Autodesk Removes Barriers to Software Access for all schools in Africa

3D Design Software Leader Delivers on Commitment in Education to Prepare an Industry-ready

19 February 2015

Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, announced at this year's Innovation Africa conference recently held in Rwanda, that it will offer schools in every country in Africa free access to its professional 3D design software and creativity applications.

"Advances in accessible 3D design and fabrication technology are disrupting design, engineering and entertainment professions as we know them. The rise in mobile and cloud technology also means that it is possible to design anywhere, at any time. Nearly anyone with an idea can turn concepts into reality overnight, and we believe that today's students will shape tomorrow's industries," said Lisa Taylor, Autodesk Education Africa.

By providing academic institutions free access to Autodesk software, we ensure that the progress that we have seen with technology in the commercial world is present in our classrooms so that we can equip and inspire the next generation of creative leaders on the African continent," Lisa Taylor added.

Autodesk's 3D design software, creativity applications, and learning resources are being used across the education continuum to advance learning outcomes, including:

· Building proficiency with young learners from middle schools and up to support science, technology, engineering, digital arts, or mathematics (STEAM) related subjects to solve real world challenges.

· Imparting industry-relevant knowledge and 3D design skills to give students a competitive edge to achieve their personal goals today, and career success in the future.

· Helping educators to inspire creativity and innovation through a project-based curriculum and a multidisciplinary approach to education; facilitating collaboration and hands-on problem-solving skills that reflect today's business realities.

Prior to this, academic institutions traditionally used their limited funds to purchase the design solutions that were critical to their course. With today's announcement, schools can truly facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to education by taking advantage of free access to Autodesk's full portfolio of professional 3D design software, cloud-based design tools, and creativity applications. In this way, students not only gain exposure to the full breadth of 3D design tools used in the industry today, but a competitive advantage upon graduation as well.

To request free access to Autodesk software for schools, please visit www.autodesk.com/academic .

-Ends-

For more information, contact:
Adele Schultz: Marketing Manager ZAR
WorldsView Technologies
Tel: (011) 884 1000
Email: adele@worldsview.co.za

Distributed on behalf of Autodesk by:
Zimkhita Mafanya
Meropa Communications
Tel: 011 506 7333
Email: zimkhitam@meropa.co.za

About Autodesk
Autodesk helps people imagine, design and create a better world. Everyone--from design professionals, engineers and architects to digital artists, students and hobbyists--uses Autodesk software to unlock their creativity and solve important challenges.

Company facts:

· 12+ million users of professional products

· 115+ million users of consumer applications

· 7,300 employees worldwide

· Over 100 products in portfolio

· Products are available in 17 languages

· Over the past 18 years, all winners of the Academy Award® for Best Visual Effects in Film used Autodesk solutions

· The Autodesk Education Community has over 6 million members, including students and teachers, who are eligible for free access to Autodesk software

· Worldwide, Autodesk has:

o 2,400+ Channel Partners

o 3,900+ Autodesk Developer Network members

o 2,000+ Autodesk Authorized Training Centres