ANSYS Collaborates with Innovation Works to Bring High-End Simulation Software to Startups

ANSYS has launched a collaboration with Innovation Works, the Pittsburgh region’s top investor in seed-stage technology companies, to provide free, high-end simulation software to startups. With the collaboration, ANSYS puts the speed and power of their simulation software suite into the hands of startups who otherwise could not afford the sophisticated software but who greatly need its capabilities and flexibility to bring new products to life.

The collaboration with Innovation Works combines with other new programs and products ANSYS has rolled out in recent months aimed at assisting startups. It also honors the company’s roots: ANSYS received very early funding from Innovation Works’ predecessor organization, the Ben Franklin Technology Partner of Southwestern PA, at the company’s inception.

"The global reach of the ANSYS Startup Program does not overlook our commitment to helping bring success to the burgeoning hardware startup ecosystem in our hometown of Pittsburgh," said Paul Lethbridge, Senior Manager, ANSYS Startup Program. "ANSYS simulation software helps startups throughout their entire product life-cycle, from initial concept, to prototypes to full-scale production. Not only does early phase use of engineering simulation accelerate product innovation and development, but it also saves money and provides startups with additional credibility, often leading to more funding and broader opportunities."

“The ANSYS tools enable the startups we work with to run large-scale simulations on par with much larger companies,” said Rich Lunak, president & CEO of Innovation Works. “Having engineered a robotics product myself years ago, I know my startup would have greatly benefited from this type of software, which would have allowed us to move more quickly and brought a more robust product to market quickly,” continued Lunak. “The seed- and early stage companies we invest in and assist will greatly benefit from access to this software, and we’re extremely grateful to ANSYS for making it available.”

About ANSYS, Inc.

If you've ever seen a rocket launch, flown on an airplane, driven a car, used a computer, touched a mobile device, crossed a bridge, or put on wearable technology, chances are you've used a product where ANSYS software played a critical role in its creation. ANSYS is the global leader in Pervasive Engineering Simulation. We help the world's most innovative companies deliver radically better products to their customers. By offering the best and broadest portfolio of engineering simulation software, we help them solve the most complex design challenges and create products limited only by imagination. Founded in 1970, ANSYS employs thousands of professionals, many of whom are expert M.S. and Ph.D.-level engineers in finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, electronics, semiconductors, embedded software and design optimization. Headquartered south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., ANSYS has more than 75 strategic sales locations throughout the world with a network of channel partners in 40+ countries. Visit www.ansys.com for more information.

To join the simulation conversation, please visit: www.ansys.com/social@ansys.

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About Innovation Works

Innovation Works (IW) is the Pittsburgh region's leading investor in startup technology companies. Our level of activity makes IW one of the most active early-stage investors in the US. Innovation Works is a pioneer in assisting startup technology companies with seed investment and expertise. As part of the statewide network of Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Innovation Works has been assisting technology companies since 1983, helping those companies become the backbone of Pittsburgh's technology landscape.