IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur)

Up to $120K in IBM Cloud credits over 12 months plus 170+ services and solution architects, for early low-revenue startups.

IBMUpdated weekly · checked 2 h ago

IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur) is a cloud and infrastructure perk from IBM worth up to $120K credits, for startups under 5 years old.

Who qualifies
Any startup
Benefit type
Credits
What you get

Inside IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur)

Up to $120,000 in IBM Cloud credits over 12 months (Builder ~$1,000/month, Premium ~$10,000/month), access to 170+ IBM Cloud services, watsonx AI tools, and solution architect mentorship.

Eligibility

Who it's for

Funding / backing
Any startup
Startup stage
Idea, Pre-seed, Seed
Company age
Under 5 years old
Geography
Global
Recurring / expiry
12-month credit window (monthly allowance by level).
Other requirements
Revenue under $1M in last 12 months, operating under 5 years, no prior IBM technology credits, not already a paying IBM Cloud customer. Non-dilutive.
How to claim

How to apply for IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur)

What to have ready
  • Confirmation you were founded within the last 5 years
Steps to apply
  1. 1Apply via ibm.com/cloud/startups.
Value is the headline maximum IBM advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. Independent comparison, not affiliated with the programs listed. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.
If you don't qualify

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IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur) has eligibility restrictions. These alternatives have no accelerator or investor requirement. Check each provider’s current terms and availability.

Questions

IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur): common questions

How much is IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur) worth?

IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur) is worth up to $120K credits.

Who qualifies for IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur)?

IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur) is for idea-stage, pre-seed and seed startups under 5 years old. Revenue under $1M in last 12 months, operating under 5 years, no prior IBM technology credits, not already a paying IBM Cloud customer. Non-dilutive.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur)?

No. IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur) is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur)?

Apply via ibm.com/cloud/startups.

How long do I have to use IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur), and does it expire?

12-month credit window (monthly allowance by level).

Is IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur) available outside the US?

IBM Startup Program (Global Entrepreneur) is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.

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