BOSTON, MA, May 14, 2026 – PTC opened its startup program to qualifying early- and growth-stage companies across all industries worldwide, giving eligible teams free access to product development software. PTC for Startups program builds on the Aerospace and Defense startup program the company launched in 2025.
Qualifying startups receive free access for five users each to Onshape CAD and PDM platform, Creo+ SaaS CAD solution and Codebeamer+ SaaS ALM solution. PTC also offers a discounted startup package for Arena PLM and QMS solution.
“When you’re pioneering reusable spaceflight, and your launch window won’t wait, you need to move fast,” said Will Sherman, CTO and co-founder, Reditus Space. “From our first day in the Startup Program, we had full access to professional-grade CAD and PDM tools without the friction of license management or IT overhead, so our teams could scale confidently with the compliance and control we needed.”
The Creo+, Onshape and Codebeamer+ licenses can renew annually without a time limit, as long as startups continue to meet eligibility requirements. PTC said the program is structured for companies working through funding stages, revenue milestones, design iteration, small teams, distributed collaboration and fundraising pressure.
“We went from idea to CAD, prototype, and procurement in about seven days. That wouldn’t have been possible without PTC,” says Ivan Tregear, chief technology officer, KAIKAKU. “Non-blocking releases and collaborative workflows let us iterate hardware at the speed required by an early-stage startup.”
“PTC helps the world’s leading companies bring better products to life, and with PTC for Startups, we’re extending that same commitment to the next generation of innovators, giving them the tools to move fast, scale with confidence, and compete on a level playing field from day one,” said Catherine Kniker, chief marketing and sustainability officer, PTC. “The startups building today are the industry leaders of tomorrow, and we want PTC to be part of that journey from the very beginning.”
Participants also gain access to PTC’s global network of incubators, technology partners and innovators, along with mentorship, co-marketing and industry exposure opportunities. PTC will share more details during Boston Tech Week on May 27, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm ET, at its Seaport headquarters in Boston.
Source: PTC
About PTC
PTC was founded in 1985 and headquartered in Boston, MA, develops software for engineering and product development teams worldwide. Its portfolio includes CAD, PLM, IIoT, application lifecycle management, and augmented reality tools. The software supports product design, manufacturing, data management, and service operations. PTC serves manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, industrial equipment and energy sectors. The company reports more than 30,000 customers globally, including 95% of Fortune 500 manufacturers. PTC employs about 7,500 people worldwide. It operates primarily on a subscription-based business model focused on digital product development and connected operations.