Applications are open now for Amazon Web Service’s Startup Challenge. This is the fourth year that AWS has run the competition, designed to help recognize startups that are using (or planning to use) any of the paid Amazon Web Services, including Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, or Amazon Mechanical Turk. Prizes include up to $100,000 in cash and credits.
Startups that have yet to generate more than $10 million USD in gross annual revenue or outside funding are eligible to enter. Startups must be located in one of the 22 eligble countries across America, Asia, and Europe. And AWS will recognize 5 regional semi-finalists from each of the 3 regions, 6 finalists, and then select one global grand prize winner.
The global winner receives $50,000 in cash and $50,000 in AWS credits. The 6 global finalists will receive $10,000 in AWS credits. 15 regional semi-finalists – 5 in each of the 3 regions: Americas, Asia and Europe – will receive $2,500 in AWS credits. In addition, all eligible entrants that complete the application form will receive $25 in AWS credits.
Applicants will be judged on the following criteria:
- implementation and integration of Amazon Web Services
- originality and creativity of the business
- likelihood of long-term success and scalability
- effectiveness in addressing a need in the marketplace
Past grand prize winners include GoodData (2009), Yieldex (2008), and Ooyala (2007).
Deadline for entry is October 31.
