The aerospace industry has changed significantly during the past decade. Historically, major players were the driving force of innovation, but now startups have shaken the industry by introducing a host of new processes, technologies, and approaches that even the world’s largest organizations have recognized and begun to adopt. 

Altair’s is committed to helping customers big and small innovate and succeed through our software and services. Startups are a key part of that vision. So, when you combine our startup support and our decades-long expertise in the aerospace and defense industry, the Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program (ASAP) was a natural outcome. Since launching ASAP last year, we have seen incredible results. It is truly a one-of-a-kind program that only Altair could offer.

The Market’s Shortcomings

ASAP was born from a recognition that traditional startup acceleration programs were not meeting the unique needs of aerospace startups. Simply put, aerospace startups must climb a taller mountain than those in other industries. The first reason for this is time; it is not unusual for aerospace startups to need six or seven years before they have a market-ready product or solution, one that is validated, tested, and meets the industry’s stringent regulations. When we analyzed the market, we found that most startup programs only offered three years’ worth of discounts. Three years does not give these fledgling organizations the time they need to mature.

Additionally, most startup programs had another problem: fixed cost increase formulas. In most startup programs, the payment formulas are fixed – regardless of a startup’s growth (or lack of). In the first year, technology is usually offered at a heavy discount. In each subsequent year, the prices increase. Once year four arrives, the organization often loses access to the program and must pay full price. This puts a lot of pressure on aerospace startups, both strategically and financially. 

Recognizing the time and cost constraints of existing aerospace startup programs, we designed ASAP specifically to eliminate these barriers. 

ASAP’s Unique Approach

ASAP breaks free from other startup programs’ cookie-cutter designs. Because this is a complex, heavily regulated, expensive, time-intensive domain, our approach is to fully understand each aerospace startups’ unique needs and tailor a program that fits those needs. 

Benefit 1: Unlimited Access to Simulation and Data Analytics

ASAP’s first and most straightforward benefit is simple – it gives organizations unlimited access to Altair’s leading simulation and data analytics technology, regardless of user counts or where users are located. No matter if you need computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or finite element (FE) analysis; have two users or 40; if they are in one building or spread across the globe – everyone in your team is equipped with the tools they need to succeed. ASAP is first and foremost a program to empower teams with game-changing computational intelligence.

Benefit 2: No Fixed Timeframe

We know that in other programs’ three-year timeframe, it is nearly impossible for a startup to develop a functional satellite or aircraft. That is why ASAP does not have a fixed timeframe. Instead, we use funding as a (rough) guide. Startups that have not achieved a certain level of funding – which is mutually agreed at the program’s outset – can stay in ASAP as long as they need. We are truly in it for the long haul with our partners. For instance, we have organizations within ASAP that are more than a decade old, yet they still meet our definition of “startup.” Aerospace startups already face an array of looming deadlines – they do not need one from us. 

Benefit 3: No Fixed Cost Formula, No Obligations

Lastly, gone are fixed prices along a fixed timeframe; again, we use funding as a guide. We know that for aerospace startups acquiring funding and turning a profit is a monumental challenge. When you join, we work with you to determine a price that fits your organization’s budget. Furthermore, if your funding has not changed year over year, ASAP’s prices will not change. 

Beyond timeframes and cost, ASAP offers another benefit over traditional startup programs – no obligations. Upon joining ASAP, we lock in our offer for three years, but startups are under no obligation to stay in the program. They can leave the program at no charge at any time – no penalties, no questions asked. This is the freedom and flexibility organizations gain when they choose ASAP over fixed-cost, fixed-timeframe programs.

What’s the Catch?

The response I get most frequently from customers is, “What’s the catch?” I know ASAP seems too good to be true. But that’s only because other offerings are often designed more for the technology providers and not the startups. ASAP puts startups first with a program and partner that aligns to their goals and objectives, not the other way around.

ASAP fuels startups for liftoff. Digitalization and AI-powered engineering are paramount in aerospace, and their role will only expand. With ASAP, startups can tackle their toughest challenges with confidence, knowing Altair will be there from liftoff to orbit and beyond. 

To learn more about ASAP, visit https://altair.com/aerospace-startup-acceleration-program.