Get SOLIDWORKS Free for 1 Year
SOLIDWORKS for Startups
Qualifying hardware startups receive the complete SOLIDWORKS portfolio at no cost, plus expert support and co-marketing opportunities to accelerate your success.
Year 1: 100% Free
Full access to the complete software suite with no upfront costs, allowing you to invest your capital in product development and market validation.
Year 2: 70% Discount
As you gain traction, continue with professional tools at just 30% of commercial pricing, maintaining momentum without breaking your budget.
Year 3: 50% Discount
Scale up with confidence knowing you still have access to enterprise-grade tools at half the standard cost.
Beyond Year 3
Graduate to standard commercial licensing or explore ongoing startup-friendly options based on your growth stage.
Program Overview
The SOLIDWORKS for Startups program empowers early-stage hardware companies with the same professional tools used by industry leaders. Through our partnership with Dassault Systèmes, Hawk Ridge Systems provides qualifying startups with comprehensive design, simulation, and collaboration tools – completely free for your first year.
Whether you’re developing medical devices in Massachusetts, aerospace innovations in Texas, or automotive solutions in South Carolina, this program removes the financial barriers that often hold back hardware startups. You’ll have everything needed to design, test, and refine your product without worrying about software costs during your critical early stage.
Software Suite (Year 1: 100% Free)
- SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD – Professional mechanical design tools
- SOLIDWORKS Simulation – Test and validate your designs virtually
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize – Create photorealistic renderings and animations
- SOLIDWORKS PDM – Manage your design data and revisions
- 3DEXPERIENCE Platform – Cloud-based collaboration and project management
- Additional specialized tools based on your industry needs
Support & Training Benefits
- Free technical support from Hawk Ridge Systems’ 140+ certified engineers
- MySolidWorks e-learning platform with thousands of tutorials
- Live onboarding sessions to accelerate your team’s productivity
- Best practices guidance for design, simulation, and manufacturing
- Priority access to webinars and training events
Growth & Marketing Support
- Co-marketing opportunities to showcase your innovations
- Speaking opportunities at SOLIDWORKS events
- Success story features in SOLIDWORKS publications
- Social media promotion through SOLIDWORKS channels
- Access to investor networks through incubator partnerships
“The SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program gave us access to critical resources and support when we needed them most. This allowed us to use the best tools from day one.”
– Josh Herwig, Co-founder of SOMAVAC Medical
100% Free First Year
Get the complete SOLIDWORKS for Startups portfolio including SOLIDWORKS CAD, Simulation, PDM, and cloud collaboration tools at no cost.
Startup-Friendly Pricing
Continue with 70% off in year 2 and 50% off in year 3. Scale affordably as your business grows.
Free Training Included
Access MySolidWorks e-learning, tutorials, and Hawk Ridge Systems' expert-led onboarding to get productive fast.
Expert Support & Guidance
Receive free technical support and one-on-one mentoring from certified engineers during your first year.
Amplify Your Visibility
Get featured in SOLIDWORKS success stories, speak at events, and gain exposure through social channels.
Join the Network
Connect with fellow hardware founders, incubators, and the broader SOLIDWORKS startup ecosystem.
Priority Consideration: Companies affiliated with recognized incubators or accelerators may receive expedited review.
Eligibility & How to Apply
Who Qualifies? To join the SOLIDWORKS for Startups program, your company must meet these criteria:
- Product Focus: Designing or manufacturing a physical product for commercial sale
- Company Age: Less than 5 years since incorporation
- Revenue Cap: Under $1 million in annual revenue
- New to SOLIDWORKS: Not a current SOLIDWORKS commercial customer
- Business Type: Not a service provider, consultant, or reseller
Application Process:
- Submit Your Application – Complete the online form with basic company and product information
- Quick Review – Most decisions are made within 3-5 business days
- Get Started – Upon approval, Hawk Ridge Systems will provision your licenses and schedule onboarding
Why Partner with Hawk Ridge Systems
With 20+ offices across North America, Hawk Ridge Systems provides the personalized support that sets successful startups apart. Our team understands the unique challenges in your region – from aerospace startups in Texas to biotech innovators in Massachusetts.
More Than Just Software:
- Dedicated startup success manager to guide your journey
- Industry-specific expertise in aerospace, medical devices, consumer products, and more
- Manufacturing connections to help transition from prototype to production
- Ongoing mentorship beyond technical support
As a Hawk Ridge Systems startup customer, you’ll also receive:
- SolidProfessor access for enhanced learning (exclusive offering)
- Discounts on advanced training and certification programs
- Priority support tickets for urgent design challenges
- Networking events with other startups in your region
Ready to Accelerate Your Startup?
Join hundreds of successful hardware startups who’ve launched their products with SOLIDWORKS. Don’t let software costs hold back your innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
There isn’t one. Dassault Systèmes funds this program to support innovation and help the next generation of hardware companies succeed.
You can continue using the software through your current term, then transition to commercial licensing.
Yes, unlike educational licenses, there are no restrictions on commercial use of your designs.
Yes, Hawk Ridge Systems serves startups across our entire territory with local support.
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