Startup support programs: A guide to free credits from big tech companies
Cloud, AI and GPU costs can be the biggest line in an early-stage budget. We compiled what AWS, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Anthropic give startups, who can apply and how to avoid wasting the credits.
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Startup support programs are programs in which big tech companies give early-stage companies free cloud credits, technical support, training and introductions to investors. Through them, AWS, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Anthropic hand out thousands of dollars in credits to startups, and hundreds of thousands to those that have raised funding. They take no equity; in return, they hope you build your product on their infrastructure.
In short:
- Paths open to startups without funding usually start at $1,000–5,000.
- The large amounts ($150,000–350,000) mostly require a referral from an investor or accelerator.
- Credits expire; credits taken without a plan go to waste.
- Startups based in Türkiye can apply to all of these programs.
Why startup support programs matter
Launching an MVP is no longer as expensive as it used to be. But the moment AI enters the product, the picture changes. GPU hours, model API calls and database costs can become the largest monthly expense before the product earns any revenue.
Startup support programs are the cheapest way to fund this period. You don't pay the credits back, and you don't give away a share of your company. A $25,000 credit taken at the right time can cover several months of infrastructure costs entirely.
The price is lock-in. Once the credits run out, the cost of staying on the same infrastructure is yours. That is why you should decide which cloud you want to stay on for the long run before choosing a program.
Big tech programs at a glance
The table below shows the ceilings listed on the programs' official pages as of October 2026. The amounts are "up to" values; most startups start at a lower tier.
| Program | Start without funding | Highest amount | Extra requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Activate | $1,000 (up to $5,000) | $200,000 | Activate Provider code for the higher tier |
| Google for Startups Cloud | Start tier | $200,000 ($350,000 for AI startups) | Institutional funding for the Scale tier |
| Microsoft for Startups | Tiered credits | $150,000 | Unlocked over time with Azure usage |
| NVIDIA Inception | Free membership | Partner cloud credits | At least one developer, company under 10 years old |
| Claude Startups (Anthropic) | $1,000 API credit | $100,000 additional credit | Referral from a partner fund |
AWS Activate
AWS Activate has two main tiers. The Founders tier is for self-funded startups. It starts at $1,000 and can grow to $5,000 for selected companies.
The Portfolio tier gives up to $200,000 in credits. It requires an organization ID from an Activate Provider, that is, an accelerator, angel investor or fund that has an agreement with AWS. Above that, there are additional invitation-only credits for AI startups.
The general requirements are: being pre-Series B, having been founded in the last ten years and having an AWS account on a paid plan. If you have received Activate credits before, you can only request a higher amount than before.
Google for Startups Cloud Program
The Google for Startups Cloud Program has two tiers. The Start tier is open to startups with a working MVP. The Scale tier is for companies that have raised venture capital.
According to Google's FAQ, credits go up to $200,000. For AI-first startups, the ceiling is $350,000. The credits apply to Google Cloud services, including BigQuery and Gemini, but not to third-party products on the Marketplace.
Pay attention to two small details when applying. Have your Google Cloud billing account ID ready. Your application email must also match your company website's domain.
Google also runs an equity-free, ten-week accelerator program for the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye. Aimed at startups between Seed and Series A, it takes applications once a year.
Microsoft for Startups
Microsoft for Startups works through a single entry point. Approved startups get starter credits right away. As the product progresses and Azure usage grows, credits are unlocked over time up to $150,000.
Startups with a referral code from a fund in Microsoft's investor network reach higher benefits earlier. Applications are usually reviewed within three business days.
The eligibility rules are clear. You must be building your own software product. You must not have raised Series C or later. Agencies, consultancies and crypto miners cannot apply. Companies that have received more than $350,000 in free Azure credits in total are also excluded.
NVIDIA Inception
NVIDIA Inception does not give cash or a single credit amount. Instead, it offers free training, discounts on NVIDIA hardware and software, partner cloud credits and introductions to investors.
The program has no cohorts or application deadlines. There is no revenue or funding requirement either. The requirements are: employing at least one developer, having a working website and being an officially incorporated company less than ten years old. Consulting firms, cloud providers and crypto-related companies are not accepted.
Claude Startups (Anthropic)
Anthropic also has a program for startups building products on Claude. It offers a $1,000 API credit, a free year of Claude Team and up to $45,000 in discounts from partner companies. Startups backed by a fund in the partner network can get up to $100,000 in additional API credits.
We covered the details, the application steps and the requirements in our post on the Claude Startups program. The program page also notes that some applications are being re-reviewed due to high demand.
Corporate programs in Türkiye
It is not only global companies; large corporations in Türkiye also support startups. Instead of credits, these programs usually offer cash support, mentoring and the chance to run a pilot project with the company.
- Türk Telekom PİLOT: TT Ventures' 12-week acceleration program. It offers cash support, a mentor network, office space and an investment opportunity. Applications for the 2026 cohort were taken between February and May.
- THY Terminal: Turkish Airlines' program focused on aviation and cargo operations. It gives startups the chance to run a pilot project with Turkish Airlines.
The biggest return of corporate programs is often not the money but the first large customer. If your product solves a problem for a corporation, this door is worth trying.
Tips to avoid wasting credits
Getting credits is easy; using them well is hard. These steps make sure the credits turn into a product:
- Narrow the scope first. If it isn't clear what you're building, credits melt away in trial and error. Our MVP guide shows the way.
- Apply in the right order. Take the lower tier before raising funding. Move to the higher tier after funding; most programs allow upgrades.
- Set up budget alerts. You don't want the bill to land on your card the day the credits run out. A spending alert takes a few minutes to set up on any cloud.
- Note the expiry date. Credits usually expire within one to two years, and the period is not extended.
- Limit lock-in. Using containers and open-source databases makes it easier to switch clouds later.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have raised funding to apply to startup support programs?
No. AWS, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Anthropic have paths you can apply to without funding. Funding or an accelerator referral is only required for the high-value tiers.
Can I get credits from more than one program at the same time?
Yes. The programs don't exclude each other. But running a product on more than one cloud puts a load on your team. Keeping the main infrastructure in one place is healthier.
Can a company incorporated in Türkiye apply?
Yes. All of these programs are open to companies in Türkiye. Microsoft requires the company to be in a country where Azure is available; Türkiye is one of them.
What happens when the credits run out?
Services are not cut off, but you start being billed at standard prices. That is why it matters to estimate your monthly cost and set up a budget alert before the credits run out.
Conclusion
Startup support programs can bring an early-stage company's infrastructure costs down to zero for months. The best strategy is to start with the credits available without funding today and move to the higher tier when funding arrives. At EngerekTech, we help startups set up the right infrastructure with these credits and turn their MVPs into products.
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