AWS launches Generative AI Spotlight program for APJ startups – Cloud
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched its Generative AI Spotlight program to help early-stage startups in Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) build generative AI (GenAI) capabilities.
The four-week program is open to pre-seed and seed-stage ready startups across APJ with a built MVP. They must also qualify for the AWS Activate credit program.
Startups have until 30 June to apply for the program, which will begin on July 8 2024 via virtual and in-person sessions.
In a LinkedIn post, AWS’ MD for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Rianne Van Veldhuizen said the program will have 25 spots for ANZ startups.
The program “will help founders accelerate their understanding of and fluency with generative AI tools and services from AWS, as well as [enable them to receive] peer support from a community of experts and innovators from across the region,” she said.
“The participants will also have access to AWS Activate and receive up to US$100,000 in AWS Credits.”
The program will be delivered in partnership with Australian tech innovation communities Stone & Chalk and Build Club.
AWS said program participants will receive guidance from “leading LLM producers, AWS engineers and industry-leading technical experts” as well as “executive, go-to-market, and technical advisors.”
They will also benefit from “exclusive networking and learning events with AWS executives, AWS Partners and top tier investors.”
The program launch comes after AWS announced last week a US$230 million investment into AI startups globally, which will partially fund the second cohort of its 10-week Generative AI Accelerator program.
The program provides participants up to US$1 million to build, train, test and launch their startup using AWS services and technologies.
“For 18 years, AWS has helped more startups build, launch and scale than any other cloud provider,” said Van Veldhuizen.
“It’s no coincidence that 96 percent of all AI/ML unicorns run on AWS. We’re incredibly committed to help the next generation of startups turbocharge development of new generative AI applications and bring innovation to market faster.”
“I’m really excited about the potential of seeing the next Leonardo.Ai come from Australia or New Zealand!”
