Amazon Web Services has opened applications for the 2025 cohort of its Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator, a global programme aimed at supporting early-stage technology companies that are developing advanced generative artificial intelligence technologies.
According to the statement by the organisation, the initiative reflects Amazon Web Services’ commitment to helping scale innovative artificial intelligence solutions, with significant implications for emerging economies such as Nigeria that are investing in digital skills development and technological capacity building.
The announcement, made on June 16, 2025, marks the beginning of the third edition of the Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator.
“The programme, which runs for eight weeks, provides selected startups with financial support, technical mentorship, commercial coaching, and access to Amazon Web Services’ enterprise-level technology infrastructure.
“Applications opened on June 10 and will close on July 10, 2025. The selected cohort of forty startups will be announced on September 24, 2025, and the accelerator will officially commence on October 13, 2025, at Amazon Web Services headquarters in Seattle, United States.
The statement added that the Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator is specifically focused on supporting early-stage startups that are building the foundational technologies that will drive future advancements in artificial intelligence.
“These include companies that are developing large language models, artificial intelligence infrastructure tools, fine-tuning platforms, and foundational agent technologies. By investing in these areas, Amazon Web Services seeks to support companies that are not only applying artificial intelligence to existing business problems but also creating the next generation of core artificial intelligence capabilities.”
Jon Jones, Vice President and Global Head of Startups at Amazon Web Services, described the significance of the accelerator at this phase of artificial intelligence development, emphasising that generative artificial intelligence has become central to business growth across industries.
“We are now at a stage where virtually all startups will be applying generative artificial intelligence to their business in one shape or form. That is why for this year’s accelerator, we are honing our focus to support those startups developing the foundational technologies that will define what is possible with artificial intelligence.
“This year’s programme is part of our continued commitment to accelerate generative artificial intelligence innovation around the world by providing groundbreaking startups with the credits, mentorship, and visibility they need to scale with confidence.”
Each selected startup will receive up to one million United States dollars in Amazon Web Services credits, allowing them to access computing power and advanced artificial intelligence infrastructure as they develop and test their solutions. Beyond financial support, participants will also benefit from one-on-one technical mentorship, guidance from Amazon Web Services solution architects, business development coaching, and exposure to global networks of investors, technology partners, and enterprise customers.
Importantly, while the accelerator requires applicants to demonstrate a minimum viable product, early customer traction, and a strong technical team, startups are not required to have prior experience using Amazon Web Services. However, companies that are already building on the Amazon Web Services platform are expected to gain additional value from advanced architectural support and deeper integration with Amazon Web Services’ technology ecosystem.
For Nigerian entrepreneurs and technology innovators, the Amazon Web Services Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator presents an opportunity to engage directly with one of the world’s most influential cloud technology companies and to access global best practices in artificial intelligence development. Nigeria’s technology sector has grown substantially in recent years, with the country producing several successful startup companies that have attracted international venture capital and earned global recognition.
