AWS Activate vs Google for Startups Cloud Program (2026): Which Is Better for Startups?

Both are cloud credits for startups. Here is how AWS Activate and Google for Startups Cloud Program compare on what a startup gets, who qualifies and how to apply, and which one we would pick.

AWS Activate

Up to $5,000 in AWS credits if you are self-funded, or up to $200,000 with an Activate Provider Org ID.

9.0 /10

Pricing: Up to $200k in credits & perks

Pros

Open to self-funded founders as well as funded startups
Up to $200,000 with an Activate Provider Org ID
Covers the broadest cloud catalogue

Cons

The big tier needs a code from a provider investor or accelerator
Founders tier starts at $1,000; more is at AWS discretion

Visit AWS Activate ↗

Google for Startups Cloud Program

Up to $2,000 in Google Cloud credits pre-funding, or up to $200,000 ($350,000 for AI-first startups) once VC-funded.

9.0 /10

Pricing: Up to $350k in credits & perks

Pros

No partner code needed for the Scale tier
Up to $350,000 for AI-first startups
Extras such as Workspace, Maps and support credits

Cons

Start tier is only $2,000
Year 2 covers just 20% of usage

Visit Google for Startups Cloud Program ↗

AWS Activate vs Google for Startups Cloud Program at a glance

	AWS Activate	Google for Startups Cloud Program
Editor score	9.0 / 10	9.0 / 10
Pricing model	Free	Free
What you get	Up to $200k in credits & perks	Up to $350k in credits & perks
Who qualifies	Pre-Series B, founded within the last 10 years, AWS account on a paid tier plan, new to Activate Credits (or asking for more than before). Portfolio tier needs an Activate Provider Org ID.	Start: founded within 24 months, MVP, plans to raise VC. Scale: pre-seed/seed within 5 years or Series A within 12 months, founded within 5 years, under $5,000 of prior Google Cloud credits.
Partner code needed	Yes	No
Steps it helps with	claim startup credits, host and deploy, build your mvp, choose your ai coding stack	claim startup credits, host and deploy, build your mvp, choose your ai coding stack
Who it is for	Any stage, Pre-seed, Seed stage, Series A+, Bootstrapped, VC-backed only, AI startups, SaaS	Pre-seed, Seed stage, Series A+, VC-backed only, AI startups, SaaS
Reader upvotes	0	0
Best for	aws, cloud credits, activate	google cloud, gcp, cloud credits

Our pick

AWS Activate edges it with a score of 9.0 versus 9.0. AWS Activate is the better fit if you value: open to self-funded founders as well as funded startups, up to $200,000 with an activate provider org id. Choose Google for Startups Cloud Program instead if you need: no partner code needed for the scale tier, up to $350,000 for ai-first startups. Many startups can claim both: see credits by value.