NVIDIA Inception is a free, no-equity program for AI startups at any funding stage, offering technical training, SDK access, preferred hardware pricing, and VC-network connections. It routes members to large partner cloud-credit packages (e.g. AWS Activate, Nebius). Over 40,000 startups have joined worldwide.
Why this could be a strong fit
Ideal for AI/GPU-heavy startups. The training, hardware discounts, and VC connections complement whichever cloud provider you build on.
What you need to qualify
- Be an AI-focused, officially incorporated startup
- Employ at least one developer
- Maintain a working company website
- Be less than 10 years old (revenue not required)
- Not a consulting firm, crypto company, cloud reseller, or public company
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- Idea, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A+
- Countries
- Global (no restriction)
- Max company age
- 120 months
How to apply
- 1
Confirm eligibility
AI startup, incorporated, <10 years, at least one developer.
- 2
Complete the online application
Provide business and product details on the Inception page.
- 3
Await NVIDIA review
The team reaches out after reviewing (rolling, no deadlines).
- 4
Activate benefits
Access DLI training, SDKs, hardware discounts, and partner cloud offers.