Amazon Offers Free Year of Kiro Pro+ Credits to Eligible Startups

Program Overview

At the recent re:Invent conference, Amazon Web Services introduced a new initiative aimed at accelerating adoption of its AI‑powered coding tool, Kiro Pro+. The program provides qualified early‑stage startups with a free year of credits to use Kiro Pro+, allowing them to integrate the technology into their development workflows without upfront cost. AWS CEO Matt Garman presented the offer as a way to help startups innovate faster while gaining exposure to Amazon’s broader cloud ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria

The free‑credit program is limited to startups that have secured venture‑capital funding ranging from pre‑seed to Series B. Only companies based in the United States are eligible to apply. Within the approved funding range, startups can request credits for up to 100 users, ensuring that teams of varying sizes can benefit from the tool.

Geographic Restrictions

While the program is open to U.S. startups, there are specific geographic exclusions for the credit usage. The offer does not apply to users located in France, Germany, Italy, much of South America, or any country subject to trade sanctions. These restrictions are intended to comply with existing regulatory frameworks.

Application Process and Deadline

Startups interested in the free‑year credits must submit an application before the deadline of December 31. The application process requires verification of funding status and confirmation of the company’s location. Once approved, startups receive the credits and can allocate them to up to 100 users within their organization.

Strategic Implications

By providing Kiro Pro+ at no cost to eligible startups, Amazon aims to position its AI coding tool as a go‑to solution for emerging companies. The initiative not only supports the development community but also encourages early adoption of Amazon’s AI services, potentially leading to long‑term customer relationships as these startups scale.