AWS Startups

AWS Activate Credits

Built for startups from pre-seed to scale

Apply now

A team evaluates an initial startup idea.

How today’s startups build for tomorrow

Move from prototype to production faster. Apply for up to $200,000 in AWS Activate Credits, with additional credits available for AI startups ready to scale.

Find the right tier for you

AWS offers promotional credits based on your startup's funding stage. Apply for the tier that matches your stage. Eligibility for AWS Activate: Pre-series B, founded in the last 10 years, AWS Account on Paid Tier Plan, and either new to Activate Credits or requesting more credits than previously received

Tier	Credits	How to Access
Activate Founders Self-funded	Up to $5,000	Apply directly if you’re bootstrapped or self-funded Apply here
Activate Portfolio Pre-Series B	Up to $200,000	Apply directly with your Activate Provider’s Org ID Apply here
AWS Credits for AI Startups Invite only for startups ready to scale post Activate Portfolio	$200,000+	Talk with your Account Manager If you need additional support, contact us

*All AWS Activate Credits are in USD and subject to the AWS Promotional Credit Terms & Conditions.

Your investors and accelerators are already here

Thousands of venture capital firms, accelerators, and startup-enabling organizations are part of the AWS network of Activate Providers. Andreessen Horowitz, Brex, Carta, Greylock Partners, Sequoia, and Y Combinator are just a few examples.

How to apply

Here's what you need to know to apply for Activate Credits:

1. Create your AWS Builder ID

Create a Builder ID with your professional email or sign in if you already have one. Once verified, you'll complete your profile.

2. Choose your credit tier

Self-funded? Apply for Activate Founders. Backed by a VC or accelerator? Check if they're an Activate Provider and use their Org ID to apply for the Activate Portfolio.

3. Tell us about your startup

We'll ask a few details about your product, funding stage, and company profile to confirm eligibility.

4. Link your AWS account and submit

Create or link an AWS account to your Builder ID and submit. You'll hear back within 5–10 business days.

Helpful resources:

Build AI, move your infrastructure, and ship faster with promotional credits

Use credits to cover the tools you need to go from idea to production.

From foundation models to production infrastructure

Whether you're building an AI-native product with Amazon Bedrock or using Kiro to accelerate development, promotional credits help you get from idea to launch. Start building on day one. 

Explore AI tools for startups

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Move to AWS with AI-powered tools and expert support

AI-powered assessments and end-to-end expert guidance make moving to AWS simple. Get AWS investments, in the form AWS credits or partner investments, to help customers offset one-time migration expenses. Focus on building, not logistics.

Start your assessment

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Build faster with Kiro

Turn prompts into working code, structured designs, and implementation tasks with an agentic development environment built on frontier models. Start with Kiro Startup Credits, then grow into Activate Credits.

Apply for Kiro Startup Credits
(Available to eligible startups without current Activate Credits)