… Giving Nigerian startups a chance to join Global Innovation Platform
Amazon Web Services, one of the world’s largest cloud computing companies, has announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2025 edition of its Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator. The program is designed to help early-stage technology companies around the world develop advanced artificial intelligence technologies, with a special focus on startups that are building the core foundations of future artificial intelligence innovations.
The announcement was made on June 16, 2025, as Amazon Web Services continues to expand its support for artificial intelligence entrepreneurs. The accelerator, which runs for eight weeks, provides selected startups with financial support, mentorship, access to Amazon Web Services technology, and global exposure that can help young companies grow faster. This year, forty startups will be selected from across the world. Applications opened on June 10, 2025, and will close on July 10, 2025. The selected companies will be announced on September 24, 2025, and the accelerator program will officially begin on October 13, 2025, at Amazon Web Services headquarters in Seattle, United States.
The Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator is focused on supporting companies that are not only using artificial intelligence to improve existing services but are also building the technologies that will shape the next generation of artificial intelligence. This includes startups developing large language models, software infrastructure for artificial intelligence development, platforms that fine-tune artificial intelligence models, and foundational agents that can learn and make decisions.
Speaking about the company’s goals for the program, Jon Jones, Vice President and Global Head of Startups at Amazon Web Services, explained that artificial intelligence is now central to almost every industry. He stated that the company’s focus is on supporting startups that are creating the technologies that will shape the future.
“We are now at a stage where virtually all startups will be applying generative artificial intelligence to their business in one shape or form. That is why for this year’s accelerator, we are honing our focus to support those startups developing the foundational technologies that will define what is possible with artificial intelligence,” Jones said. “This year’s program is part of our continued commitment to accelerate generative artificial intelligence innovation around the world by providing groundbreaking startups with the credits, mentorship, and visibility they need to scale with confidence.”
Each selected startup will receive financial support in the form of up to one million United States dollars in Amazon Web Services credits. This financial assistance allows startups to access Amazon Web Services computing power, artificial intelligence tools, and cloud infrastructure to build and improve their technologies. In addition to funding, participants will receive guidance from Amazon Web Services engineers, business experts, and mentors who will help the companies strengthen their business models and prepare for global expansion.
Startups that apply for the program must already have a working product, early customer interest, and a skilled technical team. Startups do not need to have previous experience with Amazon Web Services in order to apply, but companies that are already using Amazon Web Services may benefit from additional technical support and integration opportunities.
For Nigerian technology startups, the Amazon Web Services accelerator presents a valuable opportunity to connect directly with one of the world’s largest technology companies. Over the past decade, Nigeria’s technology sector has grown rapidly, producing some of Africa’s most successful startup companies and attracting attention from global investors. Nigerian entrepreneurs are building solutions in areas such as financial technology, health technology, education, logistics, agriculture, and artificial intelligence research.
As artificial intelligence continues to grow globally, Nigerian companies are finding new ways to use this technology to solve important local challenges. For example, Nigerian startups are building artificial intelligence systems to improve healthcare diagnosis, deliver financial services to underserved communities, increase agricultural production, and support government services.
Technology experts believe that connecting Nigerian startups with global accelerator programs like Amazon Web Services’ initiative will help Nigerian entrepreneurs strengthen their skills, gain access to global markets, and build stronger companies. These types of partnerships offer startups access to advanced technology, mentorship, and funding that may be difficult to secure locally.
Several companies that previously participated in the Amazon Web Services accelerator program have experienced significant growth following their involvement. One such example is Latent Labs, a biotechnology company that uses artificial intelligence to support drug discovery and medical research. Latent Labs participated in the 2024 edition of the accelerator.
Simon Kohl, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Latent Labs, shared how the program helped his company achieve both technical improvements and business success. “The Amazon Web Services Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator offered us a unique blend of technical depth and commercial reach, which was instrumental in accelerating both our platform capabilities and our market adoption,” Kohl explained. “Amazon Web Services moves quickly to adapt to the fast-evolving generative artificial intelligence landscape, not just with infrastructure and tooling, but with programs designed to help generative artificial intelligence startups scale. As a founder, you gain access to an ecosystem that understands both the demands of building cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems and the importance of aligning those systems with real-world customer needs.”
Another company that benefited from the accelerator program is Splash Music, which uses artificial intelligence to change how people create and enjoy music. Splash Music’s Chief Executive Officer, Tracy Chan, explained how the Amazon Web Services program helped the company make fast progress in both technology and business.
“At Splash Music, we are reimagining how music is created and discovered, transforming it from a background activity into the interactive, expressive experience younger consumers connect with,” Chan said. “The Amazon Web Services accelerator was a game-changer for us. It gave us early access to cutting-edge Amazon Web Services tools like SageMaker HyperPod and Trainium, plus hands-on support to migrate our models from a previous provider, significantly accelerating our research velocity and model performance. Beyond the technology, Amazon Web Services’ support with go-to-market strategy, public exposure, and hiring world-class talent helped us hit milestones faster than planned.”
The 2025 cohort of the Amazon Web Services Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator will include startups from across the world, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This global approach allows Nigerian startups to join an international network of founders and companies working to advance artificial intelligence responsibly.
As Nigeria develops its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, programs like the Amazon Web Services accelerator provide important examples of how international partnerships can support local innovation. The Nigerian government has identified artificial intelligence as one of the key drivers of future economic growth and job creation. By encouraging participation in global programs, Nigerian startups can gain valuable experience, strengthen their technology, and create more job opportunities for local talent.
Experts also believe that involving Nigerian entrepreneurs in global programs will help build stronger partnerships between Nigerian research institutions, startups, government agencies, and international technology companies. These partnerships will play a major role in helping Nigeria develop its own artificial intelligence expertise and contribute meaningfully to the global artificial intelligence community.
Nigerian startups that meet the program’s requirements are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Amazon Web Services Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator. Applications are now open and will close on July 10, 2025. Interested companies can visit the Amazon Web Services Startups website for full details on eligibility and application guidelines.
With the global artificial intelligence economy expanding rapidly, Nigerian startups that are able to secure international partnerships and resources will be better positioned to compete in the digital economy of the future. The Amazon Web Services accelerator program provides a rare opportunity for Nigerian innovators to gain access to the technology, knowledge, and global exposure needed to take their businesses to the next level.