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Launching Next-Generation Clean Technologies with SOLIDWORKS Solutions
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
Applicable Industries
- Renewable Energy
- Electronics
- Consumer Goods
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Predictive Maintenance
- Rapid Prototyping
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Training
The Challenge
Greentown Labs, a leading business incubator for start-up companies focused on clean technology, faced the challenge of advancing and accelerating product development for its member start-ups. These start-ups required access to advanced design, simulation, and visualization tools to speed up their technology R&D and commercial product development. The incubator needed to provide these resources without imposing significant financial burdens on the start-ups, while also fostering a collaborative environment where innovative solutions to energy and environmental challenges could be developed.
About The Customer
Greentown Labs, Inc. began as a group of engineering students from MIT who shared workspace and resources. It has since evolved into the leading business incubator for start-ups focused on solving energy and environmental challenges through clean technology development. Founded in 2011, Greentown Labs has grown to support 76 start-up companies, with 41 currently working on clean technologies at its site. The incubator provides shared resources, including workspace, machine shop equipment, and development solutions, to help start-ups develop technologies and build products cost-effectively. Greentown Labs also hosts regular networking and educational events for entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant community of innovators.
The Solution
Greentown Labs implemented the SOLIDWORKS product development platform to provide its member start-ups with access to industry-leading design, simulation, and communication tools. The decision to standardize on SOLIDWORKS was based on a survey of the community, which revealed a strong preference for the software due to its familiarity, ease of use, and comprehensive range of applications. SOLIDWORKS solutions were made available to the start-ups to accelerate development, prototyping, and manufacturing processes. Additionally, Greentown Labs arranged 'lunch and learn' webinar training sessions with CADD Edge, their SOLIDWORKS reseller, to further support the start-ups in utilizing the software effectively.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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