Alibaba Cloud AI Catalyst Program 🎁 Program

What you get

Alibaba Cloud's startup offer is now the AI Catalyst Program, aimed at companies that use AI as their core technology. The page lists:

• Up to $120,000 in cloud credits support.
• Up to 2 billion free tokens on Model Studio (Alibaba's model platform, including Qwen models).
• POC (proof-of-concept) coupons.
• One-to-one office hours with Alibaba Cloud AI experts.
• Invitations to Alibaba Cloud events and access to its AI Alliance network.
• 12 months of access to Alibaba Cloud Academy.

The page says it is especially interested in AI video and image creation, AI model aggregators and content moderation.

Who qualifies

• Companies that use AI as the core technology of their main product or solution.
• An unlisted company founded within the last 10 years, with an accessible website.
• A solid proposal showing how you plan to use Alibaba Cloud and its AI tools.
• Accounts under resellers or distributors are not eligible. Eligibility is at Alibaba Cloud's full discretion.

Good to know

• Credits cannot be used for domain purchases, CDN, Alibaba Cloud Academy, the Marketplace or prepaid products and services.
• Validity depends on the credit amount; Alibaba Cloud says to ask your account manager.
• Successful applicants hear back within 4 to 5 business days.

Verdict

Worth a look if you are AI-first and want access to Asian regions or Qwen models. It is not a general startup program, the credit amount is discretionary, and expiry terms are not published.

1. Prepare a short proposal on how you will use Alibaba Cloud and its AI tools.
2. Submit the online application form on the AI Catalyst Program page.
3. Answer any email requests for more information.
4. Expect a decision by email within 4 to 5 business days.