preeti Lobana, VP and country manager at Google India.
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