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Introducing the new, expanded Autodesk Entrepreneur Impact Program
By: Jake Layes
In 2009, Autodesk launched the Cleantech Partner Program as a way to support innovators and startups working in green and clean technology. The initiative aimed to provide these pioneers with access to our design software, helping them bring sustainable solutions to life. Initially, we supported over 100 companies across the US and Europe. Fast forward six years, and the program has grown exponentially—now welcoming more than 3,000 startups from North America, Europe, Israel, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
To better align with the evolving landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship, we are expanding our reach beyond traditional cleantech sectors and geographic markets. As part of this evolution, we’re rebranding the program to the Autodesk Entrepreneur Impact Program.
The expanded program is now open to entrepreneurs worldwide who are driving positive environmental or social change. It offers access to powerful digital prototyping tools such as Autodesk’s design, engineering, and fabrication software, empowering them to build impactful solutions.
Over the past six years, the world has changed dramatically. Renewable energy costs have dropped significantly, major corporations are investing heavily in clean tech, and technology development has accelerated. Millennials are now the largest workforce generation, and sustainability and climate concerns have moved to the forefront of global discussions.
Today’s entrepreneurs aren’t just building businesses—they're creating scalable solutions that address pressing environmental and social challenges. These innovators are shaping the future of climate action, not only in the US and Europe, but around the globe. In February, Forbes highlighted how Africa’s young entrepreneurs are set to transform the continent. Meanwhile, in China, the government is actively supporting sustainable development and encouraging entrepreneurial growth nationwide.
We’ve seen a dramatic shift in recent years. Startups, once limited to specific regions or industries, are now capable of disrupting entire sectors. Innovation is happening in energy, mobility, construction, water, waste management, materials, health, and more. These entrepreneurs are focused on designing for meaningful, large-scale impact.
Grassroots organizations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and India have shown incredible potential, and through this expansion, they’ll gain access to the same advanced tools used by large enterprises. We aim to identify and support those with the highest impact through training, mentorship, and resources.
According to the EY Global Youth Entrepreneurship Survey 2015, young entrepreneurs are increasingly focused on sustainability and social responsibility. This trend reflects a growing movement toward purpose-driven business models.
As we continue to engage in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), it's clear that actionable steps are needed to address climate change. Empowering entrepreneurs is one of the first and most effective ways to drive real change. As Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.†We’re excited to see more entrepreneurs take on the challenge of designing a low-carbon future.
If you're an early-stage entrepreneur with a vision for positive impact, you may be eligible for the Autodesk Entrepreneur Impact Program. To qualify, your organization must be less than five years old, have under $1 million in annual revenue, and be focused on environmental or social innovation. Selected participants will receive up to five licenses of three key Autodesk software products: Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate, Autodesk Fusion 360, and Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate.
For full details, including country-specific availability, visit: [http://www.autodesk.com/entrepreneurimpact](http://www.autodesk.com/entrepreneurimpact)