Digital Services · Amazon Web Services

AWS Activate startup cloud credits

AWS Activate: conditional cloud credits for eligible self-funded and funded startups

AWS provides cloud computing services such as compute, storage and databases for building and operating applications. Activate is a startup application program that can offset eligible cloud bills with promotional credits, rather than a cash grant or a permanent free tier. The Founders route is intended for self-funded companies: the page says it starts with $1,000 in credits and selected participants may qualify for up to $5,000. Funded startups can apply through an Activate Provider Org ID for Portfolio credits advertised up to $200,000; these amounts are ceilings rather than guaranteed awards. Applicants must meet the funding-stage, company-age and AWS Paid Tier account conditions, so a founder should assess eligibility before budgeting around an award. Credits have an award-specific expiry, exclude several types of charges and leave the customer liable for excess usage and taxes. Country eligibility remains unconfirmed, and no application, credit redemption or billable usage was performed.

Offer conditions

AWS approval is required. Founders applicants apply directly if self-funded; Portfolio applicants need an Org ID from an Activate Provider. The program requires a pre-Series B company founded within ten years, a Paid Tier AWS account, and either first Activate Credits or a request above credits previously received. The page describes linking an AWS account to a Builder ID and submitting company and funding details, with a stated response window of 5–10 business days rather than guaranteed approval. Credit terms restrict use to eligible services and prohibit cash redemption or sale. Unless authorized, exclusions include AWS Marketplace, training, certification, Route 53 domain registrations/transfers, certain support and other listed charges; taxes and excess usage remain payable. Use and redemption expire on the date communicated with the particular credit award, and AWS can cancel credits. No public campaign end date or country list was established. No account, application, payment or redemption was performed.

Eligibility & region

Pre-Series B startups founded within the last ten years, with an AWS account on the Paid Tier Plan, applying for their first Activate Credits or a higher amount than previously received. Founders is for self-funded startups; Portfolio requires an Activate Provider Org ID. AWS approval and country eligibility must be confirmed.

Observed region: Country eligibility unconfirmed. The English-language program page quotes USD credit amounts but does not establish a complete eligible-country list. USD is not evidence of US-only or worldwide eligibility; confirm the contracting entity and country acceptance with AWS.

Verification & sources

Source information checked Oct 26, 2026. Recheck due Oct 27, 2026. Checkout and individual eligibility were not independently tested; confirm the seller’s current terms.

• Original offer source
• Official seller website
• Official artwork source