SOLIDWORKS Research License
Unlock the full potential of SOLIDWORKS technology for your research projects with unrestricted access to industry-leading design and engineering software, specifically tailored for qualified research institutions.
What is SOLIDWORKS Research License?
SOLIDWORKS Research License provides qualified research institutions with complete access to SOLIDWORKS design and engineering technology without the restrictions typically found in educational software. Unlike educational editions, the Research License enables researchers to use SOLIDWORKS for publications, industry-funded projects, intellectual property development, and patent applications without educational watermarks or usage limitations. This comprehensive license follows the same commercial licensing agreement as standard SOLIDWORKS, ensuring full compatibility and seamless collaboration with industry partners while offering substantial cost savings over commercial rates. Research institutions including colleges, universities, research laboratories, teaching hospitals, and qualified non-profit organizations can leverage the same cutting-edge tools used by leading manufacturers worldwide to accelerate their research goals and drive innovation in engineering and science.
SOLIDWORKS Research License Applications
Academic Research and Development
Advance your research projects with unrestricted access to professional-grade CAD and engineering tools, enabling the development of innovative solutions and breakthrough technologies without software limitations.
Industry-Funded Research Projects
Collaborate seamlessly with commercial partners on funded research initiatives, maintaining full compatibility with industry-standard workflows while preserving intellectual property rights and publication freedoms.
Patent Development and IP Creation
Develop and protect intellectual property with confidence, knowing that your SOLIDWORKS Research License supports patent applications, IP transfer, and commercialization activities without restrictions.
Scientific Publication and Communication
Create publication-ready models, simulations, and technical documentation without educational watermarks, ensuring professional presentation of research findings in journals, conferences, and grant applications.
SOLIDWORKS Research License Features & Benefits
SOLIDWORKS Research License empowers researchers with the complete suite of professional design and engineering tools, providing the same capabilities available to commercial users while maintaining the flexibility and cost-effectiveness essential for academic research environments. This comprehensive solution eliminates the barriers between academic research and industry application, enabling seamless collaboration and knowledge transfer.
Complete Design and Analysis Capabilities
Access the full suite of SOLIDWORKS design and analysis tools in one integrated interface, providing comprehensive 3D design solutions that enable researchers to create, validate, communicate, and manage complex research projects quickly, efficiently, and accurately. The integrated workflow spans from initial concept development through advanced analysis and validation, offering valuable insights to optimize performance in the most cost-effective manner while reducing reliance on costly physical prototypes.
Unrestricted Usage Rights
Enjoy complete freedom to use SOLIDWORKS Research License for publications, industry-funded projects, intellectual property transfer, and patent applications without any software-imposed limitations. This unrestricted access ensures that research outcomes can be freely published, commercialized, and transferred to industry partners without concerns about licensing restrictions or educational watermarks that might interfere with professional applications.
Full Commercial Compatibility
Maintain seamless compatibility with the commercial version of SOLIDWORKS, enabling effortless collaboration with industry partners, consultants, and commercial research facilities. This compatibility ensures that research projects can transition smoothly from academic environments to commercial applications, facilitating technology transfer and industry partnerships without file conversion issues or compatibility concerns.
SOLIDWORKS Research License Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a research institution for SOLIDWORKS Research License?
Qualified Research Institutions include colleges, universities, research laboratories, teaching hospitals, non-profit organizations, and research consortiums. The license does not extend to for-profit companies, for-profit research centers, technology incubators, accelerators, non-profit learning centers, museums, public libraries, outreach programs, Fab Labs, maker spaces, hacker spaces, or hobby centers.
Can I use SOLIDWORKS Research License for commercial purposes or consulting work?
No, SOLIDWORKS Research License cannot be used for commercial purposes, professional consulting, hardware production for resale, job shop activities, services performed under Technical Services Agreement, corporate or government internships, or private tutoring and training of anyone other than qualified students.
How does SOLIDWORKS Research License differ from SOLIDWORKS Education Edition?
SOLIDWORKS Research License provides unrestricted usage for research purposes, publications, and IP development without educational watermarks, while Education Edition is strictly limited to classroom instruction and cannot be used for research purposes, commercial activities, or IP development. Research License follows commercial licensing terms, whereas Education Edition has significant usage restrictions.
Can I take my SOLIDWORKS Research License with me if I move to a different institution?
No, Research Licenses are institution-specific and cannot be transferred between organizations. The license is purchased through and belongs to the qualifying research institution, and must be installed only on computers owned or leased by the qualified researcher or research institution.
What happens to my research data and models if I need to collaborate with commercial partners?
SOLIDWORKS Research License enables seamless collaboration with commercial partners because it maintains full compatibility with commercial SOLIDWORKS versions. Your research data, models, and files can be shared and worked on collaboratively without conversion issues or compatibility concerns, facilitating smooth technology transfer and industry partnerships.
Can I provide training to external parties using SOLIDWORKS Research License?
Research License can be used to train qualified students within your institution, but cannot be used for training purposes provided to the general public, even if conducted on campus. Commercial training activities require appropriate commercial licensing.
How does pricing for SOLIDWORKS Research License compare to commercial versions?
SOLIDWORKS Research License offers substantial savings over commercial rates, with special pricing designed to preserve more of your grant funding for actual research activities. Contact MLC CAD Systems for specific pricing information tailored to your institution’s needs and research requirements.
What technical support is included with SOLIDWORKS Research License?
Research License includes the same comprehensive technical support as commercial versions, including access to MLC’s team of certified application experts. This ensures researchers have professional-level support for their projects.