Update 2: Autodesk to Give Startup “Clean Techs” Free Software
Update 2: Syncromatics did not use the software noted to “to create a more efficient bus-tracking system that utilizes GPS and mobile-location technology.” They already had that tech in place. Instead, the company used Inventor to design the solar powered bus shelter signs that tell people when the bus will come. The information is collected using GPS. Thanks to Brett Smith at Autodesk for helping to solve the mystery and pointing me to this http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=598%3C/td%3E”>press release and video.
——Update 7/23/09——-
Update: The press release notes these products are part of the package:
Autodesk Inventor Professional
Autodesk Showcase Professional
Autodesk Vault Manufacturing
Autodesk Navisworks Manage
Autodesk Revit Architecture
Autodesk Alias Design
Interestingly, VentureBeat explains that one company who received a grant, Syncromatic, “used the software it received to create a more efficient bus-tracking system that utilizes GPS and mobile-location technology.” I’m curious as to which piece of software noted above helped do that.
—- original post 7/22/09——-
The announcement is expected this afternoon and details the “Clean Tech Partner Program,” which provides free software bundles, worth $150,000 each, to the most promising early-stage cleantech startups. Autodesk plans to give away software bundles to 100 companies by the end of January 2010, for a total value of $15 million. it’s unclear if any GIS software is part of the giveaway.
Autodesk has been making a lot of software available free during the down economy, including to those who are out of work.
