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Free CAD Software for Entrepreneurs & Startups

Commercial Pricing

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Solid Solutions provides free SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software, world leading support and training to start-ups and entrepreneurs across the UK and Ireland. We also have fast going network of partner organisations, known as Hardware labs / studios / Incubators / Accelerators, who benefit from free software and award winning support.

There are two types of licenses which can be applied for, the SOLIDWORKS for Entrepreneurs (individual) or the Accelerator/Incubator license (multiple).

Join the growing number of start-ups and entrepreneurs we have helped successfully launch their product to market. Apply for one of the licences below and we can have you up and running in less than 24 hours.

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ENTREPRENEURS & START-UPS

Entrepreneurs & Start-ups

The SOLIDWORKS for Entrepreneur Program provides new start-up companies and individuals the CAD software, support and guidance to succeed.

Through our experience, we can ensure you are using the best CAD tools to design, test, simulate, and create your ideas. With our extensive support and training, we provide an unrivalled partnership to help accelerate your route to market.

Apply Eligibility Data Sheet

ACCELERATORS & INCUBATORS

Accelerator & Incubators

We support many accelerators and incubators for early stage hardware startups across the UK. Our network of partner organisations benefit from our world leading support to provide the perfect ecosystem for start-up to scale-up success.

Resources include SOLIDWORKS software, training and mentoring to help with the success of the resident companies. Interested in joining the SOLIDWORKS for Entrepreneurs program?
**For a quicker set up, add Solid Solutions when prompted for a SOLIDWORKS Value Added Reseller**

Apply Eligibility Data Sheet

START-UP TO SCALE-UP

The path to becoming an established business

A successful launch of a new product is determined by many factors, the speed of product development to manufacture is a key element. SOLIDWORKS for Entrepreneurs provides a suite of tools that give the user power to streamline everything from initial design, ECAD-MCAD collaboration, material selection, proof of concept, early sales and marketing assets as well as direct output of CAD-CAM and 3D Printing data.

SOLIDWORKS PRODUCTS

Products on the SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneurs program

SOLIDWORKS CAD

SOLIDWORKS Premium

SOLIDWORKS Simulation

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium, Full Seat
SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation HVAC, Add-on
Electronic Cooking Module, Add-on
SOLIDWORKS Plastics Premium

SOLIDWORKS Electrical

SOLIDWORKS Electrical Professional, Add-on

Technical Communications

SOLIDWORKS MBD Standard
SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional, Standalone
SOLIDWORKS Composer

Manufacturing

SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional, Add-on

Services & Support

MySOLIDWORKS Professional, Add-on

Eligibility

SOLIDWORKS for Incubators and Accelerators

To participate in SOLIDWORKS for Incubators and Accelerators you must be a startup accelerator, incubator, SEED/VC fund or startup-enabling organisation working with hardware startups (not individuals).

SOLIDWORKS for Entrepreneurs

To participate in SOLIDWORKS for Entrepreneurs you must:

Have less than £1 Million in funding and less than £1 Million in aggregate lifetime revenue
Your product must be a physical product that can be designed in CAD and will be manufactured
You must be in business for less than 3 years
You are not currently a SOLIDWORKS customer

Online Application Forms

If your are ready to apply, follow one of the links below to complete the online registration form;

SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur

SOLIDWORKS Accelerator/Incubator

Speak to someone before applying

If you still have questions, you can contact Mark Tooley, co-coordinator of the Entrepreneur and Accelerator/Incubator program. Simply fill out the form our call us on 01926333777. We can answer any questions you have and advise you on how best to apply, your chances of success and offer guidance throughout the whole process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur Program?

A fully supported SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD licensing program designed to help early stage startups and entrepreneurs. It's a reconsidered approach to our licensing model.

Historically there has been licensing for students, universities and research students, but there wasn't anything for postgraduates, entrepreneurs and startup businesses who couldn't quite afford the commercial pricing. This has now been addressed with the SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur Program.

How does the SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur licensing work?

The SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur program gives the qualifying startup or individual a suite of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD and productivity tools for up to 12 months free of charge.

Where can I get a 3D Printer?

Here at Solid Solutions we are proud to recommend a range of 3D Printers from our partners at SolidPrint 3D. To view the range of 3D Printers they offer visit their website.

What do I get from the Entrepreneur Program?

Startup/Entrepreneurs have access to the full SOLIDWORKS portfolio of products, what we typically refer to as the add-ons or multi products. This includes testing and analysis with Simulation, automated documentation with Composer and stunning rendering capabilities with Visualize to name a few. So you're not just restricted one area. We quite often find that we've given these products to companies and they're not necessarily aware of what they can do. They have then used this program to actually introduce it and subsequently find real big business benefits off the back of it. See the full available products here.

How do I apply to the SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur Program?

Submit an online application form confirming your eligibility from the qualifying criteria.

What happens when I apply to the Entrepreneur Program?

After submitting an online application, your request will be automatically assessed and either granted or refused on grounds relating to the qualifying criteria. Prior to submitting an online application we would always advise contacting us to discuss your application briefly. If approved, you will receive a 30 day trial automatically to get started. We will then contact you to discuss what products you require and an order will then be placed.

Once entering the program through Solid Solutions, you will be enrolled into our customer development program, ensuring the best set-up, support and advice is available to you throughout.

What happens at the end of the Entrepreneur Program?

At the end of the 12 months licensing we have a number of options available to assist startup businesses and individuals transitioning from the SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur Program. Throughout the program you will have access to our award winning support desk and be invited to free workshops designed to help you optimise you use of SOLIDWORKS and overall productivity. Typically a hardware startup company will budget 1-3 months to build functional prototypes and another 3-6 months to go from functional prototype to production.

How do we know if SOLIDWORKS is right for us?

Our account engineers can talk with you to discuss what you do and how SOLIDWORKS can help. We have over 15,000 customers and can give you examples of how businesses similar to your own have launched their product with SOLIDWORKS through Solid Solutions.

Is it easy to find users of SOLIDWORKS that we can employ?

Very! If you go to any jobs board and use SOLIDWORKS as a keyword search you will see many more people offering and looking for our software compared to any other major CAD system. It is the number 1 taught 3D CAD software in UK Universities too, so if you are looking to recruit now or as your business grow, then SOLIDWORKS is the future proof CAD choice to use.

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