Startup Exclusive Programme

AWS Activate
for Startups

Empowering startups to innovate, build, and scale — with free AWS cloud credits, expert support, and go-to-market opportunities.

$500 – $100K
USD in AWS Cloud Credits
Available to eligible startups
Programme Overview

What You Will Get

AWS Activate provides comprehensive resources tailored to startups at every stage of growth.

💰

AWS Cloud Credits

Up to $100,000 in AWS promotional credits to cover cloud infrastructure costs during key growth stages.

🔧

Technical Support

1-on-1 technical guidance from AWS Solutions Architects to optimise architecture, security, and cost management.

🤝

Community & Network

Connect with founders, investors, and mentors through AWS networking events and the global startup community.

🏆

Go-to-Market Support

Access AWS Marketplace, co-sell opportunities, and curated content to help you reach customers faster.

Credit Tiers

Grow as You Grow

Your startup's stage determines the credit amount available to you.

Tier Credits (USD) Who It's For
Founder $1,000 Pre-idea/pre-seed, just starting out
Starter $5,000 Seeded, with MVP or early customers
Portfolio $15,000 Series A or backed by accredited investors/accelerators
Scale-Up Top Tier $100,000 Series B , with significant scale and revenue
Eligibility

Do You Qualify?

Please review the following eligibility criteria before applying.

✓ Founded within the last 10 years
✓ Not publicly listed on any stock exchange
✓ Have not previously received >$100K in AWS Activate credits
✓ Have an active, valid AWS account
✓ Have a working product or service (not just an idea)
✓ Funding raised below the specified threshold (varies by tier)
✓ Industry complies with AWS Acceptable Use Policy
✓ Must apply via a partner referral (CPO will refer you)
Application Process

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward. Prepare the required documents, then contact CPO for referral.

1

Create/Verify AWS Account

Ensure your startup has an active AWS account. If not, sign up at aws.amazon.com/free.

Free tier available for new accounts
2

Prepare Required Documents

Please prepare the following:

  • Pitch Deck (PDF format)
  • Company profile / one-pager
  • Proof of funding (if applicable)
  • AWS Account ID (12-digit number)
  • Promotion Template (download from AWS)
3

Contact CPO for Referral

All applications must be referred through CPO. Please email the above documents as attachments to CPO, and we will submit to AWS on your behalf.

cpo@eduhk.hk →
4

Await Confirmation

AWS typically responds within 2–4 weeks. Upon approval, credits will be applied directly to your AWS account.
Workshops

Hands-On Training Workshops

CPO regularly organises workshops to help startup teams make the most of AWS services. Contact us to express interest.

Amazon Q Hands-On Workshop
Practical lab session with Amazon Q Developer AI coding assistant — Duration: ~3.5 hours
 Hands-On Lab

A practical, hands-on workshop where participants use Amazon Q Developer (AI-powered coding assistant) to build a real application on AWS. Please bring your laptop!

Workshop Agenda
Time Session Details
15 min Introduction Amazon Q Developer overview and capabilities
45 min Environment Setup Configure IDE, set up AWS credentials, enable Amazon Q
60 min Lab Part 1 — Code Generation Use Q to generate boilerplate code, API endpoints, and database schemas
45 min Lab Part 2 — Debugging & Optimisation Use Q for code debugging, explanation, performance tuning, and refactoring
30 min Build & Deploy Demo App Integrate components into a complete app and deploy to AWS
15 min Q&A / Wrap-up Open discussion, next steps, and additional resources
AWS Services Intro Activate Overview
Info session covering core AWS services and Activate programme highlights — Duration: ~1 hour
 Overview Session
  • Introduction to core AWS compute, storage, database, and AI/ML services
  • AWS Console walkthrough and basic deployment demo
  • AWS Activate overview: tiers, benefits, and application process
  • Q&A
Interested in a workshop? Please contact CPO at cpo@eduhk.hk or call (852) 2948 7612 to express interest. We will schedule workshops based on demand.
Application & Enquiries

How to Apply for AWS Activate

The Centre for Pre-incubation & Outreach (CPO) is pleased to recommend this valuable resource programme, provided by AWS, to eligible startup teams.

Centre for Pre-incubation &
Outreach (CPO)
The Education University of Hong Kong
 
AWS Activate Hong Kong Team
Programme Provider (Reference Only)

(852) 2948 7612
For all AWS Activate referrals, workshop enquiries, and general questions about this programme.
Ready to build on AWS?

Contact CPO today to start the AWS Activate referral process and unlock up to $100,000 in cloud credits.

* AWS Activate Programme is subject to AWS Activate Terms and Conditions.

This page is compiled and provided by the Centre for Pre-incubation & Outreach (CPO),
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)

For any enquiries, please contact cpo@eduhk.hk or call (852) 2948 7612