AI & machine learning / Credits
Free.ai Startup Grant
Free.ai Startup Grant: 15 million non-expiring provider tokens plus Pro-tier API access after approval
Accepted startups receive fifteen million Free.ai tokens for tools and API calls using the provider’s self-hosted open models, with Pro-tier API access. Tokens do not expire. Premium external model calls require purchased tokens and are excluded from the grant. These are provider tokens, not a USD credit balance.
How to claim this perk
Follow these steps through Free.ai Startup Grant.
Access: Direct application
- 1
Open the official startup page and describe the business, prototype and intended AI use.
- 2
Submit the application and await the provider’s review.
- 3
After approval, confirm the token balance, non-expiring status and eligible self-hosted models before integrating.
Who can apply?
- Company less than three years old, less than $5 million total funding, with a working product or prototype.
- Must not currently be on a paid Free.ai plan. Application approval required.
- Grant covers self-hosted open models only; premium external models require separately purchased tokens.
- Pro API request tier is published as 100,000 requests per month; confirm model costs, grant accounting and account restrictions.