Unlock Up to $100K in Free AWS Credits for Your Startup

AWS Activate is Amazon Web Services’ flagship program that provides free cloud credits to startups so they can build, launch and scale faster without worrying about infrastructure costs.

Whether you're running a SaaS product, AI model, e commerce site or a mobile app, these credits help you get access to world-class infrastructure at zero upfront cost.

Startups can receive

• $1,000 to $100,000 in AWS cloud credits

• Free AWS Business Support

• Perks worth $100K+ in tools like Notion, GitHub, Freshworks, Segment, HubSpot and more

AWS Activate offers two credit programs, each with its own eligibility criteria.

1. AWS Activate Founders:

For: Early stage, bootstrapped startups (no VC backing)

Eligibility Criteria:

• You have not raised funds from a venture capital firm

• You have a startup website with a company domain email

• You have fewer than 10 employees

• You have not previously participated in AWS Activate

You’ll Get:

• $1,000 in AWS credits

• $350 in AWS Business Support

• Access to 80+ free tools for startups

Apply here: https://aws.amazon.com/activate/founder 

2. AWS Activate Portfolio:

For: Startups backed by accelerators, incubators, or VCs

Eligibility Criteria:

• Your startup is part of an AWS Activate Provider (e.g., Techstars, Y Combinator, iCreate, Sequoia Surge, 100X.VC, Startup India, etc.)
• You have received a valid Org ID from that provider
• You haven’t already used Portfolio credits

You’ll Get:

• $5,000 to $100,000 in AWS credits
• 1 year AWS Business Support
• Exclusive events, mentorship, co marketing opportunities

Apply here: https://aws.amazon.com/activate/portfolio 

Indian startups can also apply for AWS credits through Startup India, even if they are not VC funded.

Steps:

1. Register on StartupIndia.gov.in 
2. Apply for DPIIT recognition
3. Contact Startup India to get your AWS Org ID
4. Apply through AWS Activate Portfolio with the Org ID

This route gives Indian startups access to ₹4,00,000 to ₹80,00,000 worth of AWS credits and global startup tools.

For Founders Program:

1. Create an AWS account with your business email (e.g., founder@yourstartup.com)
2. Visit: https://aws.amazon.com/activate/founder 
3. Fill the application form
4. Submit and wait 3 to 5 business days for approval

For Portfolio Program:

1. Ask your incubator/accelerator/VC for their AWS Org ID
2. Log in to your AWS account
3. Go to: https://aws.amazon.com/activate/portfolio 
4. Enter Org ID + AWS account details
5. Submit and wait for review

AWS Activate supports startups in over 190 countries, including

• 🇺🇸 United States
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
• 🇮🇳 India
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇩🇪 Germany
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇸🇬 Singapore
• 🇫🇷 France

No matter where you're located, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply and receive credits directly into your AWS account.

Your AWS credits cover hundreds of services, including:

• EC2: Run servers, apps or backend infrastructure
• S3: Store user files, videos and backups
• RDS & DynamoDB: Host databases
• Lambda: Deploy serverless APIs
• CloudFront: Speed up your global website or app
• Amazon Bedrock/SageMaker: Deploy AI & LLM models

Whether you're building an API-driven fintech tool, e-commerce store or next-gen AI assistant AWS has your back.

• Use a professional business email (e.g., you@yourstartup.com)
• Make sure your website reflects your product
• Be specific about your use of AWS (e.g., EC2 for hosting, S3 for media storage, Lambda for APIs)
• Track credits using AWS Budgets
• Apply early credits are valid for 1 - 2 years depending on program

• Host your app or website (EC2, S3, RDS)
• Build AI tools using Bedrock or SageMaker
• Deliver content fast with CloudFront
• Create serverless backends with Lambda
• Set up analytics with Amazon Redshift
• Use managed NoSQL databases (DynamoDB)
• Implement auto-scaling and global delivery

Basically, everything you need to run a startup on the cloud.

Q1: Can I apply for both Founders and Portfolio?

No. You can only receive one of the two credit packages.

Q2: Do AWS credits expire?

Yes. Usually within 12-24 months. Track usage to avoid unexpected charges.

Q3: Can I reapply if my application is rejected?

Yes, but only after resolving the issues mentioned in the rejection.

Q4: What happens after credits run out?

You’ll be charged as per standard AWS pricing. Set budgets to avoid surprise bills.

In today’s fast moving startup world, cloud costs shouldn’t stop innovation. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, the AWS Activate program gives you the infrastructure, support and tools to move fast without draining your budget.

With up to $100,000 in credits, AWS Activate is a no brainer for startup founders.

🇮🇳 Register on Startup India 

🌐Apply for AWS Activate Founders 

🌐 Apply for AWS Activate Portfolio 

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