AWS allocates $230 million to support startup development

AWS recently announced that it has earmarked nearly $230 million to support startups building generative AI applications. Lakshmi Priya, head of startup business at AWS (Amazon Web Services), said that ASEAN startups that build foundational models and implement large language models (LLMs) are eligible for the program. “Now, when we talk about programs, it’s not just about giving technology and some credits, but really, how do we follow through on what we say?” Priya told reporters at a recent press conference.

In addition, she added that more than 80 training courses are available in a variety of formats: online, on-demand in the classroom, or in any other format a client needs, no matter how specific or broad the scope of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is.

In anticipation of the huge demand, Priya said AWS has introduced over 80 training programs because AWS believes generative AI will be essential for every business. Moreover, generative AI adoption will require skills and reskilling. “And if startups want to build and prefer a partner to do it, then we have technology partners who will also support, test and deploy these generative AI applications quickly,” she explained.

“As I said, we’re really excited about this space. Of course, it’s exciting because there’s so much going on. We believe that these are the ways that we support startups,” Priya added.

Priya said AWS has to be dynamic because it’s learning, evolving and agile. She added that AWS is always looking back to review customer needs. It’s looking back to what customers want. “And then we continue to leverage programs and build new ones to support startups in generative AI,” she said.

Additionally, AWS sees generative AI as a great field because it has the transformative power to drive innovation and growth. Priya said the company is excited about generative AI because it is constantly evolving, which also keeps the company on its toes.

She said AWS and other members of the Amazon group are aiming for generative AI to make things easier, better, faster and cheaper for our customers. “And just as we talk about democratizing cloud computing for our customers, we’re working to democratize generative AI,” Priya said.