Is this an official provider page?

No — AI Credits is an independent directory. We link to official application pages and label every program with eligibility, status, and a last-verified date.

Which model labs are covered on this page?

We cover OpenAI, Anthropic (Claude), Google (Gemini / Google for Startups), plus other major labs such as Mistral, xAI, Together, Fireworks, NVIDIA Inception, and AWS Bedrock Activate when programs are verified.

How do OpenAI, Claude, and Google startup grants differ?

OpenAI and Anthropic grants are usually API credits via VC/partner paths. Google often bundles larger cloud credits usable for Vertex/Gemini. Always read eligibility on the official apply page — ChatGPT or Claude.ai subscriptions are not the same thing.

How do I claim credits listed here?

Open the listing's Apply link, complete the provider's official form or signup flow, and confirm eligibility on their site. We never collect API keys or process grants ourselves.

What does Last Verified mean?

It is the date we last checked the offer against its official source. Programs can change or end without notice — always reconfirm before applying.

Usually yes. Free tiers, trials, and startup grants often expire after 30–365 days. Check the provider's terms and our notes for each listing.

AI Startup Credits — OpenAI, Google & Lab Grants

Compare AI Startup Credits and AI lab grants: OpenAI for Startups, Google for Startups credits, Anthropic partner paths, AWS Activate, and NVIDIA Inception.

Who AI Startup Credits are for

Most AI Startup Credits target incorporated startups — often with VC or accelerator backing — not personal hobby accounts.

Free API Credits →

OpenAI for Startups API grants

OpenAI for Startups can grant prepaid API Credits for Platform spend. ChatGPT Plus is separate and does not include those grants.

OpenAI API Credits →

Claude and Anthropic startup paths

Anthropic may offer Claude API Credits via partners. Confirm current partner channels — this is not Claude.ai Pro.

Claude API Credits →

Google for Startups credits

Google for Startups Cloud credits can fund Vertex / Gemini API workloads. Different from Gemini App free chat.

Google AI Credits →

How to apply for AI Startup Credits

Match eligibility, apply only on official links in each row, then use API Credits to compare model unit prices before burning the grant.

API Credits →

Credit TypeProviderEligibilityStatusLast Verified

10 listings

Tool	Credit Type	Potential Value	Status	Description	Last Verified
OpenAI OpenAI API ActiveLast verified 2026-07-20	Startup credits	Varies (partner path)	Active	OpenAI for Startups (and selected VC / accelerator partners) can grant prepaid API credits that spend against the OpenAI Platform — GPT and related models billed like normal API usage. This is not ChatGPT Plus / Team / Enterprise seat billing: winning a grant does not refill ChatGPT messages. Typical path: your investor or accelerator nominates you, or you apply through openai.com/startups when the window is open; OpenAI reviews stage, product, and use case, then issues credits into the API org if approved.	2026-07-20
Anthropic Claude API ActiveLast verified 2026-07-18	Startup credits	Varies (partner path)	Active	Anthropic may offer Claude API credits and higher rate limits through startup or VC partner channels. Those credits fund the Claude API (developer console), not Claude.ai Pro/Team chat plans. Partner lists and grant sizes change; many paths start with an investor introduction or an Anthropic partner application rather than a always-open self-serve form.	2026-07-18
Google Cloud GCP + Vertex / Gemini ActiveLast verified 2026-07-15	Startup credits	Up to large GCP grants	Active	Google for Startups Cloud Program can award Google Cloud credits that pay for GCP resources — including Vertex AI and Gemini API workloads, plus compute/storage. That is different from (1) the Gemini consumer app free chat and (2) Google AI Studio’s free developer quota. Approved startups typically receive a time-limited GCP credit balance after an application that checks company registration, stage, and region.	2026-07-15
AWS AWS + Bedrock ActiveLast verified 2026-07-01	Startup credits	Up to $100,000	Active	AWS Activate gives cloud credits that can cover Amazon Bedrock (hosted foundation models) and other AWS services. Founder / portfolio tiers differ: higher Activate packages usually need an Activate Provider (accelerator, VC, or organizer). Credits reduce your AWS bill; they are not a separate “Bedrock coupon” product.	2026-07-01
Together AI Together API ActiveLast verified 2026-06-25	Startup credits	Varies	Active	Build credits and higher rate limits for AI-native startups on open models.	2026-06-25
NVIDIA NVIDIA Inception ActiveLast verified 2026-07-01	Startup program	$100K+ in benefits	Active	Free program with GPU discounts, DLI training, and elevated cloud partner credits.	2026-07-01
Fireworks AI Fireworks API ActiveLast verified 2026-06-22	Startup credits	Varies	Active	Fast inference platform credits for AI-native startups.	2026-06-22
ElevenLabs Voice API ActiveLast verified 2026-06-20	Startup grant	Varies	Active	API credits for voice AI startups through ElevenLabs startup program.	2026-06-20
Mistral Mistral API ActiveLast verified 2026-06-25	Startup credits	Varies	Active	API credits for startups building on Mistral open and commercial models.	2026-06-25
Leonardo.Ai Leonardo API ActiveLast verified 2026-06-28	Startup grant	Varies	Active	Generative image API credits for creative and product teams via Leonardo startup outreach.	2026-06-28