AWS Activate vs Google Cloud for Startups
Choose AWS Activate if you plan to build on AWS, especially if you are self-funded or have an AWS Activate Provider; choose Google Cloud for Startups if you plan to build on Google Cloud and meet its Start or Scale tier criteria. Both programs offer cloud credits, but the amounts, funding requirements, AI model coverage, and timing of those credits differ.
Last updated October 24, 2026.
At a glance
| Dimension | AWS Activate | Google Cloud for Startups |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level credits | $1,000 initially; select Founders participants up to $5,000 | $2,000 in Start tier credits |
| Funded-startup credits | Up to $200,000 in Activate Portfolio credits | Up to $200,000 over two years in Scale tier credits |
| AI startup credits | Additional credits beyond Activate by invitation | Up to $350,000 for qualifying AI-first startups |
| Funding and partner requirement | Self-funded Founders tier; Portfolio requires a provider ID | Start for pre-funded startups; Scale requires qualifying funding |
| Startup age limit | Founded within the past 10 years | Start: 24 months; Scale: 5 years |
| Previous credit limit | New to credits or requesting more than previously received | Start: none beyond free trial; Scale: no more than $5,000 |
| Cloud platform | Eligible AWS services | Eligible Google Cloud services and select offerings |
| Third-party AI models | Eligible models on Amazon Bedrock covered | Third-party models excluded from program credits |
| Credit duration | Usually 1–2 years, depending on package | Start: 12 months; Scale: two-year credit schedule |
| Technical support | Technical support; eligible AWS Support credit use | Scale: $12,000 in Enhanced Support credits for one year |
| Additional benefits | Business mentorship and startup training | Workspace, training credits, and partner perks |
| Account needed to apply | AWS Builder ID and linked paid-tier AWS account | Google Cloud billing account ID |
Scroll the table sideways to compare each row.
Which should you choose?
Choose AWS Activate if
- Self-funded startups building on AWS
- Pre-Series B startups with an AWS Activate Provider ID
- Teams using eligible third-party models on Amazon Bedrock
- Startups founded within the past 10 years
Choose Google Cloud for Startups if
- Pre-funded startups building an MVP on Google Cloud
- Institutionally funded startups from pre-seed through Series A
- Qualifying AI-first startups seeking up to $350,000 in credits
- Teams seeking Google Workspace and Google Skills benefits
The verdict
Your cloud platform and eligibility are the deciding factors. AWS Activate fits self-funded startups seeking an initial $1,000 credit or eligible provider-backed startups seeking a larger award; its credits can also cover eligible third-party models on Amazon Bedrock. Google Cloud for Startups fits qualifying startups building on Google Cloud, particularly funded AI-first teams seeking its higher credit ceiling. Neither program guarantees its advertised maximum.
AWS Activate vs Google Cloud for Startups: common questions
- How much credit can a self-funded startup receive?
- AWS Activate Founders starts eligible self-funded startups with $1,000 in credits; select participants may qualify for up to $5,000 over time. Google Cloud for Startups offers $2,000 in Start tier credits to eligible pre-funded startups.
- Which program offers more credits to funded startups?
- AWS Activate Portfolio advertises up to $200,000 for eligible provider-backed startups. Google Cloud for Startups advertises up to $200,000 over two years for eligible Scale startups, or up to $350,000 for qualifying AI-first startups. Actual awards depend on eligibility.
- Do I need an investor or accelerator to apply?
- AWS Activate Founders does not require a provider, but Activate Portfolio requires an Organization ID from an Activate Provider. Google Cloud for Startups has a pre-funded Start tier; its Scale tier requires qualifying startup funding.
- Are the credits paid out all at once?
- AWS Activate credits offset eligible charges until they are used or expire. Google Cloud for Startups Scale credits follow a two-year schedule: eligible non-AI startups can receive full coverage up to $100,000 in year one, then 20% of eligible year-two spend up to another $100,000.
- Can the credits pay for third-party AI models?
- AWS Activate credits can cover eligible third-party foundation models available on Amazon Bedrock. Google Cloud for Startups credits cover Google's proprietary models, but Google says third-party models are billed directly and are not covered.
- How long do the credits last?
- AWS says Activate credits usually expire within one to two years, depending on the package. Google Cloud for Startups Start credits are valid for 12 months; Scale benefits use a two-year credit schedule.
- Can I apply if I have received cloud credits before?
- AWS Activate allows eligible startups to request an award larger than a previous Activate award. Google Cloud for Startups requires Start applicants to have received no Google Cloud credits beyond the free trial and Scale applicants to have received no more than $5,000.
- Does either program include support?
- AWS Activate publishes technical support benefits and says credits can apply to eligible AWS Support plans. Google Cloud for Startups publishes $12,000 in Enhanced Support credits for one year for its Scale tier.