OpenRouter Startup Program

Most model-provider grants lock you into one vendor. OpenRouter's startup program is the exception: up to $5,000 in universal inference credits you can spend across 300+ frontier and open models — Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama and the rest — plus 0% platform and BYOK fees for 12 months. For a team still choosing its model mix, that flexibility is worth as much as the dollars.

What you get

• Up to $5,000 in universal inference credits, usable on any model OpenRouter routes
• 0% processing fees for 12 months (platform fees and BYOK fees)
• One integration, every major provider — no per-vendor grant applications

Eligibility

• Pre-Series B startup building an AI-native product
• Less than $500 in lifetime OpenRouter spend and no prior startup credits
• Public company website + professional company email + valid OpenRouter account
• Working with an approved OpenRouter partner can strengthen the application

How to apply

Apply on the startup-program page; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and approved credits land automatically on the account tied to your applicant email. Note the clock: most credits expire about 6 months after issuance (the fee waiver runs the full 12), so apply when you're ready to burn them.