Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) has launched a new initiative, Forge, which aims to accelerate a cloud connected ecosystem in support of the future of making things.
In order to advance the next wave of innovative technologies that will transform how products are designed, made and used, Forge consists of three major components:
– a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering, which provides cloud services that span early stage design, engineering, visualization, collaboration, production and operations. Open application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) aim to enable small and large software developers to build cloud powered apps and services.
– The Forge Developer Program, which will provide ongoing training, resources and support, and host an inaugural Forge Developer Conference during the week of June 13, 2016.
– a $100m investment fund. The Forge Fund will invest up to $100m over the next several years in emerging companies that are working to deliver innovative solutions and services on or connected to the Forge Platform. In addition to financial support, Autodesk will also provide business and technical support.
The Forge Initiative also includes a partner program for innovators to work closely with Autodesk on the use of its cloud platforms to create intuitive services for manufacturing professionals supporting the Autodesk Product Innovation Platform.
Six inaugural partners include BriteHub, Proto Labs, FATHOM, 100kGarages, MakeTime and HWTrek.
FinSMEs
02/12/2015