SAN FRANCISCO, July 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At today's Clean Tech Open (CTO) Renewable Energy Symposium, Autodesk (Nasdaq: ADSK), a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, introduced the Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program. The program awards "seed" grants consisting of free bundles of Autodesk software to early-stage, clean technology companies working to solve some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

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"We understand the significant role design plays in creating a sustainable future," said Lynelle Cameron, director of sustainability for Autodesk. "The Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program is designed to accelerate innovation and leadership in the clean tech market. As part of our ongoing commitment to global sustainability, Autodesk will be working together with emerging clean tech companies to help bring their ideas to market faster and more cost-effectively."

Recipients of the Autodesk Clean Tech software grant will receive a collection of Autodesk's top applications:

    --  Autodesk Inventor Professional
    --  Autodesk Showcase Professional
    --  Autodesk Vault Manufacturing
    --  Autodesk Navisworks Manage
    --  Autodesk Revit Architecture

    --  Autodesk Alias Design

Each grant has a retail value of up to U.S. $150,000, and will include up to five full commercial licenses of each application.

"Autodesk and the Clean Tech Open are committed to enabling green entrepreneurs expand upon their innovative ideas," said Michael Santullo, co-founder of the CTO. "Many participants in the Clean Tech Open are first-time entrepreneurs - they have a great idea, but could really use some assistance. This is where Clean Tech Open steps in: we connect entrepreneurs with the expertise, talent and funding necessary to create successful, sustainable businesses."

As a precursor to the Clean Tech Partner Program, 13 startups have already received similar packages from Autodesk. Syncromatics was rewarded for its use of sustainable green technology in providing innovative, customized solutions for transit agencies nationwide. Autodesk also named the company Inventor of the Month in June. "Autodesk provided critical design and engineering tools that enable our company to rapidly develop quality products. These tools are the cornerstone of our success and have fueled our company's growth and profitability," said Stephen Salazar, chief operating officer of Syncromatics.

Serious Materials, a company that develops and manufactures award-winning, advanced green building materials designed to save energy and money, also benefitted from an Autodesk seed grant. "Autodesk products allow us to digitally model our prototypes before they're built," said Kevin Surace, Serious Materials chief executive officer. "This has shortened our development and manufacturing cycles and allowed us to bring our products to market much faster."

As a Gold Sponsor of the Clean Tech Open, Autodesk has already teamed with the CTO to help numerous entrepreneurs launch companies. The collaboration is an innovation catalyst, helping great ideas become viable clean tech businesses. In partnering with these emerging clean tech companies, Autodesk aims to help them make smarter business decisions, save money and collaborate more effectively.

Autodesk has set a goal of awarding clean tech software grants to 100 companies by the end of January 2010. Full program information, including application process details for the Clean Tech software grant, is available at www.autodesk.com/cleantech.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and engineering, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Alias, Autodesk Inventor, Inventor, Navisworks, Revit and Showcase are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jeff Bliss
jeff.bliss@autodesk.com
+1.415.547.2342

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

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