CAD/CAM Software for Manufacturing Startups
Powerful Design Tools for Hardware Startups
Onshape for Startups: Fast, Flexible, and Free
Discover how Onshape empowers early-stage manufacturing companies with professional-grade CAD/CAM tools, built-in data management, and real-time collaboration, all in the cloud and free for qualified startups. Whether you're designing consumer products, robotics, or aerospace components, Onshape helps you launch smarter and scale faster.
How Onshape Helps Startups Launch Smarter
Professional Tools, Startup Price
The Onshape Startup Program gives you access to professional-grade CAD, built-in PDM, CAM Studio, and collaboration tools at no charge for 12-plus months. There’s no need for expensive add-ons or third-party systems. You get everything you need to bring a product to life – without the high upfront costs or hidden fees that weigh startups down.
Design Anywhere, Anytime
Onshape runs entirely in your browser – no installs, no special hardware, and no IT setup required. Whether you’re in the lab, at a supplier, or at home, you access and edit designs instantly from any device, even Chromebooks. This freedom gives startups the mobility and flexibility to move fast and stay competitive.
True Real-Time Collaboration
Multiple team members edit the same model at the same time in Onshape – no locking, no emailing files, no confusion. Whether it’s mechanical, electrical, or firmware engineers, everyone sees changes live. You automatically get a complete version history to track what changes and who changes it.
Built-In, Hassle-Free Data Management
Onshape eliminates the need to install and maintain a separate PDM system. It provides built-in data management with automatic version control and secure sharing. You avoid lost work, broken references, and file sync issues – relying instead on one unified, trustworthy platform.
Innovate Faster with Branching & Merging
Onshape’s branching and merging tools let you explore design variations freely – test new ideas without disrupting your main project, then merge the best ones back in. You iterate faster and innovate smarter with a workflow built for real product development.
Scale Without Overhead
As your company grows, Onshape scales with you. Add users instantly – no extra servers, license reconfigurations, or IT headaches. Updates happen automatically in the cloud, so your team focuses on innovation, not infrastructure.
Onshape Startup Program Partners











Subject to ITAR/EAR requirements?
If your work requires compliance with ITAR or EAR, Onshape Government is a secure, cloud-native CAD and PDM solution built on AWS GovCloud. It’s designed for U.S. government agencies, defense contractors, and teams handling regulated projects. Onshape Government ensures your data is protected, supports real-time collaboration, and removes the burden of complex IT infrastructure, so you can innovate securely and stay compliant. For eligible early-stage companies, Onshape Government is also available through the Onshape Startup Program.
Explore More
Tips and insights for faster, smarter robot design.
Jumpstarting Hardware Startup Growth with Onshape
10.05.2023
Learn how hardware startups can leverage accelerator programs, startup incubators, and the Onshape Startup Program.
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Onshape Startup Program: Verdi
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Canadian-based startup Verdi relies on PTC’s Onshape for CAD software to develop a better and more efficient way to irrigate crops.
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Masters of Engineering: Coaching Hardware Startups with Sera Evcimen
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Delve into hardware startup success as Sera Evcimen shares strategic insights on the Masters of Engineering podcast with Onshape co-founder Jon Hirschtick.
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Onshape Startup Program: Lal Bikes
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Lal Bikes, a Canadian-based mountain bike derailleur manufacturer, appreciates that Onshape is along for the ride.
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15 Steps Every Hardware Startup Founder Should Take
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Want to build a hardware startup? Get insider insights on funding, IP protection, and team building from successful hardware entrepreneurs.
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Onshape Startup Program Spotlight: Makelab
02.09.2024
Brooklyn-based Makelab makes Onshape its CAD software for 3D printing and design consulting.
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Think Like a Startup: How to Attract Venture Capital Investors
09.15.2022
Venture capitalist and entrepreneur Axel Bichara shares insights into venture capital strategies for hardware companies and more.
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Startup-Ready CAD: How Modern Hardware Teams Build Faster
02.20.2025
Join successful hardware startups building breakthrough products with Onshape's cloud-native platform. Learn about free CAD access for qualified startups.
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Accelerate Product Design with Onshape’s CAD Software for Startups
02.14.2025
Are you a hardware startup looking for powerful CAD and PDM software? Look no further than the Onshape Startup Program. We’ll connect you to the tools you need to thrive.
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Onshape Startup Program: Liftero
05.02.2024
Frustrated by file-based CAD, orbital transportation startup Liftero is aiming higher than the clouds and switched to Onshape, a cloud-native CAD and PDM software.
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The Onshape Startup Program
Equip your team with full-featured CAD, built-in PDM, and analytics in one system.









