Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eligibility Criteria for the Programs?
See the Eligibility Criteria for the Startup Offer and Scale Up Offer in these posts:
All startups are encouraged to apply for the Startup Program.
If you are associated with an accelerator, incubator, Seed/VC Fund, or other startup-enabling organization, eligibility requirements are expanded
What are the steps in the application process?
Application and Approval Process
- Complete the Application here: http://www.solidworks.com/entrepreneurs. You will receive an email from SOLIDWORKS.NAM.Entrepreneurs@3ds.com to confirm that you application has been received and is being reviewed.
- Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email with a link join us in a conversation on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. You can also connect with the SOLIDWORKS Startup Program Team, as well as other hardware founders utilizing SOLIDWORKS by engaging in this Online Community.
- Application Status and Next Steps based on your eligibility
If your startup meets the eligibility criteria for the Startup or Scale Up Program you will be contacted by a local Value-Added Partner who will provide answers to your questions and will process your order for the no-cost or discounted software solutions.
*It is important to note that not all startups qualify for no-cost licenses , however, our Representatives will work with you to find the appropriate solution based on your eligibility and regional availability.
We perform a thorough review on each application. The first step is to determine if the startup is eligible for the program. This can take up to 48 hours. The second step (if we determine that you may be eligible), involves a more thorough background check. This can take up to 30 days (in most cases, however, the review is no more than 24-48 hours). If accepted, the startup will receive either the "Startup Offer" or the "Scale up Offer" providing access to SOLIDWORKS and/or the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform based on the unique needs of each startup.
What is the length of the program?
Startup Offer
- Up to 3 years of access to discounted offerings, with no-cost in the first year. Startups are sponsored for a 12 month time period at no-cost (The software is delivered as one year term
licenses and will terminate after month 12). After the initial 12 months, special sponsorship pricing is available for the following two years. - Program length and offerings may vary per region.
Scale Up Offer
- Up to 3 years of access to discounted offerings ranging from 90% to 50% discounts on Cloud based solutions. The discounted software is delivered as one year term Cloud licenses and will terminate after month 12. After the initial 12 months, we provide special sponsorship pricing for the following two years.
What software is available in the program?
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Access | 12 Months | No-Cost | Up to 5 per Role | Discounted Options for the following 2 years (total of 36 Months) based on Eligibility and Region
- 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Premium
- 3D Creator
- 3D Sculptor
- Collaborative Industry Innovator
- Collaborative Business Innovator
- Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS
- 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Simulation Designer
- Project Planner
- Social Business Analyst
SOLIDWORKS Desktop Term* (provided by exception only) | 12 Months | No-Cost | Up to 3 per Product | Discounted options for the following 2 years (total of 36 months) based on Eligibility and Region
- SOLIDWORKS Premium
- SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium
- SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation
- SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation HVAC
- Electronic Cooling Module
- SOLIDWORKS Plastics Premium
- SOLIDWORKS Electrical Professional
- SOLIDWORKS MBD Standard
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional
- SOLIDWORKS Composer
- SOLIDWORKS CAM
- SOLIDWORKS PCB
- MySolidWorks Pro
Can a startup re-apply?
Our goal is to help as many startups as possible succeed using SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE tools and resources. We understand that it may take longer than 12-months to bring your product to market, and we want to support you throughout your journey.
Keep in mind, Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS is investing resources in the startups approved for the Startup Program, and each startup is assigned a Value-Added Reseller Partner for a direct point of support and contact. Your local Value-Added Reseller Partner and Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS Teams are available to ensure you are successful in transitioning from receiving no-cost access with the Startup Program to purchasing your own licenses.
We do not accept new applications from those who had previously participated in the program , however, we do consider short extensions to the Programs based on eligibility and progress of the company. Please contact the Value-Added Reseller Partner (who provided the serial numbers to your startup) to request more information about an extension or options to purchase as a startup.
If you are unable to contact your local Reseller Partner, please contact the Startup Program team via a private conversation here on the Platform.
Do I get technical support with the licenses?
Startup licenses receive installation support and online support through our Online Communities and Resources - Including MySolidWorks.com, SolidWorks Forums and the 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS for Startups community discussion page.
Technical support is available through your assigned Value-Added Reseller - Please contact the Value Added Reseller who provided the serial numbers to you.
Is there training available?
Online training and lessons are available on MySolidWorks to all startups accepted into the Program.
Self-paced labs help you learn how to work with SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE so you can gain confidence with the design platform. Each lesson walks you through step-by-step instructions to complete a pre-designed scenarios. With MySolidWorks online training you can:
- Gain practical, hands-on experience working with technology in a practice
- environment
- Explore and experiment with new products
- Acquire new and practical skills in a convenient, flexible, and consumable format
Additional and expert training is available through your local Reseller Partner. They are an excellent resource in supporting training and services.
What sorts of co-marketing opportunities will I be offered as part of the program?
You may be asked to participate in a variety of co-marketing opportunities that will promote your product through the SOLIDWORKS social channels. We can promote your story in anything ranging from a blog post to a webinar or video. In some instances, we may invite you to speak at our user events or annual conference!
Request to be featured by SOLIDWORKS on social media, blogs, or a customer-story by sending us a message in a private Conversation here on the Platform, or emailing us at SOLIDWORKS.NAM.Entrepreneurs@3ds.com
Will I receive funding as part of this program?
We do not provide funding through the Entrepreneur sponsorship program.
