Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the selection of 40 startups from around the world to join the 2025 cohort of its Generative AI Accelerator (GAIA) program. The initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help early-stage companies working on generative artificial intelligence technologies to scale their businesses.
Each participating startup will receive up to $1 million in AWS credits. The companies will also be matched with business and technical mentors and gain access to AWS’s generative AI technology stack. The program aims to help these startups improve machine learning performance, optimize their technology stack, and develop go-to-market strategies.
Sherry Karamdashti, General Manager & Head of Startups in North America at AWS, said, “Whether it’s in biotech labs, creative studios, or industrial applications, the pace of generative AI innovation is extraordinary, and it’s happening everywhere. This year’s cohort reinforces our mission to help that innovation move faster and deliver real-world impact for customers in every industry. We’re removing the barriers and accelerating opportunities so these leaders can grow their world-changing solutions.”
The selected startups come from regions including North America, Asia Pacific and Japan, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The program offers industry-specific mentoring and support for companies focused on foundational models, infrastructure, and AI tools.
The 2025 GAIA program will begin on October 13 at Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle. It will conclude in December during AWS re:Invent 2025 in Las Vegas. At this event, all 40 startups will present their solutions to investors, customers, partners, and AWS leadership.
