Startup credits / Compare
AWS Activate vs Google Cloud startup credits 2026
Generated from our credits data, which is checked on each vendor page. The vendor page is always the final word.
| Field | AWS Activate | Google Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Program | AWS Activate | Google for Startups Cloud |
| Status | Open | Open |
| Amount | Founders: $1k, select up to $5k. Portfolio: up to $200k with an Activate Provider Org ID | $2,000 pre-funded (MVP). Up to $200k over 2 yrs (Seed to Series A). AI tier up to $350k (yr 1 covers 100% up to $250k); covers Gemini/Gemma, not third-party models |
| Who qualifies | Pre-Series B, founded in last 10 yrs, AWS account on Paid Tier plan, new to Activate or requesting more | AI tier: Pre-Seed/Seed raised in last 5 yrs or Series A in last 12 months; founded in last 5 yrs; not had over $5k GCP credits; uses or plans to use Gemini as a foundation |
| Self-funded OK? | Yes, Founders | Yes, $2k tier |
| How to apply | aws.amazon.com/startups/credits (Builder ID, tier, describe startup, link AWS account) | cloud.google.com/startup (all), cloud.google.com/startup/ai (AI) |
| Last checked | October 14, 2026 | October 14, 2026 |
Verdict
- No outside funding: both accept self-funded startups (AWS Activate: Yes, Founders; Google Cloud: Yes, $2k tier). Different vendors, so apply to each one you qualify for.
- Pick on the stack you already run, then check the larger tiers against your funding stage: AWS Activate: Founders: $1k, select up to $5k. Portfolio: up to $200k with an Activate Provider Org ID. Google Cloud: $2,000 pre-funded (MVP). Up to $200k over 2 yrs (Seed to Series A). AI tier up to $350k (yr 1 covers 100% up to $250k); covers Gemini/Gemma, not third-party models.
Apply to every program you qualify for
The $19 Startup Credits Kit covers every program we track, the order to apply in, and agent prompts that check your eligibility and draft the applications.
Get the kit for $19FAQ
Which gives more startup credits, AWS Activate or Google Cloud?
AWS Activate: Founders: $1k, select up to $5k. Portfolio: up to $200k with an Activate Provider Org ID. Google Cloud: $2,000 pre-funded (MVP). Up to $200k over 2 yrs (Seed to Series A). AI tier up to $350k (yr 1 covers 100% up to $250k); covers Gemini/Gemma, not third-party models. Amounts are published maximums.
Can a self-funded startup get AWS Activate or Google Cloud credits?
AWS Activate: Yes, Founders. Google Cloud: Yes, $2k tier.
Who qualifies for AWS Activate and Google Cloud startup credits?
AWS Activate: Pre-Series B, founded in last 10 yrs, AWS account on Paid Tier plan, new to Activate or requesting more. Google Cloud: AI tier: Pre-Seed/Seed raised in last 5 yrs or Series A in last 12 months; founded in last 5 yrs; not had over $5k GCP credits; uses or plans to use Gemini as a foundation.
How do I apply?
AWS Activate: https://aws.amazon.com/startups/credits. Google Cloud: https://cloud.google.com/startup. Both checked on the vendor page (AWS Activate 2026-10-14, Google Cloud 2026-10-14).