Developer ToolsFree plan

SOLIDWORKS for Startups

SOLIDWORKS is Dassault Systemes' 3D CAD software. Early- to mid-stage hardware startups get SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD and other 3DEXPERIENCE Works tools free for the first year, then 70% off in year two and 50% off in year three.

SOLIDWORKSUpdated monthly · checked 19 h ago

SOLIDWORKS for Startups is a developer tools perk from SOLIDWORKS, offering 1 year free + 2 years discounted, for startups under 5 years old.

Value: 1 year free
Who qualifies: Any startup
Benefit type: Free plan
Terms: Verified

Apply at SOLIDWORKS

While you apply

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What you get

Inside SOLIDWORKS for Startups

Year 1 free, year 2 at 70% off and year 3 at 50% off SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD and other 3DEXPERIENCE Works product development tools, plus free training and co-marketing.
Licenses come through a local SOLIDWORKS reseller.
Startups with $1M to $5M in revenue or funding may instead be offered 70% off as a Scale-Up, and a multiphysics simulation package is offered at a discount.

Source: The provider's official program page

Eligibility

Who it's for

Hardware startups Under $1M revenue Under 5 years old

Funding / backing: Any startup
Startup stage: Idea, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
Company age: Under 5 years old
Geography: Global
Recurring / expiry: Three years: free, then 70% off, then 50% off.
Other requirements: For startups designing and building a physical product to sell, with less than $1M in revenue and no more than 5 years old. Not open to current SOLIDWORKS customers, service providers, engineering or design firms, consultants or contract manufacturers. Startups in a sponsored accelerator or incubator get preferential consideration, and terms may vary by region.

How to claim

How to apply for SOLIDWORKS for Startups

What to have ready

Confirmation you were founded within the last 5 years

Steps to apply

1Complete the online application;
2SOLIDWORKS emails to confirm it is under review (allow a few business days).
3If you are approved, a local reseller contacts you with license access.

Good to know: Read on solidworks.com/startups and the program wiki on 3dswym.3dexperience.3ds.com on October 13, 2026. The wiki describes the first year as up to 12 months of no-cost access.

Apply at SOLIDWORKS

Source: The provider's official program page

Value is the headline maximum SOLIDWORKS advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. Independent comparison, not endorsed by the programs listed. A link labeled as a referral link may earn us a commission. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.

If you don't qualify

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Questions

SOLIDWORKS for Startups: common questions

What do you get with SOLIDWORKS for Startups?

SOLIDWORKS for Startups offers 1 year free + 2 years discounted. Year 1 free, year 2 at 70% off and year 3 at 50% off SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD and other 3DEXPERIENCE Works product development tools, plus free training and co-marketing. Licenses come through a local SOLIDWORKS reseller. Startups with $1M to $5M in revenue or funding may instead be offered 70% off as a Scale-Up, and a multiphysics simulation package is offered at a discount.

Who qualifies for SOLIDWORKS for Startups?

SOLIDWORKS for Startups is for idea-stage, pre-seed, seed and Series A startups under 5 years old. For startups designing and building a physical product to sell, with less than $1M in revenue and no more than 5 years old. Not open to current SOLIDWORKS customers, service providers, engineering or design firms, consultants or contract manufacturers. Startups in a sponsored accelerator or incubator get preferential consideration, and terms may vary by region.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get SOLIDWORKS for Startups?

No. SOLIDWORKS for Startups is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for SOLIDWORKS for Startups?

Complete the online application; SOLIDWORKS emails to confirm it is under review (allow a few business days). If you are approved, a local reseller contacts you with license access.

How long do I have to use SOLIDWORKS for Startups, and does it expire?

Three years: free, then 70% off, then 50% off.

Is SOLIDWORKS for Startups available outside the US?

SOLIDWORKS for Startups is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.