Who it is for
- The company builds its own software product or service.
- Private for-profit company headquartered in a country where Azure is available.
- No more than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits and no Series C or later.
- Not an educational institution, government body, consultancy or agency, and no crypto mining.
Check my eligibility
How to get it
- Apply on the Microsoft for Startups site.
- Set up your Azure account: first credits are available while eligibility is checked.
- Wait for the email decision, usually within three business days.
- Activate benefits in the Azure portal.
Limitations
Credits are spent on eligible Azure services. The full amount unlocks over time with verified growth and Azure usage.
- Application deadline
- Not stated by the source
- Activation window
- Check when granted
- Spending period
- Shown in the Azure portal
- Later billing
- Azure billing after the credits run out.
- Combining with other grants
- A referral code from an Investor Network partner unlocks more benefits.
Source and changes
Terms copied from the collection of 1 October 2026. Check the current version before applying.
The official page was checked automatically 18 hours ago, no changes found.
Other ways to get credits
Claude for StartupsAnthropic · Direct API
Amount not publishedAPI credits
For startups with institutional investment
How hard to getHighNeeds fund investment, company under 4 years old, applications are reviewed
- Startups
- Apply on the Anthropic site
Google Startup PerksGoogle Cloud · Cloud platform
$10 000For partner models in Model Garden
Only for Google for Startups Scale or Scale AI members
How hard to getHighFirst join Scale, then ask a Google Cloud representative
- Startups
- Through a Google Cloud representative
AWS ActivateAWS · Cloud platform
Amount not publishedCloud credits
For startups that fit an Activate package
How hard to getMediumRegular application; some packages need an Activate Provider partner
- Startups, Developers
- Apply on the AWS site
Google for Startups Cloud Program: AIGoogle Cloud · Cloud platform
Up to $350,000Over 2 years: up to $250,000 in year one, up to $100,000 in year two
For AI startups with seed funding or a Series A
How hard to getHighNeeds institutional funding, company under 5 years old, Google decides
- Startups
- Apply on the Google Cloud site