Generative AI Spotlight: APJ
AWS Spotlight 2025
Fast-track your Generative AI startup in just 3 weeks. The AWS Generative AI Spotlight program is for pre-seed and seed-stage ready startups across Asia-Pacific and Japan with a built MVP looking to accelerate their understanding of and fluency with Gen AI tools and services from AWS. Get access to best-in-class knowledge and expertise from top AI/ML industry leaders, founders and investors, and receive technical support as you build and refine your Generative AI startup with AWS.
Ready to take the next step?
Create a powerful inflection point for your early-stage startup by surrounding yourself with the right technology, advice and community from the beginning.
In partnership with
Benefits from Day One
*Startups must also qualify for the AWS Activate credit program.
Technical Deep Dives
Learn from best-in-class Generative AI startups, leading LLM producers, AWS engineers and industry-leading technical experts, and deep dive on your business to optimize around emerging tech and evolving business practices.
A booster for your business
Leverage access to and guidance from executive, go-to-market, and technical advisors, with the full support of the AWS Startups ready to help you grow your business faster.
A like-minded community
Join an exclusive virtual community to connect with fellow cohort members from across Asia-Pacific and Japan, as well as exclusive networking and learning events with AWS executives, AWS Partners, and top tier investors in key cities across the region.
Speakers
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Be a generative AI game-changer
We're seeking pre-seed and seed stage generative AI startups, who are MVP-ready or in-market with customers. We welcome AI-first startups with technical leads who are leveraging cloud technologies, or who plan to. If you have game-changing ambitions in the Generative AI space, we want to support you.
Application timeline
Spotlight Application Period
Applications can be submitted via the Application Form link until 11.59pm IST on May 5, 2025
April 7 to May 5, 2025
'Ask Me Anything' Virtual Info Session
Join us for an 'AMA' info session to ask your questions about the Generative AI Spotlight.
April 23, 2025
Notification Period
Applicants will be notified via email of the status of their Gen AI Spotlight Application.
6 May to 14 May, 2025
Program Schedule
Spotlight Week 1 - Grow your business
Build a scalable generative AI business and gain insights from global leaders
19 May to 23 May, 2025
Spotlight Week 2 - Technical Deep Dive
Dive deep into generative AI research, model architecture, key trends and more.
26 May to 30 May, 2025
Spotlight Week 3 - Go-To-Market
Build effective go-to-market strategies, selling to enterprise and preparing for the next funding round.
2 June to 6 June, 2025
Frequently asked questions
The AWS Generative AI Spotlight is for Generative AI startups based in Asia-Pacific or Japan that can demonstrate early-stage traction. Ideally, you’ll be MVP-ready, or have an early prototype developed and starting to talk to customers, with your eyes on raising a Seed round in the next 6-12 months. We welcome AI-first startups with technical leads who are leveraging cloud technologies, or who plan to. If you have game-changing ambitions in the Generative AI space, we want to support you.
This program is designed for seed and pre-seed Generative AI startups headquartered in Australia, New Zealand, ASEAN countries (Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Phillipines) India, Korea and Japan. Startups should have a technical MVP already built and be engaging with early customers. We welcome founders leveraging cloud technologies or those who plan to. For Seed+/pre-Series A startups, we recommend applying to the AWS Generative AI Accelerator program instead.
To get the most from the program, founders need to be beyond the ideation stage. That means being MVP-ready or having launched a product. If you're still ideating, we have a range of always-on startup programs and training to support your development. Visit AWS Startups for more information.
Interested startups should submit their application via the Generative AI Spotlight APJ landing page during the application window, which is from 7 April to 5 May, 2025. All applicants will be notified of their status by 16th of May.
Applications will be evaluated based on a number of factors including size and stage of the startup, amount of funding raised to date, depth of machine learning expertise and team composition.