Startup GPU Cluster

Startup GPU Cluster is a set of industry-leading, interconnected GPU VMs (ND-H100-v5s and NDm_A100_v4s). Eligible startups receive weekly invitations to request access to the cluster for short periods of time. Microsoft for Startups credits can be used to pay for it.

You can use these VMs to fine-tune or deploy 10,000+ models from Azure AI Foundry or bring your own model to Azure ML Notebooks.

Applying

How do I request access?

Eligible startups receive weekly invitations. Submit the form when you are fully ready to utilize the cluster. If capacity is unavailable, you will be contacted via email with future options.

What if the cluster offer is not a fit?

Microsoft for Startups offers a range of technical benefits. See the Technical Benefits overview for the full list.

Requirements

You agree to use the available geo locations.
You agree to incur charges exceeding your sponsorship balance at pay-per-use pricing for your booking duration. Refer to the Pricing Calculator for estimated charges.
You will spin down your allocated GPUs at the agreed end date, and Microsoft will remove your allotted quota. Failure to do so may result in additional and unexpected charges.
Microsoft reserves the right to reduce or revoke any unused quota if the cluster is not deployed within 48 hours of the reservation start date or if overall utilization is low. An alert email will be sent prior to any reduction.

Maximum reservation duration is 60 days, depending on your needs. Follow-up requests are allowed.

Sponsorship and Billing

You are billed at pay-per-use pricing according to your requested access duration and pay-as-you-go rates. Your Azure Sponsorship credits are deducted to cover these costs. Once your charges surpass your sponsorship balance, you are responsible for the additional cost.

To understand the pricing of these GPU VMs, refer to aka.ms/startupGPUclusterbilling.

How to See Your Available Credits and Azure Usage

If you joined Microsoft for Startups before June 30, 2025, visit the Azure Sponsorships Portal to view your credits and usage. If you joined on or after June 30, 2025, you can view your balance directly in the Azure Portal. If you are unsure, contact Microsoft for Startups Support.