The initiative will provide early stage companies with AWS
cloud computing credits, mentorship, and education to further their utilization
of AI and machine learning technologies, the company said.
Amazon’s gesture comes as big tech companies are under
increased scrutiny from antitrust regulators over whether they are stifling
competition in the emerging AI market.
Participating startups will have access to AWS computing,
storage, database, and custom AI chip offerings through the provided credits.
The training of generative AI models behind apps such as
ChatGPT requires an immense amount of computing power that quickly depletes the
cash reserves of startups.
Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission opened an
inquiry into how major tech firms were investing in AI startups, requesting
further information from the companies, including AWS.
The EU and Britain's competition watchdogs are also
examining tie-ups between artificial intelligence firms and their big US tech
partners.