> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.kph.club/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.kph.club/getting-free-compute-and-cloud-credits-for-startups.md).

# Getting Free Compute and Cloud Credits for Startups

Startups can make use of free compute and Cloud credits to reduce their burn. Here are few options that were found to be working. These programs continue to evolve and change. So please refer to the latest information that is available.

## AWS Activate

AWS Activate has two main tiers:

* **Founders tier** (self-serve, no affiliation needed): up to **$1,000** in credits. Best for bootstrapped startups.
* **Portfolio tier** (via an AWS Activate Provider — a VC, accelerator, or incubator you're affiliated with): up to **$100,000** in credits, using an Organization ID from that provider.

Portfolio Tier is only available if you are already part of an accelerator or similar program. Founders tier is the most easiest one to access.

**Apply**: [aws.amazon.com/activate](https://aws.amazon.com/activate/activate-landing)

## Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)

Kerala-based/registered startups can register with KSUM and request cloud credits, There is an option to reach out for getting AWS credits upto 5K$. Also there are other options such as digitial ocean which gives upto 1k$

**Apply**: [startupmission.kerala.gov.in](https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in) — register your startup and check current Startup service providers.

<https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in/pages/servicepartners>

## NVIDIA Inception Program

NVIDIA inception program is one of those programs which can unlock slightly more credits. It also comes under a portfoilo tier. This seems to work well for companies who have already got a valid businesss entity established. You can get upto 25K$ in activate credits through this program.

**Apply**: [nvidia.com/startups](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/startups/)

## Cloudflare for Startups

They are extremely slow to respond but you can get upto 5K$ in credits from cloudflare.

* Entry tier: around **$5,000** in credits for bootstrapped/pre-seed founders consumed, whichever is first.

**Apply**: [cloudflare.com/forstartups](https://www.cloudflare.com/forstartups/)

## Kiro for Startups

Kiro has a coding plan that gives you access to the OpenAI and Claude models. Startups can apply and get upto 1 year pro which gives enough credits.

You can also use your AWS activate credits for setting up Kiro for your team.

**Apply**: [kiro.dev/startups](https://kiro.dev/startups/)

## Google for Startups Cloud Program

* **Start tier** (pre-funded/idea stage): up to **$2,000** in Google Cloud credits

**Apply**: [cloud.google.com/startup](https://cloud.google.com/startup)

## Microsoft for Startups (Founders Hub)

* Base tier: **$1,000–$5,000** in Azure credits, no investor affiliation required

Also includes free access to GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise, and M365/Dynamics/Power Platform seats.

**Apply**: [microsoft.com/startups](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/startups)

## Tips

* **Stack programs, respect exclusions**: AWS + NVIDIA + Cloudflare + Google/Azure can generally be combined, but read each program's fine print — AWS Activate and Kiro startup credits are explicitly exclusive of each other.
* **Apply via an accelerator/VC when possible**: Portfolio-tier AWS credits, NVIDIA Inception's higher tiers, and Microsoft's Investor Network tier are typically larger if you have an affiliated provider or referral code.
* **Track expiry**: Most credits expire 12 months after issuance (Cloudflare, Kiro) or are structured over a 1–2 year window (Google, Microsoft) — plan usage accordingly rather than letting credits lapse unused.