Microsoft for Startups (Startup credits on Azure) is a grant from Microsoft for privately held, for-profit company building its own software product or service, headquartered in a country where Azure is available…. It provides Up to USD 150,000 in Azure Startup credits, unlocked over time; higher benefits for Investor Network-backed startups, for technology · ai · saas. Applications are currently open.
Key facts
| Amount / benefit | Up to USD 150,000 in Azure Startup credits, unlocked over time; higher benefits for Investor Network-backed startups (Up to USD 150,000 in Azure Startup credits, unlocked over time; higher benefits for Investor Network-backed startups) |
|---|---|
| Provider | Microsoft |
| Where | Pan-India |
| Stage | Early Revenue, Early Stage, Growth, Idea, Proof Of Concept, Prototype, Seed |
| Sector | technology · ai · saas |
| Deadline | Applications open |
What is Microsoft for Startups?
Microsoft for Startups (Startup credits on Azure) — Up to USD 150,000 in Azure Startup credits, unlocked over time; higher benefits for Investor Network-backed startups — Privately held, for-profit company building its own software product or service, headquartered in a country where Azure is available (India qualifies). Must not have received more than USD 350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits and must be pre-Series C. Investor Network referral codes unlock more benefits. Applications are reviewed in about 3 business days.
The support is delivered through the programme’s own structure, and the form it takes is set by the issuing authority. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
It is aimed at businesses in technology · ai · saas. Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
Who is eligible for Microsoft for Startups?
Privately held, for-profit company building its own software product or service, headquartered in a country where Azure is available (India qualifies). Must not have received more than USD 350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits and must be pre-Series C. Investor Network referral codes unlock more benefits. Applications are reviewed in about 3 business days. Not for: Series C or later; educational institutions, government organisations, consultancies, agencies; crypto mining; companies that already received more than USD 350K in free Azure credits.
How much does Microsoft for Startups give, and in what form?
Up to USD 150,000 in Azure Startup credits, unlocked over time; higher benefits for Investor Network-backed startups, as up to USD 150,000 in Azure Startup credits, unlocked over time; higher benefits for Investor Network-backed startups.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs this programme?
Microsoft for Startups (Startup credits on Azure) is offered by Microsoft. Eligibility and approval rest with them; the criteria and amounts are set by the programme.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Programmes like this can be rolling or time-bound. Confirm the current window on the official programme page before you apply.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Read “Who can apply” above for the programme’s own criteria. If you’d like a quick read on your specific case, our free 2-minute eligibility check maps your stage, sector and revenue to what you can realistically claim.
Related programmes
Browse similar grant programmes. CapEasy handles this under Fundraising advisory.
Source and verification
No official page is linked for this programme yet. Verification date pending. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.