Amazon announces Start-Up Challenge in APAC

MUMBAI, INDIA: Amazon Web Services LLC, an Amazon.com company, recently announced the launch of its fourth annual “Start-Up Challenge” across 22 countries including, for the first time ever, Asia Pacific.

The Start-Up Challenge is a contest that encourages start-up companies to leverage the AWS cloud platform to quickly and cost-effectively innovate and build the infrastructure for their businesses, said a press release.

Regional semi-finalists would receive US$2,500 in AWS service credits.  Global finalists would receive US$10,000 in AWS service credits and a trip to Palo Alto, CA., U.S.A for the final judging and awards ceremony. 

The global grand prize winner would be awarded US$50,000 cash, US$50,000 in AWS service credits, premium support services and technical mentor-ship from Amazon Web Services for one year, as well as a possible investment offer from Amazon.  All qualified contestants will receive US$25 in AWS service credits to kick-start the process of building their businesses on AWS, the release added.

Contestants would be evaluated on the originality and creativity, the likelihood of long-term success and scalability, how well they address a need in the marketplace, and the degree to which the business implements and integrates the pay-as-you-go technology platform and services offered by AWS.

 “We are excited to extend the AWS annual ‘Start-Up Challenge’ for the first time to Asia Pacific, which is especially timely with the launch of the first AWS Asia Pacific Region earlier this year,” said Adam Selipsky, vice president, Amazon Web Services.

He added, “We look forward to helping unleash the talent and innovation of many start-ups and developers in Asia Pacific by providing them with easy access to the pay-as-you-go AWS cloud infrastructure.”