On July 16, 2025, PTC, Inc. (“PTC”) announced an “Aerospace & Defense (A&D) Startup Program” (“the Program”) for accelerating the future of aerospace and defense innovation.
PTC offers software products for application lifecycle management, augmented reality, computer-aided design (CAD), industrial internet of things, industrial connectivity, product lifecycle management, mathematical workflows, and service lifestyle management.
It is reported that David Katzman, General Manager of Arena and Onshape at PTC, stated that “[a]erospace and defense startups are tackling some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, and they need tools that help them get ahead.”
The announcement states that the Program is directed toward “early and growth-stage startups” who “can participate in the program for multiple years to help support growth toward key funding and revenue milestones.”
As part of the Program, eligible startups will have free access to PTC’s software including Creo+®, Onshape®, Codebeamer+™ and Arena®. The announcement further states that “[i]n addition to the free software, eligible startups will gain access to PTC’s ecosystem of venture capitalists, incubators, technology partners, and fellow innovators, plus opportunities for mentorship, exposure, and industry engagement.”
It is reported that more than two-thirds of startups fail by never delivering a positive return to investors. Contributing factors for failure include cash flow issues and lacking necessary qualifications or experience to ensure proper market fit, to develop marketing strategies, and to resolve organizational challenges. Accordingly, the free software and access to PTC’s ecosystem may reduce research and development costs and position the startups on a path for success which may result in an influx of new technologies and intellectual property.
David Katzman stated that “[t]hrough this program, we’re equipping them with PTC’s industry-leading solutions and support from day one so they can move fast, meet compliance demands, and stay focused on building what’s next.”
A press release regarding the Program is available here.