AWS Activate Startup Credits

Overview

AWS Activate is Amazon Web Services' startup program. It provides promotional AWS credits that offset spend on infrastructure, data services, and AI/ML workloads, including third-party models available through Amazon Bedrock.

Program Credits & Benefits

• Activate Founders (self-funded): Up to $5,000 USD in Activate Credits. Applicants start with $1,000 USD, and select participants may qualify for additional credits up to the $5,000 ceiling.
• Activate Portfolio (pre-Series B): Up to $200,000 USD in Activate Credits. Requires an Organization ID (Org ID) from an Activate Provider such as an accelerator, angel investor, or venture capital firm.
• AWS Credits for AI Startups: Invite-only for startups scaling after Activate Portfolio, offering $200,000+ in AWS Credits arranged through your AWS account manager.
• Kiro Startup Credits: Available to eligible startups that do not currently hold Activate Credits, as a stepping stone before Activate Credits.
• All credits are denominated in USD and governed by the AWS Promotional Credit Terms & Conditions. AWS does not publish a credit expiration window.

Eligibility

Pre-Series B, founded within the last 10 years, and an AWS Account on a Paid Tier Plan. Applicants must be new to Activate Credits or requesting more credits than previously received. The Portfolio tier additionally requires an Org ID from an Activate Provider.

How to Apply

1. Create an AWS Builder ID with a professional email and complete your profile.
2. Choose your tier: Activate Founders if self-funded, or Activate Portfolio with your provider's Org ID.
3. Submit details about your product, funding stage, and company profile.
4. Link an AWS account to your Builder ID and submit the application. AWS responds within 5-10 business days.