Autodesk Launches Entrepreneurial Impact Program in Korea

On November 12, 2015, at the opening ceremony of Autodesk University Korea, which is being held for two days from today until the 13th, Autodesk announced that it is providing its software for free to domestic companies with high social contribution.

The so-called 'Autodesk Entrepreneur Impact Program' was established to facilitate the market entry of innovative companies that have a positive impact on the environment and society. As a result, domestic startups are now able to utilize Autodesk technology, which is also used by large corporations.

Eligibility requires being a startup established less than five years ago with revenue of less than 1.14 billion won (approximately $1 million). Each company can use up to three software programs for free, including Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate, Autodesk Fusion 360, and Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate.

Senior Vice President Patrick Williams stated, “It was unimaginable a few years ago that capable startup entrepreneurs would drive innovation across industries,” noting that innovation is taking place through startups worldwide in various fields, including not only the environment and society but also climate change response, energy, mobility, the built environment, water, waste, health, and resource materials. "Autodesk wants to support the future of these companies," he said.

The Autodesk Entrepreneurial Impact Program is an expanded and improved version of Autodesk’s Cleantech Partner Program, launched in 2009, and is a program that supports design and manufacturing startups in some countries with solutions.

Jake Layes, Director at Autodesk, stated, “We are still grappling with global climate change issues. Cleantech solutions are the driving force behind establishing sustainable development methods that have a positive impact on climate change. Over the past six years since the launch of Cleantech Partners, the world has experienced many changes. The cleantech market has grown significantly, and technological development has accelerated, making it more accessible. For example, Tesla, an early beneficiary of the U.S. Cleantech Partners program, has now become a household name and has established itself as a leader in the electric vehicle industry.”

Vice President Williams added, “Autodesk has seen the potential for entrepreneurship in Korea, where companies grow businesses that exert a positive impact on society, including the environment such as climate change, through innovative solutions. Autodesk wants to help shape the future of all things that these companies are creating.”