Adobe has launched a new programme that gives eligible early-stage startups free access to its AI, creative, document and marketing tools for 12 months, along with search analytics from Semrush.
Called Adobe for Startups, the programme is aimed at founders and small teams that manage tasks such as branding, presentations, websites and marketing campaigns without large in-house teams. The offer combines Adobe software with search and marketing tools from Semrush, which Adobe acquired earlier this year.
The programme is open to startups founded within the past five years that have raised less than $15 million. Adobe said applications will be checked for eligibility, while programme terms, availability and conditions may vary by country. The company has not published a complete list of countries where the programme is currently available.
Adobe Offers Four Tools
Eligible startups receive free access for one year to four products. The first is Firefly Pro Plus, Adobe’s AI-based creative platform for generating images, video and audio. The plan includes access to Adobe models and selected partner models, as well as Photoshop on web and mobile.
Adobe describes its own Firefly models as commercially safe. According to Adobe India pricing provided in the company material, Firefly Pro Plus costs Rs 3,990.76 per month, including GST, and includes 10,000 generative credits each month. At the listed rate, a year of access would cost roughly Rs 48,000.
The second product is Acrobat Studio, which combines PDF editing and document management tools with Adobe AI Assistant. It can be used to edit and share documents, extract information, create presentations and collect signatures.
Startups Marketing Access
Acrobat Studio is priced at Rs 9,572.16 a year in India on an annual prepaid plan, including GST, according to the pricing information provided. Adobe Express Premium is also included in the programme. Express is designed for creating social media posts, marketing material and other brand assets using templates and design tools.
The fourth offering is Semrush, which provides search and marketing data. Adobe said startups can use the service to track how their brands appear in traditional search as well as AI-powered search environments.
The programme goes beyond software access. Adobe is also offering workshops, events, sessions with its experts and access to a community of participating founders. One such session, called “Brand on Demand”, is scheduled for December 3 and will focus on producing marketing content using Adobe AI tools.
Adobe Startup Support
Adobe is also planning an Adobe for Startups Hub at its MAX 2026 conference in Miami, scheduled from November 10 to 12. The space is expected to include product demonstrations and networking opportunities.
Three early participants named by Adobe are DataCurve, Gondola and Oruk. DataCurve operates a fan identity and intelligence platform for sports, media and entertainment organisations. Gondola is developing a digital credit and portfolio system for the social media and digital content industry.
Oruk, meanwhile, is a speech AI research lab working on foundation models designed to recognise aspects such as tone, emotion and delivery along with spoken words.
Startup AI Tools
AI tools are increasingly being used by startups for content creation, document work, marketing, customer communication and product development. For smaller companies, these services can reduce the need to build separate teams for design, video production and other routine digital tasks.
Adobe new programme combines several such functions under one offer, although access is limited to startups meeting its funding, age and eligibility conditions.
New programme comes as startups face pressure to produce marketing and product content with relatively small teams. By offering a year of software access without subscription charges for eligible participants, Adobe is targeting companies that may otherwise need to choose between different creative, document and marketing services.
Actual value of the programme for each startup will depend on how much it uses the included products and whether it qualifies under Adobe’s country and programme requirements. Paid plans will apply after the 12-month period unless participants move to other arrangements.
Adobe has not disclosed how many startups it expects to admit under the programme. New applicants can apply through the Adobe for Startups page on the company’s business website.
