Attention: Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs! Do you have a great idea or an existing application that is built on AWS?

With the 2008 AWS Start-Up Challenge, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is searching for the next hot start-up that is leveraging AWS to build its infrastructure and business. The grand prize is $100,000 in cash and AWS credits and a potential investment offer from Amazon.

Tell Us About It

To enter, complete the online application by October 3, 2008. The judges panel will review all applications and choose five finalists based on the following criteria: originality and creativity of the idea, likelihood of long-term success, how well it addresses a need in the marketplace, and implementation of AWS' infrastructure services and/or other paid services.

In October, the finalists will be announced and we will post a video of each finalist on aws.amazon.com where the community can vote for their favorite start-up.

The Final Countdown

For the Final Round, AWS will fly the finalists to Amazon Headquarters in Seattle to present their idea to the judges' panel. The finalists will also pitch their business ideas to VCs, meet with industry leaders and Amazon executives, and be featured at the AWS Start-Up event, where the grand prize winner will be announced.

Reap the Rewards

The grand prize includes $50,000 in cash, $50,000 in AWS service credits, a potential investment offer from Amazon, AWS Premium Support for two years, and mentoring sessions from an AWS executive. All finalists will be included in various promotional activities.

Plus, all contestants with qualified entries will receive $25 credit for Amazon Web Services.