Amazon Web Services (AWS) is once again opening doors to the future of AI innovation, as it kicks off applications for the third cohort of its prestigious Generative AI Accelerator program.
Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), has officially opened applications for the third cycle of its AWS Generative AI Accelerator (GAIA), an eight-week global initiative that supports early-stage startups developing cutting-edge generative AI technologies.
Set to launch on October 13, 2025, at Amazon HQ1 in Seattle, this year’s program will select 40 high-potential startups from across the globe. Applications are open from June 10 to July 10, with the final cohort announcement scheduled for September 24, 2025.
Designed to scale startups working on foundational generative AI tools — such as large language models (LLMs), fine-tuning platforms, infrastructure, and agent-based workflows — the AWS Generative AI Accelerator offers participants up to $1 million in AWS credits, deep technical guidance, expert mentorship, and go-to-market support.
Jon Jones, VP and Global Head of Startups at AWS
“Virtually all startups today are exploring how generative AI can transform their industries,” said Jon Jones, VP and Global Head of Startups at Amazon Web Services. “That’s why this year, we’re zeroing in on those building the foundational technologies that will define the future of AI. Through the GAIA, we are continuing our mission to equip these trailblazers with the tools, visibility, and confidence they need to scale.”
AWS: Driving the next wave of AI innovation
Unlike many startup programs that focus on applications of generative AI, GAIA 2025 narrows its lens to the builders of the tech stack itself — those laying the groundwork for the next generation of AI breakthroughs.
Selected startups will participate in a hybrid format, beginning with in-person sessions at Amazon HQ1 and concluding at AWS re:Invent 2025, the company’s flagship tech conference. In between, teams will receive virtual training and mentoring from AWS experts, covering everything from architectural design to fundraising strategies and customer engagement.
Startups need not have prior experience with AWS, but those already leveraging its cloud services will benefit most from the hands-on technical support and marketplace integration.
Real impact from past cohorts
For many alumni of GAIA, the program has proven to be a turning point.
“At Latent Labs, we’re using AI foundation models to make biology programmable and revolutionize drug discovery,” said Simon Kohl, CEO of Latent Labs, a 2024 participant. “The AWS Accelerator gave us both technical horsepower and commercial visibility, accelerating platform growth and adoption. The support was tailored to the real-world needs of AI builders.”
Another alumnus, Tracy Chan, CEO of Splash Music, echoed similar sentiments. Splash Music is reimagining music creation and discovery for Gen Z. “AWS gave us early access to tools like SageMaker HyperPod and Trainium, which boosted our R&D velocity. The program didn’t just help us with tech — it also sharpened our go-to-market approach and helped us attract top-tier talent,” said Chan.
Global inclusion and innovation
The 2025 accelerator will feature a geographically diverse cohort, with startups from North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. AWS has emphasized inclusivity and aims to support both foundational model developers and those innovating at the infrastructure and application layers.
Each selected startup must have a minimum viable product (MVP), early customer traction, and a strong technical team.
Startups interested in applying can visit startups.aws to learn more and submit their application before the July 10 deadline.
As generative AI continues to disrupt and redefine industries, AWS is positioning itself at the center of this evolution — helping startups not only imagine the future, but build it.
