AWS Activate 🎁 Program

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

Cloud credits for startups · Up to $200k in credits & perks · aws.amazon.com

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🔥 Deal: Up to $5,000 (Founders) or up to $200,000 (Portfolio, with Activate Provider Org ID) in AWS credits Claim deal ↗

What you get	Up to $200k
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.
Open in	Worldwide
Partner code needed	Yes: through an accelerator, VC or partner
Deadline	Rolling, apply any time
Terms last checked	2026-10-13

About AWS Activate

What you get

AWS Activate gives startups promotional credits for AWS services, in two tiers that share one application:

Activate Founders (self-funded or bootstrapped): you start with $1,000 in credits, and AWS says select participants may qualify for more, up to $5,000.
Activate Portfolio (backed by an accelerator, angel group or VC that is an Activate Provider): up to $200,000 in credits.

AWS also lists "AWS Credits for AI Startups" of $200,000 and more, but that is invite-only, after Activate Portfolio, through your AWS account manager.

Who qualifies

AWS states four general conditions: you are pre-Series B, the company was founded within the last 10 years, you have an AWS account on a paid tier plan, and you are either new to Activate Credits or asking for more than you received before.

The partner code, explained

The Portfolio tier is the one most founders want, and it needs an Org ID from an Activate Provider. Providers are accelerators, angel investors and venture capital firms that have signed up with AWS. If one of your investors or your accelerator is a provider, ask them for their Org ID and enter it when you choose the Portfolio tier. AWS publishes a provider list at aws.amazon.com/startups/providers. Without an Org ID you can still apply to Founders.

Good to know

All credits are in USD and are subject to the AWS Promotional Credit Terms & Conditions. The credits page itself does not state an expiry period, so read the terms before you plan around them.
Apply with a professional email; AWS says you will hear back within 5 to 10 business days.
Credits pay for AWS usage only. When they run out, normal billing starts.

Verdict

The default first application for any startup building on AWS. Self-funded founders get a modest but useful start; anyone with a provider-backed investor should get the Org ID first, because it changes the ceiling from $5,000 to $200,000.

aws cloud credits activate infrastructure partner code

How to apply

Create an AWS Builder ID with a professional email address, or sign in if you already have one.
Choose your tier: Founders if you are self-funded, Portfolio if you are backed by an Activate Provider.
For Portfolio, get the Org ID from your accelerator, angel group or VC (check the provider list on aws.amazon.com/startups/providers).
Add details about your product, funding stage and company profile.
Link or create an AWS account on a paid tier plan and submit; expect a reply in 5 to 10 business days.