Amazon’s first foray into the world of accelerator programs, designed to assist early-stage startups in building and launching, was focused on conversational AI back in 2016. Now, seven years later, Amazon has another AI accelerator, this time led by Amazon Web Services and focusing on the newest zeitgeist: generative artificial intelligence.
AWS announced today the creation of a 10-week program for generative AI startups worldwide. Founders of generative AI startups in the cohort can expect access to AI models and tools, as well as machine learning stack optimization and custom go-to-market advice. At the end of the program, there will be a Demo Day in San Francisco.
AWS is not investing in startups and currently does not have an AI/ML investment arm. Acceptees will receive up to $300,000 in AWS credits to help them build their businesses. The company says that applications will be accepted for the next two weeks and that ten startups will be chosen.
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While the company claims that it is open to all startups, AWS’ Global Head of Startups Howard Wright provided some specificity in a blog post announcing the accelerator as to who will receive the most benefit – startups with a minimum viable product, traction with customers, and are working on product value propositions – as well as already building on AWS – will receive the most benefit, according to Wright.
As for why now, isn’t it obvious? Generative AI, says Rob Ferguson, AWS’ Global Head of AI/ML Startups, has unlocked new developments and creativity. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning are some of the most transformative technologies of our generation, and have been a main focus area for Amazon for more than 20 years….[we’re] excited about what next big thing we can help power through the cloud,” Ferguson said.
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“Our approach to generative AI is to invest and innovate across three layers of the generative AI stack to take this technology out of the realm of research and make it available to customers of any size and developers of all skill levels,” he said.
