HÀ NỘI — Amazon Web Services Inc (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon.com, has launched applications for the 2025 AWS Generative AI Accelerator (GAIA), a global initiative aimed at scaling early-stage start-ups building foundational generative AI technologies.

Now in its third year, the eight-week programme will support 40 start-ups worldwide, focusing on those developing large language models, infrastructure tooling, fine-tuning platforms and agentic workflows. Applications are open from June 10 to July 10, with the final cohort to be announced on September 24. The programme will begin on October 13 at Amazon HQ1 in Seattle, US and conclude at AWS re:Invent 2025.

Selected start-ups will receive up to US$1 million in AWS credits, technical mentorship, go-to-market support and access to AWS’s AI tools and services. The programme is designed to accelerate the development of core technologies driving the future of generative AI.

“We are now at a stage where virtually all start-ups will be applying generative AI to their business,” said Vice President and Global Head of Startups at AWS Jon Jones. 

“This year, we are honing our focus on those building the foundational technologies that will define what’s possible with AI.”

The hybrid programme includes an in-person start in Seattle, followed by virtual sessions and a final in-person event at AWS’s flagship annual conference. Start-ups do not need prior experience with AWS to apply, though those already building on the platform will gain access to more hands-on support, including architectural guidance and AWS Marketplace onboarding.

Applicants are expected to have a functioning Minimum Viable Product (MVP), customer traction and a strong technical team. The initiative reflects AWS’s commitment to advancing generative AI innovation globally.

Việt Nam-based start-up AI Hay, a participant in the 2024 accelerator, highlighted the programme’s transformative impact. 

“Joining the AWS Generative AI Accelerator was an incredible opportunity,” said CEO Đức Trần. “It helped us scale from training models with 100 million parameters to developing advanced models with 32 billion parameters. That level of infrastructure access was previously out of reach.”

The 2025 cohort will include start-ups from around the world. Selected companies will receive tailored industry mentorship and support to accelerate their product development and global reach. — VNS