Unlock $100K in AWS Credits with AWS Activate
Source: Dev.to
For most tech startups, the biggest challenge isn’t the idea, the team, or even the market.
Before product‑market fit, before revenue, and sometimes even before a public launch, founders must pay for servers, cloud resources, databases, deployments, monitoring, etc.
For many early‑stage startups this invisible entry barrier stops them before they can begin.
I was in the same position—until I discovered Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate.
This article is for startup founders worldwide, especially those building in tech, SaaS, AI, and related spaces.
I’ll explain how AWS startup programs help founders break this barrier and how you can claim AWS credits ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 through different startup‑enabling platforms.
AWS Startup Program
AWS has built one of the strongest startup‑focused ecosystems in the world. Through AWS Activate, founders can access:
- Cloud credits
- Technical guidance
- Architecture reviews
- Training and best‑practice resources
Depending on your stage and eligibility, AWS credits can go up to $100,000.
Below are three practical paths, starting from the earliest founder stage.
1️⃣ Founders Tier – Up to $1,000 in AWS Credits (Open to Everyone)
Who is this for?
- Early‑stage startups
- MVP builders
- Developers experimenting with products
What you get
- Up to $1,000 in AWS credits
- Valid for core AWS services
- Enough to build, test, and deploy an MVP
No accelerator or certification from a startup enabler is required.
2️⃣ Portfolio Tier – Up to $100,000 in AWS Credits
The Portfolio Tier requires affiliation with an AWS Activate Provider (e.g., seed/VC firm, accelerator, incubator, or other startup‑enabling institution).
Who is this for?
- Early‑stage startups that are officially incorporated
- MVP builders with a working website
- Startups affiliated with a seed/VC firm, accelerator, incubator, or similar
What you get
- Up to $100,000 in AWS credits
- Valid for core AWS services and technical support
- Sufficient to build, test, and deploy a production‑ready application (credits are valid for 2 years)
3️⃣ AWS Credits via the NVIDIA Inception Program (Global)
The NVIDIA Inception Program is a premier global opportunity for startups, including Indian startups. Learn more here.
Minimum Requirements
- Provide unique contact information for one developer and one business executive (no generic email aliases like
info@domain.comor Gmail accounts). - The company must employ at least one developer.
- Maintain a working website.
- Be officially incorporated and less than 10 years old.
Organizations that do NOT qualify: consulting/outsource firms, cryptocurrency‑related companies, cloud service providers, resellers/distributors, and public companies.
After you apply to the program, you’ll receive a decision within 2–5 working days.
Claiming AWS Credits through NVIDIA Inception
- Once selected, go to the Benefits section of the Inception dashboard.
- Choose the credit tier you’re eligible for.
- Click Request Benefit to submit your application.
Important: Use the same official business email for your AWS Builder ID/AWS account that you used during NVIDIA Inception registration. Personal or Gmail accounts may cause rejection or delays.
How to Get Started
-
Identify your stage – Founders Tier, Portfolio Tier, or NVIDIA Inception.
-
Gather required documentation (business email, incorporation proof, website URL, etc.).
-
Apply through the appropriate portal:
- AWS Activate – Founders Tier
- Your accelerator/VC’s AWS Activate Provider portal for Portfolio Tier
- NVIDIA Inception Application for the third path
-
Monitor email for approval notifications and follow the instructions to claim credits.
Final Thoughts
Cloud costs shouldn’t stop you from building the next big thing. By leveraging AWS Activate (Founders or Portfolio Tier) or the NVIDIA Inception Program, early‑stage founders can obtain the compute resources they need—often for free—and focus on product development instead of infrastructure bills.
Good luck, and happy building! 🚀
[Image: AWS Activate Credits Guidance]
Fill in the additional details required in the application form and, once approved, the credits will be credited to your linked AWS account.
Based on my experience, claiming AWS Activate credits is not just about filling out an application—it’s about **clarity and intent**.
### Why AWS matters
The first and most important thing is to be precise about how you plan to use AWS. Any cloud provider (including the other options available in the **NVIDIA Inception Program**) wants startups to genuinely build on their platform, not just claim credits and leave. So before applying, make sure you’ve clearly decided that **AWS is the cloud you want to build on**.
From my personal journey:
- I’ve been using AWS for the last six years.
- Today, our entire workload runs on AWS.
This long‑term commitment matters, and it should be reflected strongly in your application.
### What to explain in the NVIDIA Inception AWS‑credits application
These points may appear directly in the application form or be asked during a review. The more accurately you answer, the stronger your chance of unlocking higher credit tiers.
- **Which AWS services you plan to use?**
- **How your product depends on these services?**
- **How you plan to scale your usage over time?**
- **How AWS fits into your long‑term architecture?**
- **Which NVIDIA libraries, models, or services you are likely to use on AWS?**
### Recommended starting tier
If you are applying for **AWS credits for the first time** and have not received any credits before, I **strongly recommend** starting with the **$10,000 credit tier**. Once you have an active workload and usage history, you can later apply for a higher tier.Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn if you need any help with setting up AWS, want to collaborate, or just exchange ideas and learnings.