Hey everyone! I'm in a bit of a bind and could really use some recommendations on free cloud platforms for my AI project. I've built an agentic AI backend using FastAPI, and I have everything containerized. I've been doing my testing locally on my Ubuntu setup with an RTX 3060 Ti, but I'm ready to take the next step and run a pilot test. Unfortunately, since I'm just learning and on a very tight budget, I can't afford to spend anything right now.
I originally tried to set things up on AWS EC2, hoping to utilize the G-series instances, but I hit a wall with my service quotas for GPUs being locked to zero. Even with $200 in AWS student credits, support isn't helping me out, so I'm stuck.
I'm looking for a cloud provider that offers free GPU resources—ideally through a generous free tier, GitHub student packs, or some sign-up credits—without dealing with too much hassle. I need something that supports Docker and allows me to expose my FastAPI port (like 8000) so my frontend can interact with my backend. Essentially, I just need enough time to test my pilot and learn how to deploy my app properly.
5 Answers
Honestly, finding a platform that offers dedicated GPU instances for free is pretty rare. Typically cloud services are costly, especially for sensitive workloads like AI. Have you checked AWS alternatives? Maybe look into some credits at Google Cloud or Azure if you're a student? They sometimes offer substantial free trial credits that can help out.
If it’s just for a quick API test, do you really need a GPU? You might get away with spinning something up for a few hours on a basic plan, which could cost just a few bucks. It might be a better bet than waiting around for something free.
You should check out ThunderCompute for students! They offer free GPU access which could be perfect for your needs. Just go to their site and see if it fits your project.
If you're still in school, don’t forget to check if your university has any cloud offerings for students. Some institutions provide resources and credits for students working on projects. It's worth a shot!
Look, I work in the tech industry, and I'll say this upfront—free GPUs are hard to come by. If you need your app accessible outside your local network, consider keeping your PC running 24/7 and using Tailscale. Just keep in mind there will be electricity costs involved unless you're okay with the bills!
Unfortunately, we don't have that option at my university right now.