Startup Programs (2026): 8 Free Credits, Perks & Grants for Startups
Every programme that gives startups free credits, perks or grants: AI and cloud credits, developer tools, SaaS discounts and government grants, with what you get, who qualifies and how to apply.
Filter by the step you are on and by who you are (bootstrapped, student, solo founder, AI startup); sort by value to see the biggest credits first. Programs marked "partner code" need an accelerator, VC or partner to unlock their top tier.
NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) 🎁 ProgramFree
Up to $2 million of zero-equity seed funding from NSF for deep-tech startups, starting with a short Project Pitch.
America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) 🎁 ProgramFree
Equity-free US federal R&D awards from 11 agencies, from proof of concept (Phase I) to prototype (Phase II).
EIC Accelerator 🎁 ProgramFree
Grant of up to EUR 2.5 million (about $2.9 million) for deep-tech startups and SMEs, with optional EIC equity.
EXIST Business Start-up Grant (exist Gründungsstipendium) 🎁 ProgramFree
12 months of stipends (EUR 1,000-3,000 a month each) plus EUR 30,000 for costs, for German university spin-off teams.
NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) 🎁 ProgramFree
Canada's main SME innovation programme: advice from technology advisors and, for some projects, funding.
Ideation (Tnufa) Incentive Program 🎁 ProgramFree
Conditional grant of up to NIS 200,000 (about $60,000) for Israeli entrepreneurs to reach proof of concept.
Bourse French Tech 🎁 ProgramFree
Bpifrance subsidy of up to EUR 30,000 (about $34,500) for early feasibility work on a French tech innovation project.
Startup SG Tech 🎁 ProgramFree
Up to S$400,000 (POC) or S$800,000 (POV) for Singapore deep-tech startups, with a share subscription right attached.