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. Cloud credit is routed through partners (AWS Activate, Nebius and others) rather than granted by NVIDIA, so the amount depends on the partner and on your startup, and membership alone does not guarantee a specific figure. Over 40,000 startups have joined worldwide.
- Potential value:
- $100k in credits
- Provider:
- NVIDIA
- Referral needed:
- No
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
- Employ at least one developer.
- Maintain a working website.
- Be officially incorporated, and be able to provide the incorporation date.
- Be less than 10 years old.
- Not be a consulting firm, a cryptocurrency company, a cloud service provider, a reseller or a public company.
- Revenue is not required: generating revenue is not a condition of membership.
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- Idea, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A+
- Countries
- Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval
- Max company age
- 120 months
How to apply
- 1
Check that you qualify
Members must employ at least one developer, maintain a working website, be officially incorporated, and be less than 10 years old. Consulting firms, cryptocurrency companies, cloud service providers, resellers and public companies do not qualify.
- 2
Submit the application
Apply at programs.nvidia.com/phoenix/application with your business and product details, including your incorporation date. There is no application fee, no membership fee and no equity requirement.
- 3
Wait for the review
NVIDIA states it will reach out with more information after reviewing your application.
- 4
Keep your profile current
After you join, update your profile so NVIDIA can make personalised recommendations, so you stay eligible for benefits, and so you see new member offers as they appear.