AWS credits and funding · 2026
AWS credits for startups: who applies for what
AWS credits for startups come in two kinds, and each has one filer. You apply for AWS Activate credits yourself: $1,000 to start, up to $5,000 if you are self-funded, or up to $200,000 with an Org ID from your VC, accelerator or angel. A vetted AWS partner files MAP, POC or IW funding for a specific project: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
For most startups without a VC, the partner-filed route is the larger one (more in AWS credits without a VC). CloudRoute matches you with a vetted AWS partner who can file it, for free. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days. Prefer to choose yourself? See how to find an AWS partner.
Who applies for what
| Funding | Who files it | Amount | When it fits | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A vetted AWS partner files it | ||||
| Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are not on AWS yet and want to migrate. | MAP for startups |
| Proof of concept (POC) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You want to test something, whether or not you are on AWS today. | AWS POC funding |
| Incremental workload (IW) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are already on AWS and are launching new work: a new AI feature, a new customer or a new contract. | IW funding |
| You apply yourself (AWS Activate) | ||||
| AWS Activate Founders | Founder applies | $1,000 to start, up to $5,000 | Self-funded startups with no investor or accelerator behind them. | AWS Activate tiers |
| AWS Activate Portfolio | Founder applies | up to $200,000 | Startups backed by a VC firm, accelerator or angel investor that is an AWS Activate Provider. | AWS Activate tiers |
| AWS Credits for AI Startups | Invite only (AWS account manager) | $200,000 or more, by invitation | AI startups ready to scale after Activate Portfolio, invited by AWS. | AWS credits for AI startups |
Partner amounts come from CloudRoute's partner records; AWS publishes no startup amounts for them. Activate amounts come from AWS. Checked October 10, 2026. AWS decides every application.
Not only AWS? Our directory of cloud credits for startups lists Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Cloudflare and AI model programs, with the official link for each. No investor yet? Read AWS credits without a VC.
AWS credits for startups: common questions
Is AWS free for startups?
Not by default: AWS bills for what you use. New AWS accounts get Free Tier credits, and startups can cut the bill two more ways. You apply for AWS Activate credits yourself: $1,000 to start, up to $5,000 if you are self-funded, or up to $200,000 with an Org ID from an AWS Activate Provider. A vetted AWS partner can file MAP, POC or IW funding for a specific project: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. Every route is in our guide to free AWS credits.
How do I get AWS startup credits?
Apply for AWS Activate yourself at aws.amazon.com/startups/credits: Founders if you are self-funded, Portfolio with the Org ID or invite from your VC, accelerator or angel. AWS says you hear back within 5 to 10 business days. If you are migrating, testing something or launching new work on AWS, ask a vetted AWS partner to file MAP, POC or IW funding for it. AWS decides every request. Each Activate tier, checked against AWS: AWS Activate credits for startups.
What is the AWS startup program?
AWS Activate is the AWS program for startups. It gives credits in tiers you apply for yourself: Founders, Portfolio, and AWS Credits for AI Startups by invitation. Separately, AWS consulting partners can request MAP, POC and IW funding for startup projects they work on. CloudRoute matches you with a vetted partner for free. How the match works: AWS for startups, with a vetted partner.
Start here
- How much AWS funding a partner can fileHow to reach $100K in AWS funding: a vetted partner files MAP, POC or IW funding, usually $50K to $150K for startups. You apply for Activate yourself.
- AWS Generative AI Accelerator: up to $1MThe AWS Generative AI Accelerator gave its 2025 cohort up to $1M each in credits. What it is, the 2026 status, and other AWS funding for AI startups.
- AWS credits for AI startupsHow AI startups get AWS money in 2026: a vetted partner files POC or IW funding ($50K to $150K); you apply for Activate yourself. Who files what.
- AWS POC funding explainedThe AWS POC program: proof of concept credits and funding an AWS partner files for your test. How AWS reviews it and how much: $50K to $150K for startups.
- AWS incremental workload (IW) fundingAWS incremental workload funding (IW): what it is, who files it, which new work qualifies, and how much ($50K to $150K if AWS approves).
How AWS credits work
- AWS Activate Founders vs PortfolioFounders: $1,000 to start, up to $5,000, for self-funded startups. Portfolio: up to $200,000 via an Activate Provider. Who qualifies and how to apply.
- AWS Activate Providers and Org IDsWhat an AWS Activate Org ID is, how to get one or an email invite from a provider, how to apply for Portfolio (up to $200,000), and options without one.
- How long AWS credits takeAWS says Activate applicants hear back within 5 to 10 business days; credits show up about 3 to 4 hours after approval. What partner-filed funding takes.
- What AWS credits coverAWS credits pay for eligible services and Bedrock third-party models, not Savings Plan or RI upfront fees, enterprise support, domains or most Marketplace.
- AWS credits in 2026: what changedWhat changed in AWS startup credits in 2026: Activate Portfolio up to $200,000, a new invite-only AI tier, a paid plan rule, and who files what.
- AWS Innovation SandboxInnovation Sandbox on AWS is an AWS Solution for temporary sandbox accounts, not a credit program. What it does, and where funding for a test comes from.
- AWS promotional credits vs Activate creditsActivate credits are AWS promotional credits too. How promotional codes and Activate credits differ, how to redeem a code, and the terms both follow.
- Do AWS credits expire?Every AWS credit has a fixed expiry date. Activate credits usually last 1 to 2 years. How to find your date, why AWS won't extend it, what credits cover.
- Partner-filed AWS credits, explainedPartner-filed AWS funding is MAP, POC or incremental workload funding an AWS partner requests for your project. A partner cannot file AWS Activate.
By credit amount
- $1K AWS credits: where Founders starts$1,000 is where AWS Activate Founders starts, up to $5,000 for select startups. AWS lists no separate Builders tier. How to apply, and what comes next.
- $5K AWS credits: the Founders maximum$5,000 is the top of AWS Activate Founders, the self-serve tier for self-funded startups. How to apply, who qualifies, and the larger partner-filed route.
- $10K AWS credits: what AWS offersAWS has no $10K credit tier. What Activate Founders and Portfolio give, who applies, and how startups without a VC get more through a vetted AWS partner.
- $25K AWS credits: what existsNo $25K Activate tier exists. See what Founders and Portfolio give, who applies for each, and what a vetted AWS partner can file for a startup.
- $50K AWS credits: the two real routesNo fixed $50K AWS tier exists. Two real routes reach it: funding a vetted AWS partner files for your work, or Activate Portfolio through your investor.
- $75K AWS credits: not a tierAWS has no $75K credit tier. The two real ranges it falls in: funding a vetted AWS partner files for your work, and Activate Portfolio via your investor.
- Up to $150K in AWS fundingUp to $150K is the top of what a vetted AWS partner can file for a startup through MAP, POC or IW funding. Not an Activate tier. Depends on the workload.
- $200K AWS credits: the Portfolio maximum$200,000 is the AWS Activate Portfolio maximum, applied for by the founder with a provider Org ID. Where it comes from and how partner-filed MAP fits in.
- $300K AWS credits: what existsAWS has no $300K credit tier. What exists near it: the invite-only AI Startups tier, the Generative AI Accelerator, and partner-filed funding for AI work.
- $500K AWS credits: what AWS offersAWS has no $500K credit tier. What reaches past the Portfolio maximum: the invite-only AI Startups tier and the Generative AI Accelerator. Who chooses.
By accelerator and VC program
- AWS credits for 500 Global startupsHow 500 Global startups get AWS credits: ask for the Activate Org ID and apply yourself. Plus the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits for a16z speedrun startupsHow a16z speedrun startups get AWS credits: the Activate Org ID, the AWS programs for AI startups, and POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- The AWS ACE program, explainedWhat the AWS ACE program (APN Customer Engagements) is, why founders never apply to it, and how a partner requests MAP or POC funding for your work.
- AWS credits for AI Grant startupsHow AI Grant startups get AWS credits: the Activate Org ID, the AWS programs for AI startups, and POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits for Antler startupsHow Antler startups get AWS credits: ask Antler for the Activate Org ID and apply yourself. Plus the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits for Entrepreneur First startupsHow Entrepreneur First startups get AWS credits: ask for the Activate Org ID and apply yourself. Plus the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Flat6Labs startupsHow Flat6Labs startups get AWS credits: ask Flat6Labs for the Activate Org ID and apply yourself. Plus the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Founders Inc startupsFounders Inc startups: how to get AWS Activate credits yourself with a provider Org ID, and the MAP, POC or IW funding an AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for Hub71 startupsHub71 startups: ask Hub71 for the AWS Activate Org ID and apply yourself. The UAE Region, and the MAP, POC or IW funding an AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for Misk Accelerator startupsMisk Accelerator startups: how to get AWS Activate credits yourself, the closest AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for NASSCOM 10000 StartupsNASSCOM 10000 Startups members: how to apply for AWS Activate yourself, the AWS Regions in India, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for On Deck foundersOn Deck founders: how to get AWS Activate credits yourself, when you need a provider Org ID, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Pear VC portfolio companiesHow Pear VC startups get AWS credits: the Activate Org ID route, applying yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits for Seedcamp portfolio companiesHow Seedcamp startups get AWS credits: the Activate Org ID route, applying yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits for Sequoia Arc startupsHow Sequoia Arc startups get AWS credits: the Activate Org ID route, applying yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits Station FHow Station F startups get AWS credits: the Activate Org ID route, applying yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits for Techstars startupsHow Techstars startups get AWS credits: the Activate Org ID route, applying yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits for Techstars Dubai cohort companiesHow Techstars Dubai startups get AWS credits: the Activate Org ID route, applying yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits with Stripe AtlasStripe Atlas lists $5,000 in AWS Activate credits for new users. How to claim it, what AWS decides, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Y Combinator startupsHow Y Combinator startups get AWS credits: ask YC for the Activate Org ID, apply yourself, then add the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
By country and region
- AWS credits for startups in ArgentinaCan startups in Argentina get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in AustraliaCan startups in Australia get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in BrazilCan startups in Brazil get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in CanadaCan startups in Canada get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in EgyptCan startups in Egypt get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in FranceCan startups in France get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in GermanyCan startups in Germany get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in IndiaCan startups in India get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in IndonesiaCan startups in Indonesia get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in IrelandCan startups in Ireland get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in IsraelCan startups in Israel get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in ItalyCan startups in Italy get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in JapanCan startups in Japan get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in KenyaCan startups in Kenya get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in MalaysiaCan startups in Malaysia get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in MexicoCan startups in Mexico get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in the NetherlandsCan startups in the Netherlands get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for startups in NigeriaCan startups in Nigeria get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits PolandCan startups in Poland get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits PortugalCan startups in Portugal get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Saudi Arabia startupsCan startups in Saudi Arabia get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Singapore startupsCan startups in Singapore get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for South African startupsCan startups in South Africa get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Korean startupsCan startups in South Korea get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits SpainCan startups in Spain get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits SwedenCan startups in Sweden get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Thai startupsCan startups in Thailand get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Turkey startupsCan startups in Turkey get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for UAE startupsHow UAE startups get AWS credits: the Activate rules, the Hub71 Org ID route, the UAE Region, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits UKCan UK startups get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, the London Region, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted partner can file.
- AWS credits USAHow US startups get AWS credits: the Activate rules, the Org ID route for funded startups, US Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
- AWS credits for Vietnamese startupsCan startups in Vietnam get AWS credits? Yes. The Activate rules, the Org ID route, AWS Regions, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.
By funding stage and round
- $100K AWS funding for GenAI startupsNo fixed $100K GenAI package exists on AWS. The real routes: partner-filed POC or IW funding, Activate through your investor, and the invite-only AI tier.
- AWS credits at Series A: the $100K questionAt Series A, AWS credits come from Activate Portfolio, up to $200,000 through your investor. The founder applies. Where partner-filed funding fits.
- $150K AWS funding at Series AAt Series A, AWS funding comes from two separate routes: Activate Portfolio through your investor, and funding a vetted AWS partner files for your work.
- AWS credits for bootstrapped startupsBootstrapped startups get Activate Founders, $1,000 to start, up to $5,000. The larger route needs no investor: funding a vetted AWS partner files.
- $50K AWS credits at seedAt seed, AWS credits depend on whether your investor is an Activate Provider. Portfolio, Founders, and funding a vetted AWS partner files for your work.
- AWS credits for bootstrapped startupsAWS credits with no VC: Activate Founders you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file for your work.
- AWS credits for pre-seed startupsPre-seed AWS credits: Activate Founders or Portfolio you apply for yourself, plus the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for seed-stage startupsSeed-stage AWS credits: Activate Portfolio or Founders you apply for yourself, plus the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for self-funded startupsSelf-funded? Apply for AWS Activate Founders yourself. A vetted AWS partner can also file MAP, POC or IW funding for your work, if AWS approves.
- AWS credits for Series A startupsSeries A: apply for AWS Activate Portfolio yourself with your investor's Org ID, up to $200,000. A vetted partner can file MAP, POC or IW funding.
- AWS credits for Series B startupsActivate ends at Series B. What fits next: MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner files when the work qualifies, plus Savings Plans for steady use.
- AWS credits for solo foundersAWS does not check team size. Solo founders apply for Activate themselves, and a vetted AWS partner can file MAP, POC or IW funding for the work.
- AWS credits for unfunded startupsYou do not need funding to get AWS credits. How to apply for Activate Founders yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding an AWS partner can file.
By industry and vertical
- AWS credits for adtech startupsAWS credits for adtech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for agtech startupsAWS credits for agtech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for B2B SaaS startupsAWS credits for B2B SaaS startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for B2C SaaS startupsAWS credits for B2C SaaS startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for biotech startupsAWS credits for biotech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for climatech startupsAWS credits for climatech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for cybersecurity startupsAWS credits for cybersecurity startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for devtools startupsAWS credits for devtools startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for ecommerce startupsAWS credits for ecommerce startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for edtech startupsAWS credits for edtech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for fintech startupsAWS credits for fintech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for foodtech startupsAWS credits for foodtech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for gaming startupsAWS credits for gaming startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for generative AI startupsAWS credits for generative AI startups: Activate you apply for yourself, credits on Bedrock, and the POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for healthtech startupsAWS credits for healthtech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for HR tech startupsAWS credits for HR tech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for insurtech startupsAWS credits for insurtech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for IoT and hardware startupsAWS credits for IoT and hardware startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for legaltech startupsAWS credits for legaltech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for logistics startupsAWS credits for logistics startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for marketplace startupsAWS credits for marketplace startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for media tech startupsAWS credits for media tech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for proptech startupsAWS credits for proptech startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for SaaS startupsAWS credits for SaaS startups: the Activate tiers you apply for yourself, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file.
- AWS credits for travel tech startupsAWS has no travel tech credit program. How Activate works, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file for travel tech work.
- AWS credits for vertical SaaS startupsAWS has no vertical SaaS credit program. How Activate works, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a vetted AWS partner can file for SaaS work.
- AWS credits for web3 and crypto startupsAWS has no web3 credit program, and credits never pay for crypto mining. How Activate works, and the MAP, POC or IW funding a partner can file.