The Google Cloud Innovators Program: Everything you need to know to get started, build, and grow
Crystal Smith
Google Cloud Innovators Program Lead
There’s no better time than the present to take steps toward advancing your professional goals. What better way to start fresh than by joining the Google Cloud Innovators program?
The Innovators program is designed to help developers and practitioners grow their Google Cloud skills and advance their careers and has already welcomed tens of thousands of members worldwide. No matter where you are on your cloud journey, the Innovators program has something for you.
Depending on where you are in building your Google Cloud expertise, there are three different levels of Innovators and we’ve expanded the ways in which Innovators can connect and get the best of Google Cloud.
Here is key information to help you decide which level is right for you and some tips on how to leverage the best of the Innovators program to achieve your goals:
Expand your skills as an Innovator
Becoming an Innovators program member only takes a few clicks on the Innovators home page. As an Innovator, you'll have access to first-class resources, including live discussions with Google Developer Advocates, professional development sessions, and more. You'll also be able to connect with other Innovators from around the world and share ideas and best practices.
If you’re looking to get the most out of being an Innovator, here are a few tips:
- Sign up for news and program announcements: The Innovators newsletters are a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events in the Google Cloud community curated just for you.
- Follow @GoogleCloudTech on social: The Innovators program is active on Twitter. Be sure to also engage with us on Facebook and LinkedIn. This is a great way to stay connected with the community and learn about upcoming talks and live events.
- Attend Innovators Live events: Innovators live sessions are hosted bi-weekly on Thursdays on CloudonAir. Join us for live discussions with Google Developer advocates around product, professional development and best practices as a community.
Participate in online forums: The Innovators program has an active online forum within the Google Cloud community. This is a great place to ask questions, get help, and share ideas with other Innovators. Many of our DAs continue the conversation from Innovators Live in the GCC!
We encourage our Innovators to sign up with their personal email address so that you can keep your profile no matter where you venture professionally.
Advance your career with Innovators Plus
If you're looking to take your cloud career to the next level, Innovators Plus is the perfect option. This premium subscription level includes everything you need to learn and apply your skills on your path to becoming a Google Cloud certified professional. And best of all, you'll save up to 80% on the retail value of the benefits included through the new and expanded Innovators Plus annual subscription.
Along with everything Innovators receive, Innovators Plus members gain:
Access to all 700+ hands-on labs, skill badges, and courses on Google Cloud Skills Boost
$500 Google Cloud credits
A Google Cloud certification exam voucher
Bonus $500 Google Cloud credits after the first certification earned each year
Live learning events led by Google Cloud experts
Opportunity to shape the future of Google Cloud through invite-only quarterly technical briefings hosted by Google Cloud executives
Innovators Plus members are also now able to schedule two 1:1 sessions annually with Google Cloud consultants to have your implementation questions answered in real time. Visit your Innovators Plus portal to schedule your sessions today.
If you’re looking to take charge of your career, learn more about Innovators Plus today.
Motivate and inspire others as a Champion Innovator
Champion Innovators are those who excel technically and actively contribute to the Google Cloud community through blogs, speaking opportunities, or mentoring and motivating Innovators.
Members of the invite-only Champions level are nominated by Googlers. They are the top-tier members of the Innovators program and are known for their contributions to projects, participation in online forums, thought leadership, and ability to inspire others.
Champions receive all the benefits of being an Innovator and an Innovators Plus member, and special treatment at Google Cloud events, such as Google Cloud Next ‘23.
Over the course of 2022, Champion Innovators contributed to 12 different content sessions during Google Cloud Next, wrote and shared over 60 pieces of content on either the Google Cloud Blog or the Champion Content Library, and published to the Google Dev Library.
Learn more on how Champion Innovators are exploring Innovators Plus and inspiring us with their creativity.
Join the Innovators program today
Whether you're a student, researcher, developer, practitioner, or just curious about how to get started in the cloud, the Innovators program will assist you in discovering all the possibilities of Google Cloud.
To join the program and learn more about the Google Cloud Innovators program, visit cloud.google.com/innovators to get started.
