Manos Accelerator, a Latino-focused startup accelerator, announced this week that it was extending its partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs, after a successful first 2013 round of supporting Latino and Latin American startups.

Google and Manos Accelerator partnered in 2013 to develop a platform to foster and launch high tech startups with Latino founders. As we previously reported, the first round of the program concluded with Manos Accelerator's inaugural Demo Day for Latino startups, which was held at Google's Mountain View headquarters late last year.

There, seven Latino finalists, including two international entrants from Latin America, demonstrated their high-tech ideas in front of potential investors and tech industry reps. Those finalists were narrowed down from over 75 applications, according to Manos Accelerator's announcement, sent in for the inaugural program.

Now, with the extended partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs, Manos Accelerator will run its startup training and promotional program through two cycles this year, as well as two more which are scheduled for 2015.

Manos' program begins by identifying high potential, high-tech, Latino entrepreneurs and connecting them to mentors. Each cycle of the program is three months, and gives the Latino startups coaching, networking, and collaboration opportunities with their peers, established entrepreneurs, and businesses, while providing the resources for entrepreneurs to plan and scale their ideas into actual companies. Renewing Manos' partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs will ensure the next iterations of the program are just as effective as the first.

"We are thrilled to see this partnership continue with a multi-year commitment. Gaining access to Latino founders, top-notch mentors and a network of entrepreneurial professionals is the foundation of Manos Accelerator," said Edward Avila, co-founder and CEO of Manos Accelerator. "Our partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs enables us to continue our efforts to discover and support top Latino talent from all corners of the world to build innovative companies."

Google gets to see Latino startups' ideas from an early stage, in working with Manos, as well as to make a practical impact in its commitment to diversity. "Manos Accelerator is doing exceptional work to nurture and showcase startup talent in the Latino community from across the US and Latin America." said Mary Grove, Director of Google for Entrepreneurs. "We are excited to be part of their ongoing journey and help increase the number of Latino entrepreneurs in the global tech community."

If you're a Latino or Latina with an innovative high-tech idea, Manos Accelerator is taking applications for the next cycle of its startup program, which will begin in June and run through the summer. This time, Manos will be selecting up to 10 startups, who can apply at the Manos Accelerator website. The deadline is April 30, so act now!

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