Building an AI-powered app can be expensive. Trust me, I know. When I started working on my ADHD-focused app Dialed, I was staring at massive API bills that could kill my project before it even launched.
But here’s the thing – there are tons of free AI credits out there. Most founders just don’t know where to look. I spent weeks hunting down every program, grant, and credit offer I could find. Now over 2,000 people use my app, and I haven’t paid a dime for AI inference yet.
People keep asking how I did it. So here’s everything I learned, with direct links and real screenshots. No more rabbit holes.
1. Microsoft for Startups – The Solo Founder’s Best Friend
This is where I started, and honestly, it’s probably the best deal out there for solo founders. You don’t need investors. You don’t need a fancy pitch deck. Just a real project and some hustle.
What you get: Azure credits that work with Azure OpenAI, plus GitHub Pro, Visual Studio subscriptions, and more. The free AI credits alone are worth thousands.
Why it’s great: They actually care about solo founders. Most programs want you to have raised money or be in some accelerator. Microsoft gets that good ideas come from garage hackers too.
How to apply: Go to Microsoft for Startups, fill out the form, and explain your project. Be honest about what you’re building and why it matters.
Pro tip: I literally wrote “I work for a company exploring AI models for internal projects” and got approved fast. They’re tied to OpenAI, so they want to onboard quickly.
2. AWS Activate – Credits That Scale With Your Growth
AWS Activate is startup-focused, but they’re smart about it. Small chunks if you’re independent, bigger if you’re in an accelerator or have backing.
What you get: AWS credits for compute, storage, and AI services. If you’re using Bedrock for Claude or other models, this is gold.
The catch: Having an LLC and real website helps a lot. They want to see you’re serious, not just experimenting.
How to apply: Hit up AWS Activate. Fill out their application with real business details. Show them you’re building something that will actually use their services.
Real talk: The application takes some work, but the free AI credits are worth it if you’re planning to scale.
3. Google Cloud AI Startup Program – For the Big Players
This one’s for startups that already raised seed or Series A funding. If that’s you, the free credits here are massive.
What you get: Huge Google Cloud credits specifically for AI workloads. Perfect if you want to live on Vertex AI and Gemini.
Who qualifies: AI-first startups with funding. They’re not messing around with hobbyists here.
How to apply: Check out Google Cloud AI Startup Program. You’ll need to prove you’re legitimate and AI-focused.
Why it matters: If you qualify, these free AI credits can run your inference costs for months.
4. ElevenLabs Startup Grants – Voice AI on Steroids
If you’re doing anything with voice, this is insane value. ElevenLabs gives early-stage teams a massive pool of free characters for text-to-speech and voice cloning.
What you get: 12 months of free conversational AI audio – we’re talking over 680 hours worth.
Perfect for: Voice assistants, audiobook apps, accessibility tools, or anything that talks to users.
How to apply: Visit ElevenLabs Startup Grants.
Why I love it: Voice is expensive. These free credits let you prototype and validate without burning cash.
5. Cohere Catalyst Grants – For Research and Impact
Last but not least, Cohere offers API credits for research, public good, and impact projects. This is especially good if you’re in academia or doing nonprofit work.
What you get: Free AI credits for Cohere’s language models and embedding APIs.
Who should apply: Researchers, academics, civic projects, nonprofit organizations.
How to apply: Check out Cohere Catalyst Grants.
The vibe: They care about making AI accessible for good causes, not just profit.
Bonus Round: MiniMax for Audio Experimentation
MiniMax gives you free monthly credits for AI voice, music, and LLM testing. Great for trying out audio features before committing to paid plans.
What you get: Free monthly credits for voice and music generation.
Best for: Experimenting with audio AI before scaling up.
How to start: Head to MiniMax Audio and start testing.
How I’m Using These Free AI Credits
I used this whole free credit stack to build Dialed. It’s an app that helps ADHD brains actually start tasks with short, personalized pep talks instead of staring at the screen forever.
The free AI credits let me experiment with different models, test voice features, and iterate without worrying about API costs. Now over 2,000 people use it to beat task paralysis and ADHD inertia.
Beyond These Programs
Want more? Sites like CreditForStartups keep updated directories of tools and credit bundles from clouds, dev tools, and more platforms.
But honestly, start with the ones above. They’re the heaviest hitters for free AI credits.
The Reality Check
Here’s what nobody tells you: getting free AI credits isn’t just about filling out forms. You need to show you’re building something real.
Have a working prototype. Get some users. Show traction. These programs want to invest in winners, not just ideas.
Also, don’t lie about your stage or progress. Be honest about where you are and where you’re going. Authenticity wins over fake metrics every time.
Your Next Move
Pick one program from this list. Start your application today. Don’t overthink it.
The worst they can say is no. The best they can say is yes – and that yes could save you thousands in free AI credits while you build the next big thing.
Stop hunting for free credits in random blog posts. These programs are real, they’re generous, and they’re waiting for founders like you to apply.