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SOLIDWORKS FOR START-UPS

FREE CAD SOFTWARE FOR ENTREPRENEURS

APPLY NOW
Accelerate Your Business with SOLIDWORKS for Start-ups
The SOLIDWORKS for Start-ups programme provides entrepreneurs, freelancers and new businesses access to professional CAD software free for a year.

From CAD CAM businesses to self-employed CAD technicians, we provide the tools, support, and training to visualise, validate, and manufacture your products without heavy overheads.

Benefits of SOLIDWORKS for Start-ups

Alongside the free CAD products listed below, you will have access to:

Exclusive Training Discounts: Upskill with CPD-accredited training courses.

Expert Support: Troubleshoot challenges with certified professionals.

Start-up Community: Connect, share, and grow alongside other innovators.

Eligibility Requirements

Is the SOLIDWORKS for Start-ups programme right for you?

  • Developing Physical Products: The programme is ideal for businesses building physical products to sell.
  • New SOLIDWORKS Customers: You must not have previously held a license.
  • Revenue Under £1 Million: Your business must make less than £1 million annually.
  • Under 5 Years Old: Start-ups younger than 5 years can apply.

View the full eligibility requirements during the application process.

If you have any questions, please call us at 01 297 4440. When you're ready to apply, please complete the online registration form and we will have you set up within 24 hours.

Why Choose Solid Solutions?

With over 25 years of experience, Solid Solutions provides more than just software:

  • Dedicated Support: Advice, solutions and troubleshooting tailored to your design needs.
  • Technical Expertise: Expert guidance from certified SOLIDWORKS professionals.
  • Training Opportunities: Access CPD-accredited training across the UK and Ireland.

    • For more information about Solid Solutions and our services, please visit our About Us page or call us at 01926 333777.

Is the Startups Programme for You?

Up to £1 Million Revenue

To apply for the SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme, your business must have less than 1 million pounds in revenue and funding.

Businesses Under 5 Years Old

As long as you've been in business for less than 5 years, you could be eligible for the SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme.

Developing Physical Products

Only businesses committed to developing physical products will be accepted onto the SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme.

How to Apply for the SOLIDWORKS for Start-ups Programme

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria (e.g., less than £1M revenue and under 5 years old).
  2. Browse Benefits: Explore the tools, support, and training we offer.
  3. Apply Online: Complete the registration form at the bottom of the page.
  4. Get Set Up Fast: We’ll have you up and running within 24 hours.
Apply Now
Core Benefits

Free SOLIDWORKS Products

2D & 3D CAD
SOLIDWORKS Premium
Powerful parametric 3D CAD software trusted by professional designers and engineers worldwide.
View Product
Data Management
SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services
Store, share, and markup designs with cloud storage, process change, and collaboration tools.
View Product
Visualisation
SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional
Create photorealistic product images and animations with a live link to your SOLIDWORKS data.
View Product
Design Validation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation
Evaluate structural performance of your products in representative virtual environments.
View Product
Design Validation
SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation
Analyse and optimise the performance of your designs with powerful CFD analysis tools.
View Product
Design Validation
SOLIDWORKS Plastics
Simulate plastic flow and prevent manufacturing defects when designing injection moulded parts.
View Product
Documentation
SOLIDWORKS MBD
Discover drawingless manufacture to streamline your production process and reduce errors.
View Product
Documentation
SOLIDWORKS Composer
Create interactive manuals and assembly guides without waiting for a physical prototype.
View Product
2D & 3D CAD
SOLIDWORKS Electrical Professional
Synchronize mechanical and electrical design teams with 2D electrical schematics and 3D wire routing.
View Product
Manufacturing
SOLIDWORKS CAM
Generate toolpaths, G-codes, and program CNC machines to streamline manufacturing processes.
View Product
Collaboration
3DEXPERIENCE Platform
Collaborate effectively and enhance your PLM process with browser-based roles and applications.
View Product
2D & 3D CAD
Browser-Based Modelling
Access online CAD tools for parametric and organic subdivision modelling on any device.
View Product
Desktop SOLIDWORKS or 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS?

Our SOLIDWORKS Startup offer provides access to both desktop SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS.

The core functionality of both SOLIDWORKS versions is near identical, but 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is tightly integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to provide a single cloud-based product development environment.

There are differences in how the two versions are licensed, installed and updated, as well as how they interact with add-on software. We will help you choose the best version for your business, if you would like to read more about the differences visit our 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS page.

Additional Benefits

Professional Services & Perks

Training
Save 50% on Training Courses
Exclusive offers on SOLIDWORKS training courses during the first 3 months of the Startups programme.
Book SOLIDWORKS Training
Training
Exclusive Onboarding Resources
Get started using SOLIDWORKS with structured resources, webinars, and expert guidance for new users.
Discover Resources
Support
Rapid Telephone Support
Gain access to the most qualified SOLIDWORKS support team in the world via phone, email and online.
Contact Support
Hardware
High Performance Workstations
As a DELL partner, all of our CAD workstations are recommended for use with SOLIDWORKS.
Discover Dell Hardware
Services
Access to Development Services
Discover our Design & Simulation consultancy services and improve your processes under expert guidance.
Discover Services
Manufacturing
Plastic Part Manufacture
Create prototypes and unlock batch production with the low-volume manufacturing services of 3DPRINTUK.
Discover 3DPRINTUK
Manufacturing
3D Printers & Scanners
Discover offers on 3D printers, scanners, and other hardware purchased from Solid Print3D.
Discover Solid Print3D
Services
Free Job Postings
Our recruitment specialists can help you find the right applicants to expand your teams without the stress.
Discover Staffing Solutions
A gleeful chap with glasses grins at a computer screen while a consultant assists him in using the SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services
Build Your Network

If your application is successful, you'll gain access to the Startups Community on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform where you can connect with our expert consultants, raise questions, and network with other innovators on the SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme.

You'll also be eligible to feature on our alumni page alongside other successful Startups using SOLIDWORKS.

 

Startups Success Stories


"The Solid Solutions Startup programme has been absolutely key to starting the business."

"Alongside the two licenses we got for free, we were also given add-ins such as Simulation & Flow Simulation, which were extremely helpful to ensure we were going down the right design route."

Luke Simpson
Co-Founder of Xtreme RC

"Being able to access SOLIDWORKS as a startup for 'zero' for the first year of our business is like gold dust."

"With Solid Solutions, when we didn't have capability in-house, we could use them as a resource, specifically with thermal and CFD simulation capabilities."

Julian Swan
CEO at PlasmaTrack

"SOLIDWORKS is a very intuitive software to use and it's easy to make changes to designs."

"We could have an issue, go back straight away to design something new, and then come back tomorrow with a new part already.

"It makes the process very fast for us."

Mart Magi
Head of Robotics at Antobot

Startups who trust Solid Solutions

Visit Startup Alumni Page
Before You Apply...
Eligibility Check

To apply for the SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme, double check that you qualify. Successful applications must:

  • Be a new SOLIDWORKS customer.
  • Have been in business for less than 5 years.
  • Be designing and building a physical product with an aim to sell it in the market.
  • Currently make less than £1 million from revenue & funding.

Contact us via the form opposite for a quick assessment of your eligibility.

Unassisted Application

To maximise your chances of being approved with your first application, we recommend completing the application form opposite.

Our experienced team will then assist you and offer support throughout the application process.

However, if you would prefer to take the initial steps alone, then follow the link below to apply directly via the online registration form on the SOLIDWORKS website.

Apply via SOLIDWORKS.com
 
Frequently Asked Questions
What support is available as part of the SOLIDWORKS for Startups program?

Our Startups are treated with the same respect & service as our commercial clients. The SOLIDWORKS support package includes full access to a wealth of resources made available from us including telephone/email support, online training videos, hardware advice, exclusive events and access to our interactive support blogs.

Who is eligible for the SOLIDWORKS for Startups program?

The SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme is for early to mid-stage hardware startups.

Your company must meet the following acceptance criteria:

  • Designing and building a physical product with an aim to sell it in the market.
  • Less than £1M in revenue
  • Not more than 5 years old

The programme is not open to current SOLIDWORKS customers, service providers, engineering/design firms, consultants and contract manufacturers.

Each application is carefully evaluated prior to approval.

How much does the SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme cost?

The SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme gives eligible companies complimentary 12 months access to industry leading product development tools. There is no commitment after the initial term.

What happens at the end of the program?

At the end of the program, you will be eligible for preferential pricing on software licences on both perpetual and rental offers.

All your data will remain confidential, and you will be able to export your files if you do not wish to continue access.

How can I collaborate with my colleagues/suppliers?

Once we have received your application to the programme, our team will discuss your requirements within the team and issue the correct number of software licences.

It’s now easier than ever to collaborate with anyone with the new Share and Markup capabilities in the cloud-connected roles, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS.

Sounds great, what is the catch?

There is no catch, we want to form trusted long-term partnerships with disruptive high growth companies.

By accessing industry standard software tools, with local support by Solid Solutions (a leading Dassault Systèmes partner), you can be confident you are choosing premium software tools for your business.

APPLICATION FORM

Please fill in the form below to enquire about SOLIDWORKS for Startups today and one of our consultants will be in touch to assist you with your application.

This is our recommended application route for joining the SOLIDWORKS for Startups programme.

Alternatively, give us a call on 01926 333777 and we can answer any questions you might have about the application process, advise you on your chances of success, and offer further guidance.

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