Top GenAI Perks for GenAI Startups in ASEAN
The Southeast Asia region is rapidly emerging as a hub for innovative startups, especially in the field of GenAI. With the exponential growth of AI technologies, numerous credit programs, grants, and incentives have been launched to support startups in this space, providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to thrive. In this blog post, we highlight some of the top GenAI-focused credit programs available for startups in the ASEAN region, detailing their offerings and benefits.
Summary of Highlighted Programs
| Program | Status | Brief Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alibaba Cloud Startup Catalyst | Available | Up to $120,000 in Alibaba cloud credits |
| AWS Activate | Available | Up to $100,000 in AWS credits |
| Cohere for AI Startups | Available | 25% discount access to all Cohere models, success showcases, and other exposure opportunities |
| Databricks for Startups | Available | Up to $21,000 in Databricks credits, technical support, and access to Databricks’ community |
| Google Cloud for Startups | Available | Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits |
| HubSpot for Startups | Available | Up to 90% discount on HubSpot software |
| IBM Cloud for Startups | Available | Up to $120,000 in cloud credits |
| Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub | Available | Up to $150,000 in Azure credits, and $2,500 of OpenAI credits |
| MongoDB AI Innovators | Available | Free credits for MongoDB products including Atlas Database |
| NVIDIA Inception Program | Available | Up to $100,000 in AWS credits or up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, plus significant discounts and access to Nvidia’s hardware/software |
Program Details
Alibaba Cloud Startup Catalyst Program
🌟 Brief Summary: Alibaba Cloud Startup Catalyst Program provides cloud credits, technical support, and access to Alibaba’s extensive ecosystem to help startups innovate and scale.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: Early-stage startups with innovative solutions.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application with an emphasis on innovation.
🔑 Key Benefits
- Cloud Credits: Up to $120,000.
- Technical Support: Consultation and technical support from Alibaba Cloud.
- Resources: Access to training programs and AI tools.
- Networking: Opportunities for co-marketing and collaboration.
- Learning Memberships: Access to Alibaba Cloud Academy and its resources.
- Visibility: Potential feature on Alibaba Cloud marketplace and invitations to regional events.
🔗 Alibaba Cloud Startup Catalyst Program
AWS Activate
🌟 Brief Summary: AWS Activate provides startups with credits, technical support, and training to help them build and scale on AWS.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: Startups at any stage, with a focus on those using cloud technologies.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application reviewed by AWS team.
🔑 Key Benefits
- AWS Credits: Up to $100,000.
- Technical Support: AWS technical support and architectural guidance.
- Training: Access to training and educational resources.
- Networking: Membership in the AWS Partner Network.
Cohere Startup Program
🌟 Brief Summary: Cohere offers a startup program providing access to their large language models, technical support, and co-marketing opportunities.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: AI-first startups.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application focusing on startup’s AI capabilities.
🔑 Key Benefits
- Model Access: Get a 25% discounted access to all Cohere models, for up to 12 months.
- Technical Support: Guidance from Cohere’s experts.
- Networking: Opportunities for co-marketing and community engagement.
Databricks for Startups
🌟 Brief Summary: Databricks for Startups provides credits, technical support, and access to Databricks’ community to help startups build and scale AI and data solutions.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: AI and data-focused startups.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application evaluated by Databricks team.
🔑 Key Benefits
- Credits: Up to $21,000 in Databricks credits.
- Technical Support: Access to Databricks engineers and technical resources.
- Community: Inclusion in Databricks’ community for networking and learning.
Google Cloud for Startups
🌟 Brief Summary: Google Cloud for Startups provides cloud credits, technical support, and training to help startups build and scale on Google Cloud.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: AI-first startups at seed to Series A stages.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application with evaluation of startup’s potential.
🔑 Key Benefits
- Google Cloud Credits: Up to $350,000.
- Technical Support: Guidance from Google Cloud engineers.
- Mentorship: Access to experts from Google Cloud and Google DeepMind.
- Networking: Connection with global investors and industry leaders.
HubSpot for Startups
🌟 Brief Summary: HubSpot for Startups provides significant discounts on HubSpot software, technical support, and resources to help startups grow and scale their businesses.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: Seed-stage and Series A startups, affiliated with HubSpot’s partners.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application through a partner, with an evaluation of the startup’s stage and needs.
🔑 Key Benefits
- Software Discount: Up to 90% discount on HubSpot software.
- Technical Support: Access to HubSpot’s technical resources and support.
- Resources: Educational content and training programs.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with HubSpot’s ecosystem.
IBM Cloud for Startups
🌟 Brief Summary: IBM Cloud for Startups offers significant cloud credits, technical support, and access to IBM’s extensive network and resources.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: Tech startups with innovative solutions.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application with an emphasis on the startup’s potential impact.
🔑 Key Benefits
- IBM Cloud Credits: Up to $120,000.
- Technical Support: Access to IBM’s AI tools, including Watson.
- Mentorship: Guidance from IBM experts.
- Networking: Opportunities to collaborate with IBM’s ecosystem.
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
🌟 Brief Summary: Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub provides startups with extensive resources, including Azure credits, technical support, and access to Microsoft’s network.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: Startups at any stage, particularly focusing on AI and tech innovation.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Simple online application with quick feedback.
🔑 Key Benefits
- Azure Credits: Up to $150,000 in Azure credits.
- Technical Support: Access to Microsoft engineers and technical resources.
- Mentorship: Guidance from business and technical mentors.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with Microsoft’s partners and customers.
- Productivity Tools: Free access to GitHub Enterprise and Microsoft 365.
🔗 Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
MongoDB AI Innovators
🌟 Brief Summary: MongoDB AI Innovators program provides startups with MongoDB Atlas credits, technical support, and go-to-market resources to help them build and scale AI solutions.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: AI-focused startups at various stages.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application evaluated by MongoDB team.
🔑 Key Benefits
- Atlas Credits: Receive free credits for MongoDB products, including Atlas Database, Atlas Vector Search (preview), Atlas Search, Atlas App Services, and more.
- Technical Support: Access to MongoDB engineers and technical resources.
- Go-to-Market: Resources to help with product development and market strategy.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with MongoDB’s partners and customers. Collaborate with MongoDB’s product and partner teams, and earn the opportunity to create go-to-market partnerships.
NVIDIA Inception Program
🌟 Brief Summary: NVIDIA Inception is a free program that nurtures startups revolutionizing industries with advancements in AI and data science.
📋 Requirements/Criteria
- Eligibility: AI and data science startups.
- Location: Global, including ASEAN.
- Application Process: Online application and evaluation of startup’s AI focus.
🔑 Key Benefits
- Credits: Up to $100,000 in AWS credits or up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, with significant discounts and access to Nvidia’s hardware/software.
- Hardware Access: Significant discounts and access to NVIDIA hardware/software.
- Technical Support: Training and support from NVIDIA.
- Networking: Connections with NVIDIA’s partners and investors.
These programs offer invaluable support to the burgeoning GenAI ecosystem in ASEAN. By participating in these programs, startups can accelerate