Nvidia is launching a system of free token credits for developers to access its AI inference hardware, aiming to lower the barrier to building on its platform.
Developers in the NVIDIA Developer Program can now access free credits for prototyping AI models using its NIM API. The offer includes 1,000 credits on signup, expandable to 5,000, with no credit card required.
These credits allow developers to run workloads on Nvidia’s Blackwell and Hopper GPUs. The API is compatible with OpenAI’s infrastructure, enabling an easy transition for developers already using that platform.
At the GTC conference, CEO Jensen Huang framed AI inference as a fundamental budget line for companies, comparing the cost of AI compute to engineering salaries.
This initiative builds on Nvidia’s existing Inception program for startups, which provides cloud credits and industry connections, creating a pipeline for early-stage developers.