Dassault Systèmes, specialists in 3D CAD software, has launched the Solidworks for Entrepreneurs Program, giving early-stage businesses low-cost licenses for 3D design apps to aid in industrial design from prototyping through 3D printing.
Solidworks apps are used for product design, simulation, publishing, data management and environmental impact assessment. The program is designed to ease the way for cash-strapped hardware startups and incubators worldwide to more quickly complete their designs and bring their products to market.
Dassault Systèmes already provides Solidworks apps to a variety of startups and incubators in North America, such as MassChallenge, Diagnostics for All, Super Pedestrian — makers of the Copenhagen wheel — and Design that Matters.
It has also recently provided apps to several female-led companies including GoldieBlox — the team behind Science Toys for Girls — and YC-backed Nomiku, creators of an affordable Sous Vide Machine, Greentown Labs and Roominate.
Now, the program will enable entrepreneurs from around the world to apply for the software.
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Applications are available from the company’s program site. The fee is $200, of which 80 percent goes to support the Rwanda High School Girls Scholarship Program that funds education for female students at the ETO Gitarama/Nyanza Technical School.
In addition to providing access to Solidworks software, the program may also offer co-marketing opportunities.
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