What to expect from the AWS Impact Bootcamps

At Amazon Web Services (AWS), we’re committed to empowering underrepresented startups. For younger businesses, the evolving job market is it more complicated to attract and retain employees, and in a more risk-averse investment climate, securing significant funding is a top priority. Plus, startups today face competitive markets and complex industry standards.

For those operating in underrepresented communities, founders also face biases and have limited access to startup resources. These factors divert time and attention away from a startup’s biggest goal: growth. To accelerate progression, diverse startups need access to consolidated resources that will help them build and scale their solutions.

Streamlining the startup journey

To help emerging and underrepresented startups speed up time-to-market, find the best talent, and lock in funding, AWS is joining forces with Techstars to provide a two-day startup acceleration program.

The AWS Impact Bootcamp will combine the technical expertise of AWS and the proven startup expertise of Techstars, creating a powerful suite of resources for underrepresented founders. From educational content to expert mentorship, the AWS Impact Bootcamp gives startups all the tools they need to scale.

Bootcamps will be held across multiple innovation hubs around the world, supporting up to 50 founders per city and 300 founders annually. This initiative expands the global footprint of AWS, delivering a brand-new suite of resources to diverse founders around the world.

What’s included in the AWS Impact Bootcamp?

Each bootcamp offers a unique and immersive experience, blending Techstars’ established curriculum with hands-on training using the latest AWS generative and agentic AI solutions.

Selected startups receive:

• An opportunity to compete for an exclusive invitation to the capstone AWS Founder Retreat, featuring in-person investor meetings and a chance to win up to $50,000 in grant funding.
• Consideration for Techstars (i.e. Founder Catalyst and Accelerator) and AWS Startup programs post bootcamp.
• The chance to apply for up to $5,000 in AWS Activate Credits to build, train, and launch your products.
• On-site networking with fellow founders, VCs, thought leaders, and the broader startup community.

Where will the bootcamps be held?

AWS Impact Bootcamps will launch in Atlanta, New York, London, and Mexico City with more locations to be announced in 2026.

Why should startups take part in the bootcamp?

The tailored guidance, hands-on upskilling, and unique networking opportunities provided by the AWS Impact Bootcamp create the ideal environment for continued growth. Rather than engaging in a one-time intervention, the bootcamps are designed to maintain momentum, foster deeper connections between founders and investors, and act as a first step toward future innovation.

Bootcamp participant Anna Yuan, Co-founder and CEO of ScaleAgentic, said, “The AWS Impact Bootcamp was a rare space where every session, speaker, and connection was crafted with intention, heart, and a truly founder-first lens. For any founder, this program is more than practical advice—it’s a launchpad rooted in purpose, momentum, and community.” 

The ongoing support structure of the bootcamp offers founders access to their wider network, peers, and future business partners. Beverly Yip, founder and CEO at The Travel Nanny, said, “The networking was hands-down the most valuable part of the program. We created a WhatsApp group, and we still talk on that group today.”  Post-program, AWS will also support top founders by introducing them to AWS account managers and adding them to relevant Slack channels.

Who is eligible for the AWS Impact Bootcamp?

To be eligible for this initiative, AWS is seeking self-funded, or funded at the angel to Series A startups with a goal to scale or prepare to raise funds. At least one member of the founding or executive team must also (i) identify with one or more communities historically underrepresented in the startup ecosystem (this includes but is not limited to women, LGBTQIA+, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, people with disabilities, and others) or (ii) are engaged in work, projects, and initiatives that support such groups or who otherwise believe their participation furthers the program's goals. All applicants must be able to commit to the full two-day program.

If you meet the criteria above and want to drive continued growth for your startup, apply for your nearest AWS Impact Bootcamp here.