PTC Software for Startups: Aerospace and Defense

Supporting A&D startups with free access to powerful tools for design, simulation, and collaboration. Available at no cost to qualified early-stage teams.

What is PTC’s aerospace and defense startup program?  

At PTC, we believe the future of aerospace and defense will be defined by bold thinkers and fast movers—the startups reimagining flight, autonomy, space, and national security. That’s why we’ve launched PTC’s Aerospace & Defense Startup Program: to invest in your vision and help you turn breakthrough ideas into certified, scalable, and mission-ready products.

Through our program, startups gain free or discounted access to PTC’s industry-leading digital engineering solutions, along with expert enablement and cloud infrastructure built for security and scale. When you join the program, PTC becomes a true partner in your journey, empowering your team to move faster, scale smarter, and compete on a global stage.

Industry-leading software for aerospace and defense startups

Our startup program gives early-stage teams access to a modern engineering toolset that accelerates design cycles, enhances traceability, and streamlines compliance across hardware and software domains.

Participants can leverage Creo+ for advanced 3D design and simulation, Onshape for cloud-native product development and real-time collaboration, Codebeamer+ for agile requirements management and software development, or Arena for scalable product lifecycle and quality management.

With cloud-ready deployment and secure, compliant infrastructure, startups participating in our program gain the same digital backbone trusted by top aerospace OEMs and government agencies.

PTC’s products for startups

Creo+

Create high-performance mechanical designs and perform real-time simulation in a collaborative, cloud-connected CAD environment.

Apply for Creo+

Onshape

Accelerate design cycles with built-in version control, secure collaboration, and real-time updates—anywhere, on any device.

Apply for Onshape

Codebeamer+

Connect hardware and software development through requirements traceability, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Apply for Codebeamer+

Arena

Unify engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing data in a secure, cloud-based PLM/QMS solution built for scalability and compliance.

Apply for Arena

Why join the program

From autonomous systems to advanced propulsion and next-gen space platforms, aerospace and defense innovation demands speed, precision, and compliance from day one.

From autonomous systems to advanced propulsion and next-gen space platforms, aerospace and defense innovation demands speed, precision, and compliance from day one.

Accelerate development

Cut design-to-prototype timelines by up to 20% with integrated, cloud-based engineering tools.

Cut design-to-prototype timelines by up to 20% with integrated, cloud-based engineering tools.

Collaborate seamlessly

Enable multi-disciplinary teams to work together in real time across hardware, software, and supply chain partners.

Enable multi-disciplinary teams to work together in real time across hardware, software, and supply chain partners.

Ensure compliance and certification

Meet AS9100, FAA, and DoD digital engineering standards with automated traceability and audit-ready workflows.

Meet AS9100, FAA, and DoD digital engineering standards with automated traceability and audit-ready workflows.

Scale securely

Leverage PTC’s IL5-ready cloud environments and data protection for secure global collaboration.

Leverage PTC’s IL5-ready cloud environments and data protection for secure global collaboration.

How leading aerospace and defense startups use PTC software to accelerate innovation

From UAVs to next-gen satellites, today’s most innovative aerospace and defense startups trust PTC’s product development tools—including Onshape, Creo, Arena, and Codebeamer—to move faster, collaborate securely, and bring breakthrough technologies to market with confidence.

Arca Dynamics accelerates satellite design with Creo

See how space tech startup, Arca Dynamics, uses PTC Creo to develop innovative, reliable, and affordable satellite technology, setting a new standard for space surveillance and traffic monitoring.

Watch the Video

Hill Helicopters reimagines personal travel in Creo

Hill Helicopters relies on Creo’s robust and proven CAD capabilities to scale their operations as they look to design 500 visually stunning personal helicopters per year.

Read Their Story

Aura Aero: building the aircraft of tomorrow

Aura Aero chose Onshape to scale its engineering team and accelerate development of sustainable aircraft with real-time collaboration and built-in data management.

Watch the Video

Echodyne achieves AS9100 and ITAR compliance with Arena PLM

With rising demand, Echodyne adopted Arena PLM for AWS GovCloud to help manage product information in a secure cloud environment, meet ITAR and AS9100 requirements, and deliver quality products faster.

Read Their Story

How H55 leverages Codebeamer for electric flight innovation

H55 adopted Codebeamer, an ALM platform built for safety-critical industries, to manage the full software lifecycle from requirements and development to testing, compliance, and traceability.

Read the Blog

Liftero takes advantage of CAD software for startups

Learn why Liftero chose Onshape to design its reusable orbital transfer vehicles.

Read Their Story

Pacific Defense delivers innovative technologies

Learn how Arena helped Pacific Defense create a secure, controlled process for managing products, undergoing risk-based assessment audits, and demonstrating thorough configuration management practices.

Read Their Story

FA&D startup program frequently asked questions

Why join PTC’s aerospace and defense startup program?

For aerospace and defense (A&D) startups building the future of flight, precision, and speed are mission critical. PTC’s startup program offers access to industry-leading tools, enabling teams to iterate faster, reduce development risk, and meet the stringent demands of A&D engineering. Whether you're designing next-gen UAVs or satellite components, PTC’s startup program gives you the tools and support to move from concept to certification with confidence.

How long does the program last?

For Onshape, Creo, and Codebeamer—access is for one year. After that, your company can reapply, and if program requirements are still met, your team will receive an additional free year of access. For Arena, please speak with our team after your application is accepted.

What types of startups should apply?

The program is open to A&D startups across the globe—startups focused on developing their own product lines. Please note that service providers and consulting companies are not eligible to participate.

Who qualifies for the startup program?

Eligibility is determined by factors such as funding, lifetime revenue, and association with an incubator/investor. Startups must also have a functioning website and cannot already be a customer of the product they are applying for. When in doubt, just apply.

How can we help you?

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