Meta Launches Program to Boost Startup Adoption of Llama AI Models
Meta is introducing a new program called Llama for Startups to help small companies build their own generative AI tools using Meta’s Llama models. The tech giant wants more startups to use its Llama AI and is offering direct support, funding, and expert guidance to make that happen.
If you’re a U.S.-based startup, incorporated, with less than $10 million in funding, have at least one developer on your team, and are working on generative AI projects, you can apply before May 30.
Meta says some chosen startups may get up to $6,000 per month for six months to help cover development costs. On top of that, Meta’s Llama experts will help the teams get started and explore how to use Llama AI for advanced and creative applications.
Why Meta is Doing This Now
Meta is facing tough competition in the AI world. Even though its Llama models have already been downloaded over a billion times, big names like Google, DeepSeek, and Alibaba’s Qwen are racing to catch up—or even pass Meta. Meta wants to build a strong ecosystem of developers and startups using its models to keep its lead.
However, not everything has gone smoothly. Recently, Meta delayed the launch of its top model, Llama 4 Behemoth, because it didn’t perform well on key tests. Earlier, Meta was criticized for using an optimized version of Llama 4 Maverick to score high on a benchmark test. At the same time, it gives the public a different version.
Meta’s Big AI Dreams and Huge Financial Plan
Despite the tough times, Meta still has huge goals for Llama and its AI tools. The company believes its generative AI products could bring in $2 to $3 billion in revenue by 2025 and up to $1.4 trillion by 2035. Meta has also rolled out an API to support this growth so developers can customize Llama models. It even hinted that its AI assistant, Meta AI, might one day show ads or have a paid subscription option.
Building all of this doesn’t come cheap. In 2024, Meta spent over $900 million on generative AI tools. That number could jump to over $1 billion in 2025. And with new data centers planned, Meta expects to spend between $60 billion and $80 billion on infrastructure next year.
In short, Meta is all in on AI, and with Llama for Startups, it’s inviting the next generation of AI companies to join the competition.
Source: Meta launches program to encourage startups to use its Llama AI models
