DETROIT, MI, July 21, 2025 – At the Reindustrialize Summit 2025, PTC introduced a Aerospace & Defense (A&D) startup program aimed at supporting early-stage companies. The program gives eligible startups free access to a suite of PTC’s engineering and product development tools. These include Creo+, a SaaS-based CAD solution; Onshape, a cloud-native CAD and product data management (PDM) platform; Codebeamer+, an application lifecycle management (ALM) solution; and a startup package for Arena, which combines product lifecycle management (PLM) and quality management system (QMS) solution. The goal is to help startups move from concept to production by providing the same tools used in large-scale product development – without upfront cost.
As modernization continues in aerospace and defense across sea, air, land, space, and cyber, the sector faces new technologies and evolving threats. The industry is adapting by developing advanced systems and addressing system integration. PTC’s A&D Startup Program provides support and resources to startups involved in product development.
Startups can access Creo+, known for its advanced modeling capabilities and support for complex assemblies, as well as Onshape, a cloud-native CAD platform with PDM and collaboration, suited for agile teams with minimal IT overhead. Access to Onshape includes Onshape Government, designed to meet compliance needs, like ITAR and EAR, for U.S. federal and state agencies, defense contractors, and organizations working on regulated projects. Participants have access to Codebeamer+, which supports agile development and provides end-to-end traceability. They can also use Arena, a cloud-native PLM and QMS platform designed to support compliance and manage product development at scale.
Eligible startups can participate in the program for multiple years to help support growth toward key funding and revenue milestones. In addition to the free software, they will gain access to PTC’s ecosystem of venture capitalists, incubators, technology partners, and innovators, plus opportunities for mentorship, exposure, and industry engagement.
“Aerospace and defense startups are tackling some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, and they need tools that help them get ahead,” said David Katzman, general manager of Arena and Onshape, PTC. “Through 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.”
“Developing our own solutions demands precision and dependable tools at every stage,” said Mariarosa Argentiero, chief commercial officer of ARCA Dynamics. “Creo helps us improve our production chain and accelerate the delivery of our products. It’s especially powerful for startups because it delivers the advanced capabilities needed for production without requiring additional improvements or add-ons.”
“Designing next-generation spacecraft requires tools that are as agile and forward-looking as the missions we’re building,” said Ben Schleuniger, CEO and co-founder of Orbital Operations. “We adopted Onshape through PTC’s A&D Startup Program, giving us a fast, secure foundation to collaborate and iterate from day one. As our needs expanded, the Onshape Government offering enabled us to meet compliance requirements without slowing down. We’ve truly appreciated PTC’s support and collaboration every step of the way.”
Source: PTC
About PTC
PTC Inc., founded in 1985 and based in Boston, develops software for digital transformation across industries. Its offerings include product lifecycle management (PLM), CAD, the industrial internet of things (IIoT), and augmented reality (AR). These tools support product design, manufacturing and service operations. PTC serves sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Its software is used by more than 30,000 customers globally, including 95% of Fortune 500 discrete manufacturers. With approximately 7,000 employees worldwide, the company continues to grow through a subscription-based model, focusing on enabling digital product innovation.