NVIDIA Inception Program for Startups

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For Startups Building What’s Next in AI What Is NVIDIA Inception? Inception is a free program that guides AI startups through the NVIDIA platform and ecosystem. From prototype to production, Inception meets you where you are, with member benefits to help you discover new AI opportunities, build with world-class technologies, and grow your business. Program Benefits Inception members have access to the latest developer tools and training, preferred pricing on NVIDIA hardware and software, exclusive offers from partners, and exposure to a global ecosystem of investors. Training and Guidance Hone critical skills with free self-paced technical courses and discounted expert-led workshops. Discover the best tools and resources for your work with personalized recommendations. Find answers to technical questions fast with full access to NVIDIA Developer Forums. Hear about new product releases and members-only offers in Inception’s monthly newsletter. Developer Tools and Offers Tackle AI challenges with the latest SDKs, model libraries, and developer platforms. Build with world-class technology with preferred pricing on select NVIDIA hardware and software. Develop AI applications faster with exclusive partner offers on tools, services, and support. Access free cloud credits from NVIDIA and partners for more flexible, scalable development and deployment. Investor Access Get exposure to the investors in NVIDIA’s extensive VC network through Inception Capital Connect (based on eligibility). Join curated networking events that bring together startups, top VCs, and NVIDIA executives. Brand and Market Reach Amplify your brand with official badges, co-branded social content, and customizable assets for events. Tap into NVIDIA’s global networks through world-class events and strategic introductions. Unlock go-to-market and other business opportunities as your engagement with NVIDIA grows. Get Started You can apply to the NVIDIA Inception program regardless of your company’s current funding stage. There are no application fees, deadlines, or cohorts. Apply to Inception Submit an application with details about your business and products. We’ll reach out with more information after we review your application. Update Your Profile Keep your profile up to date to get personalized recommendations and hear about new opportunities from NVIDIA that are right for you. Explore Your Benefits Access exclusive program benefits designed to help you discover new AI opportunities, build faster, and grow your business. Meet the Startups Shaping Tomorrow’s AI Behind every great innovation is a story worth sharing. Step inside the worlds of startups that are changing our lives every day with AI. Dive into their journeys, explore their technologies, and discover how NVIDIA helps visionaries turn bold ideas into reality. The NVIDIA Inception Startup Showcase is your front-row seat to the future. One Portal. Endless Possibilities. The Inception portal is your personalized hub for everything you need to accelerate AI innovation. Access training recommendations, technical resources, and content designed for startups like yours. Request members-only benefits like preferred pricing on NVIDIA hardware and software, free cloud credits from our partners, and technical training for your team. Stay connected, explore community activities, and tap into the latest program offers—all on one easy-to-use platform. Working With VC Firms Discover how Inception collaborates with NVIDIA VC Alliance, a global network of AI and technology investors, to support the world’s most innovative startups. Through VC Alliance, NVIDIA helps investors maximize portfolio performance by providing domain expertise and the resources portfolio companies need to succeed. How much does NVIDIA Inception membership cost? Inception is free. The program doesn’t have application fees, membership fees, or equity requirements. To remain eligible for benefits and maximize the value of Inception, you’ll need to keep your product and company details updated in the portal. Can my startup join Inception if it isn’t using NVIDIA GPUs or SDKs yet? Yes. Inception can also help you understand which NVIDIA solutions are best for your workload. As a member, you’ll receive codes for free self-paced courses and special pricing for instructor-led workshops through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute, where you can get the latest technical training and hands-on experience in AI, data science, accelerated computing, and more from NVIDIA. What are the criteria for NVIDIA Inception membership? Members must employ at least one developer, maintain a working website, be officially incorporated, and be less than 10 years old. Why am I required to provide information about my funding status in the program application? Funding status is an indicator of startup maturity. We use that information to determine which members might be a good fit for VC introductions. What if my startup doesn't currently generate revenue? Generating revenue isn’t required for membership. The program and benefits are designed to evolve with you as you grow. Why do I need to include a company pitch deck in my application? A pitch deck helps us understand your company’s mission, solutions, and unique value in the market. We rely on that information to determine how to best support your business, including personalized recommendations, workload-specific resources, and go-to-market opportunities. What GPU discounts are available to members? Members benefit from preferred pricing on a subset of our enterprise-grade GPUs. NVIDIA doesn't sell directly to Inception members, and we don't maintain pricing control over our suppliers. Preferred pricing functions as a rebate that is deducted from the standard supplier price. Is preferred pricing available for all NVIDIA hardware and software products? Preferred pricing is only available for select hardware and software products and is subject to change. How can I get the most value out of Inception? To maximize the value of your membership: Add product details to your profile in the portal. Update your product and company details regularly to remain eligible for benefits and other unique opportunities. Sign up to attend a welcome session for new members to connect with our team and learn more about how Inception can help you. Session details are in the portal. In your first weeks as a member, be sure to check out our email series designed to help new members get to know Inception and learn more about valuable resources from NVIDIA. Explore the Inception portal to learn about member benefits, marketing assets, and developer resources. Give your team portal access from the “Manage Users” section of the portal.