PTC Launches Aerospace & Defense Startup Program to Accelerate Next-Gen Innovation!

PTC, a global leader in digital engineering solutions, has launched a dedicated Aerospace & Defense (A&D) Startup Program aimed at empowering early-stage and growth-stage startups to develop and deploy cutting-edge technologies across aerospace, defense, and space domains. Announced at the Reindustrialize Summit 2025 in Detroit, the initiative offers eligible startups free access to PTC’s industry-leading software platforms, helping them bring innovative products to market faster and with greater efficiency.

The program provides startups with complimentary use of several key PTC tools. These include Creo+, a SaaS-based CAD platform ideal for complex 3D modeling and design; Onshape, a cloud-native CAD and PDM system built for real-time collaboration; Codebeamer+™, an agile application lifecycle management (ALM) platform with robust test and requirements traceability; and Arena, a cloud-based product lifecycle management (PLM) and quality management system (QMS) solution tailored to support compliance and product scale-up.

Designed to support startups working in all five defense domains—land, sea, air, space, and cyber—the initiative reflects the growing urgency to build faster, more agile, and compliant systems in an increasingly complex global threat landscape. By reducing technological and operational barriers, the A&D Startup Program enables these companies to focus on mission-critical development.

Participants will also benefit from PTC’s global ecosystem, gaining access to venture capitalists, incubators, technology partners, and peer innovators. The program includes mentorship, industry exposure, and networking opportunities to help startups reach key funding and commercialization milestones. Startups can remain in the program for multiple years, ensuring sustained support through various growth stages.

David Katzman, General Manager of Arena and Onshape at PTC, emphasized the program’s value: “Aerospace and defense startups are tackling some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges. This program equips them with PTC’s proven tools and support from day one so they can innovate rapidly and meet compliance demands without compromise.”

Success stories are already emerging. Mariarosa Argentiero, Chief Commercial Officer of ARCA Dynamics, shared that Creo has significantly improved their production chain and accelerated delivery timelines. Ben Schleuniger, CEO and Co-Founder of Orbital Operations, noted that Onshape’s cloud-native design environment and government-ready features provided a secure, scalable foundation for developing next-generation spacecraft.

As the aerospace and defense sectors experience rapid technological transformation, PTC’s A&D Startup Program is poised to play a crucial role in enabling startups to deliver secure, intelligent, and high-impact solutions. By providing the tools and ecosystem needed for success, PTC is helping shape the future of aerospace and defense innovation.