The centre will provide a platform for startups, giving them access to its design technology as well as funding. It will also provide industry and academia support through its global network.
“This is a replication of what we are doing in many parts of the world,” said Tim Scanlon, Global Engagement Lead, Autodesk Education Experience.
“You look at ideas here (in Bengaluru), there is great energy. We want to be a part of it. Autodesk will be involved in mentorship and providing different levels of skill development and training.”
The company joins the list of prominent multinationals looking to interact with the vibrant startup and maker community in the country, including Microsoft, Oracle.
Last week, German software maker SAP Labs launched a Startup Studio in Bengaluru. Amazon Web Services is also looking at setting up one of its `pop-up lofts’ in the city.
The California-based Autodesk, which decided to give away its software for free to students and faculty a couple of years ago, also plans to launch similar centres in other parts of the country.
“We have to bring in the design-thinking aspect. If such facilities are created for students, it will go a long way. This centre can play a nucleus role because such facilities cannot be set up everywhere,” said ANN Murthy, Vice-Chancellor of Dayananda Sagar University.
The university hosts the design and innovation centre.
The 4,000-sq-ft centre can accommodate around 75 people and is equipped with workstations with the entire Autodesk design software, CNC machine, industrial 3D printer, laser cutting machine and hand tools. These will be available to all students from any college, makers, entrepreneurs and design engineering professionals.
Source: Economic Times