Researcher
Start with ACCESS Explore for eligible US research, AIRR Gateway for UK AI testing, or EuroHPC AI for Science for eligible European research. Check each route's organisation and country rules.
Democratising compute
Free and funded compute
Find a practical route to compute through research allocations, startup credits or free notebooks. Start with your situation, then check eligibility and the official next step.
Student or individual
Try interactive code in Colab's free notebooks. Eligible US graduate students can also lead an ACCESS Explore project; undergraduates need an eligible lead.
Startup
Compare UK AIRR, European AI Factories and cloud-credit programmes. Region, company stage, workload and billing conditions determine which fits.
Upcoming application window
Upcoming window: GCS next large-scale application window Checked 13 November 2026.
Researchers at German universities and publicly funded German research institutions. Prepare for the official window from 11 January to 15 February 2027, closing at 17:00 CET; the allocation period is May 2027 to April 2028.
This forthcoming large-scale window is separate from rolling regular or preparation routes. Awards depend on scientific and technical review. Official source and next step
Upcoming window: ACCESS Maximize: next request window Checked 13 November 2026.
Researchers preparing a large resource request. Prepare for the 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027 submission window; awards are scheduled to start on 1 April 2027.
The 13 November check predates this window. Smaller ACCESS project types have separate application routes. Official source and next step
Compare the programme directory
52 programme records, with open routes first, unverified records clearly marked, and closed calls below. Status checks are separate from older programme detail dates. Open status needs another check after 30 days; a forthcoming window is not automatically declared open when its start date arrives.
Credits and allocations are not cash or guaranteed hardware. Some routes require billing accounts or a paid plan; some allocations charge for resources. Check covered services, expiry, charges and eligibility before committing.
Need help choosing? Use the funded-access chooser, finance and access guide or services and support.
Region is the programme's recorded region, not a decision about your eligibility. Audience filters cover the source-checked starting routes, not every possible eligible programme. Clear that filter to explore the full directory. Read each programme's eligibility and current terms.
Showing 8 of 52 programmes.
Compare recorded eligibility and resources below. Open a programme record for its full evidence, application steps and limits, then confirm current conditions with the official programme.
Open at latest check
Application status is dated below. Open applications do not guarantee an award, your eligibility or available hardware.
Cloud credits
| Programme and recorded region | Who can apply | Recorded resources | Evidence and next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google for Startups Cloud Program Global Open at latest check | Product startups meeting the chosen tier criteria. The current programme describes Start and funded pre-seed to Series A routes; company age, funding, region and previous credits affect acceptance. | Google Cloud credits and support, conditional on programme tier and acceptance. Check the current tier terms rather than treating an advertised maximum as an award. | Read eligibility, application steps and limits Check the official programme Google for Startups Cloud Program: Prepare a business website, matching business email and Google Cloud billing account ID, then choose the appropriate application tier. Source Status checked 13 November 2026: open at latest check. Programme details checked 13 November 2026. The application-status and programme-detail checks have separate dates. |
| Google Cloud research credits Global Open at latest check | Faculty, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at eligible accredited academic or nonprofit research institutions in approved countries. Master's students are not eligible under this research programme. | Discretionary Google Cloud credits for an approved non-commercial research project, not cash or reserved GPU capacity. | Read eligibility, application steps and limits Check the official programme Google Cloud research credits: ongoing applications: Check Google's eligibility list, then prepare a research proposal, cloud-cost estimate and billing account ID for the official research-credit application. The guide accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Source Status checked 14 November 2026: open at latest check. Programme details checked 14 November 2026. The application-status and programme-detail checks have separate dates. |
| AWS Activate credits Global Open at latest check | Pre-Series B startups founded within the last ten years with an AWS account on the paid tier plan. | AWS credits by tier; the page states from 1,000 US dollars for self-funded founders and up to 200,000 US dollars for the Portfolio tier. | Read eligibility, application steps and limits Check the official programme AWS Activate: Choose the self-funded or provider-backed route. Provider-backed applications need an Activate Provider organisation ID. Source Status checked 13 November 2026: open at latest check. Programme details checked 3 October 2026. The application-status and programme-detail checks have separate dates. |
| Microsoft for Startups Global Open at latest check | Startup founders and leaders; the page gives no further eligibility detail. | Azure credits, with the page stating up to 150,000 US dollars, plus technical guidance and go-to-market support. | Read eligibility, application steps and limits Check the official programme Microsoft for Startups: Use the official Get started route and check the enrolment conditions shown for your company. Source Status checked 13 November 2026: open at latest check. Programme details checked 3 October 2026. The application-status and programme-detail checks have separate dates. |
| NVIDIA Inception Global Open at latest check | Incorporated companies under ten years old with a working website and at least one developer; consultancies, crypto-linked firms, cloud providers, resellers and public companies are excluded. | Free membership with training, developer tools, preferred pricing on some hardware and software, and cloud credits from NVIDIA and partners. | Read eligibility, application steps and limits Check the official programme NVIDIA Inception membership applications: Apply with your business and product details. NVIDIA says there are no application deadlines or cohorts and reviews applications. Source Status checked 13 November 2026: open at latest check. Programme details checked 3 October 2026. The application-status and programme-detail checks have separate dates. |
| AWS Cloud Credit for Research Global Open at latest check | Full-time faculty, full-time research staff, and graduate, postgraduate or PhD students at accredited research institutions. | AWS promotional credit for applicable services, valid for one year or until used. The page states student awards are capped at 5,000 US dollars and that faculty and staff awards are not capped. | Read eligibility, application steps and limits Check the official programme AWS Cloud Credit for Research: Follow Apply now on the official programme page. AWS evaluates proposals throughout the year and describes typical review cycles of 90 to 120 days. Source Status checked 13 November 2026: open at latest check. Programme details checked 3 October 2026. The application-status and programme-detail checks have separate dates. |
Full recorded evidence and application steps for cloud credits
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Read the programme evidence and access steps
Who can apply: Product startups meeting the chosen tier criteria. The current programme describes Start and funded pre-seed to Series A routes; company age, funding, region and previous credits affect acceptance.
What you get: Google Cloud credits and support, conditional on programme tier and acceptance. Check the current tier terms rather than treating an advertised maximum as an award.
How to apply: Use the Apply now button for your stage on the programme page.
Open at latest check: Google for Startups Cloud Program Checked 13 November 2026.
Product startups meeting the programme tier and regional requirements. Prepare a business website, matching business email and Google Cloud billing account ID, then choose the appropriate application tier.
Acceptance depends on company age, funding, business model and prior credits. Credits cover eligible services and do not reserve GPU capacity. Official source and next step
No future deadline recorded
- The current programme lists Start and funded Scale and Scale AI tiers, with different eligibility requirements. Source
- Applications require a billing account ID, an active business website and matching business email; acceptance is at Google Cloud's discretion. Source
Checked 13 November 2026. Terms change, so read the programme page before you apply.
Check current status and next steps
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Google Cloud research credits
Read the programme evidence and access steps
Who can apply: Faculty, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at eligible accredited academic or nonprofit research institutions in approved countries. Master's students are not eligible under this research programme.
What you get: Discretionary Google Cloud credits for an approved non-commercial research project, not cash or reserved GPU capacity.
How to apply: Check country and institution eligibility, then use the research-credit application. Prepare a short research proposal, estimated cloud costs and a Google Cloud billing account ID. An application is not an award.
Open at latest check: Google Cloud research credits: ongoing applications Checked 14 November 2026.
Eligible faculty, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at qualifying academic or nonprofit research institutions in approved countries. Check Google's eligibility list, then prepare a research proposal, cloud-cost estimate and billing account ID for the official research-credit application. The guide accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Master's students are excluded. Billing information is required and the credits cannot be used commercially. Awards and GPU quotas are not guaranteed; check coverage, expiry and charges before use. Official source and next step
Deadline Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Google describes a normal six-to-eight-week review, not an approval or capacity guarantee.
- The eligibility guide limits this programme to eligible faculty, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at qualifying institutions in listed countries. Source
- The application guide explicitly accepts applications on an ongoing basis and excludes Master's students. Source
- The application asks for a research proposal, a cost estimate and a Google Cloud billing account ID. Source
- The research-credit terms require billing information and prohibit commercial use of the credits. Source
Checked 14 November 2026. Terms change, so read the programme page before you apply.
Check current status and next steps
Run this programme? .
AWS Activate credits
Read the programme evidence and access steps
Who can apply: Pre-Series B startups founded within the last ten years with an AWS account on the paid tier plan.
What you get: AWS credits by tier; the page states from 1,000 US dollars for self-funded founders and up to 200,000 US dollars for the Portfolio tier.
How to apply: Create an AWS Builder ID, pick your tier, complete the startup profile, then link your AWS account and submit.
Open at latest check: AWS Activate Checked 13 November 2026.
Pre-Series B startups founded within the last ten years. Choose the self-funded or provider-backed route. Provider-backed applications need an Activate Provider organisation ID.
AWS requires an account on its paid tier plan. Credits are conditional, not cash or guaranteed GPU capacity; check covered services, expiry and billing before use. Official source and next step
No future deadline recorded
- Applicants typically receive a decision within five to ten business days, according to the page. Source
- The Portfolio tier needs an Organization ID from an Activate Provider, and a separate AI startups tier is listed as invite-only. Source
Checked 3 October 2026. Terms change, so read the programme page before you apply.
Check current status and next steps
Run this programme? .
Microsoft for Startups
Read the programme evidence and access steps
Who can apply: Startup founders and leaders; the page gives no further eligibility detail.
What you get: Azure credits, with the page stating up to 150,000 US dollars, plus technical guidance and go-to-market support.
How to apply: Select Get started now on the programme page and enrol through the startups portal.
Open at latest check: Microsoft for Startups Checked 13 November 2026.
Startup founders looking for Azure credits and technical support. Use the official Get started route and check the enrolment conditions shown for your company.
The public page offers enrolment, not a guaranteed award or particular GPU. Confirm credit coverage, expiry and billing terms before use. Official source and next step
No future deadline recorded
- The page says credits apply to Azure services from early development through production workloads. Source
Checked 3 October 2026. Terms change, so read the programme page before you apply.
Check current status and next steps
Run this programme? .
NVIDIA Inception
Read the programme evidence and access steps
Who can apply: Incorporated companies under ten years old with a working website and at least one developer; consultancies, crypto-linked firms, cloud providers, resellers and public companies are excluded.
What you get: Free membership with training, developer tools, preferred pricing on some hardware and software, and cloud credits from NVIDIA and partners.
How to apply: Submit an application with business and product details through the NVIDIA portal.
Open at latest check: NVIDIA Inception membership applications Checked 13 November 2026.
AI startups seeking NVIDIA's development ecosystem and partner benefits. Apply with your business and product details. NVIDIA says there are no application deadlines or cohorts and reviews applications.
Free programme membership does not guarantee acceptance, a particular cloud-credit offer, investment or GPU capacity. Check the membership and individual benefit conditions. Official source and next step
No future deadline recorded
- The page states there are no application fees, membership fees or equity requirements. Source
- There are no deadlines or cohorts, so applications can be made at any time. Source
Checked 3 October 2026. Terms change, so read the programme page before you apply.
Check current status and next steps
Run this programme? .
AWS Cloud Credit for Research
Read the programme evidence and access steps
Who can apply: Full-time faculty, full-time research staff, and graduate, postgraduate or PhD students at accredited research institutions.
What you get: AWS promotional credit for applicable services, valid for one year or until used. The page states student awards are capped at 5,000 US dollars and that faculty and staff awards are not capped.
How to apply: Submit a proposal through the application portal linked from the programme page.
Open at latest check: AWS Cloud Credit for Research Checked 13 November 2026.
Full-time faculty or research staff and graduate, postgraduate or PhD students at accredited research institutions. Follow Apply now on the official programme page. AWS evaluates proposals throughout the year and describes typical review cycles of 90 to 120 days.
Awards are promotional credits for applicable services, not cash or guaranteed GPUs. Confirm the award terms and coverage before using chargeable services. Official source and next step
No future deadline recorded
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with a typical evaluation of 90 to 120 days, and expedited review is not available. Source
- The page says the programme supports public cloud-hosted science tools, proof-of-concept tests for cloud research workloads, and community workshops on cloud research. Source
Checked 3 October 2026. Terms change, so read the programme page before you apply.
Check current status and next steps
Run this programme? .
Unverified current status
These records remain useful for discovery, but current application status has not been established.
Cloud credits
| Programme and recorded region | Who can apply | Recorded resources | Evidence and next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lambda research grant Global Unverified current status | Current detailed eligibility is not established by the public landing page. | Conditional cloud credits for qualifying researchers to develop and showcase work using Lambda Instances. | Read eligibility, application steps and limits Check the official programme Lambda research grant: confirm current terms: Lambda's current research page links Apply for a grant. Use that official page instead of the old trade-press announcement. Source Status checked 13 November 2026: unverified current status. Programme details checked 13 November 2026. The application-status and programme-detail checks have separate dates. |
Full recorded evidence and application steps for cloud credits
Lambda research grant
Read the programme evidence and access steps
Who can apply: Current detailed eligibility is not established by the public landing page.
What you get: Conditional cloud credits for qualifying researchers to develop and showcase work using Lambda Instances.
How to apply: Use Apply for a grant on Lambda's current research page.
Unverified current status: Lambda research grant: confirm current terms Checked 13 November 2026.
Researchers exploring Lambda's grant programme. Lambda's current research page links Apply for a grant. Use that official page instead of the old trade-press announcement.
The page describes conditional cloud credits for Lambda Instances. Detailed eligibility, submission window and acceptance remain unverified; the advertised grant is not an award guarantee. This status needs a new check before relying on the route. Official source and next step
No future deadline recorded
- Lambda's research page links a grant application and describes research supported by its grant programme. Source
Checked 13 November 2026. Terms change, so read the programme page before you apply.
Check current status and next steps
Run this programme? .
Closed / historical
Past calls are preserved for reference. A recorded closure is not evidence that a new round is open.
Cloud credits
| Programme and recorded region | Who can apply | Recorded resources | Evidence and next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK AI Research Resource: Cloud Access call UK Closed / historical | UK registered small and medium-sized enterprises with a Companies House number. | Cloud credits for AI research and development with approved providers; the page states up to 400,000 pounds per project. | Read eligibility, application steps and limits Check the official programme UK AIRR Cloud Access call: The official page says applications have closed. Keep this as a historical reference and compare current routes above. Source Status checked 13 November 2026: closed / historical. Programme details checked 3 October 2026. The application-status and programme-detail checks have separate dates. |
Full recorded evidence and application steps for cloud credits
UK AI Research Resource: Cloud Access call
Read the programme evidence and access steps
Who can apply: UK registered small and medium-sized enterprises with a Companies House number.
What you get: Cloud credits for AI research and development with approved providers; the page states up to 400,000 pounds per project.
How to apply: Submit an online form and a five-section application form through the AIRR Portal.
Closed / historical: UK AIRR Cloud Access call Checked 13 November 2026.
Historical UK SME cloud-credit call. The official page says applications have closed. Keep this as a historical reference and compare current routes above.
The recorded application window ended on 24 July 2026. No new round is confirmed here. Official source and next step
No future deadline recorded
- The page lists an application window of 17 to 24 July 2026 and about 20 projects to be selected; the AIRR landing page marks the call as closed. Source
- The AIRR landing page lists the Cloud Access call as closed, with a banner added on 28 September 2026. Source
Checked 3 October 2026. Terms change, so read the programme page before you apply.
Check current status and next steps
Run this programme? .