Amazon is venturing into the world of accelerator programs by launching a 10-week program for generative AI startups worldwide called the AWS Generative AI Accelerator. The program is designed to assist ten early-stage startups in building and launching the generative AI industry. This is not Amazon's first accelerator program; it launched a conversational AI accelerator program for startups in 2016 and the Alexa Prize, a conversational AI program for college students. The program aims to help early-stage generative AI companies build community and technical skills, drive machine learning performance, and raise awareness of their company.
The AWS Generative AI Accelerator is designed for seed and pre-seed generative AI startups that already have AI solutions built or are in the works. Cohort participants will receive up to $300,000 in AWS credits, with $200,000 in promotional credits and up to $100,000 in AWS activation credits to help build their companies. The program offers dedicated business and technical mentors to AI engineers as well as a community for participants to connect with their peers and GenAI leaders at industry-focused networking events.
Startups with a minimum viable product, traction with customers, and product value propositions are eligible to apply for this accelerator program. Non-technical founders are also eligible, but the startup must have a technical C-level executive, CXO, or co-founder, given the technical nature of generative AI. However, the program is not open to government-related startups or businesses that have previously violated the AWS Acceptable Use Policy. It is also not open to businesses with AWS employees or its affiliates in leadership positions.
The AWS Generative AI Accelerator is a hybrid program, with the first and last weeks of the program held in person while weeks 2 through 9 are virtual. The screening process will consider factors such as target market, founder-market fit, depth of machine learning native product integrations, and team composition. Applications for the program open on April 4, 2023, and close on April 17, 2023. Interested parties can apply by clicking here.
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