Research Area

Residency Program

The Autodesk Research Residency program brings together
academic inquiry and industry practice to explore the future of design and make.

The Autodesk Research Residency Program brings researchers, practitioners, and emerging teams together to explore what’s next in design and make. Through original research, hands-on experimentation, and shared learning, residents connect ideas with tools, expertise, and real-world practice—advancing new knowledge and capabilities across design, fabrication, and digital-to-physical workflows.

The Residency Program is designed to support the different ways academic and industry teams work. Academic research benefits from focused inquiry, shared timelines, and peer exchange, while industry practice benefits from continuity and ongoing experimentation.

Academic Research Cohort

An annual, cohort-based experience for academic teams focused on advancing new knowledge through inquiry, exploration, and synthesis. Teams move through a shared, phase-based research arc with opportunities for peer exchange and feedback.

Industry Research Network

A one-year engagement for startups and industry teams focused on advancing new capabilities through practice and experimentation. Teams contribute real-world insight through ongoing engagement, with the potential to renew.

Resources

Accepted resident teams have access to resources that support research, experimentation, and making.

Technology Centers
Hands-on prototyping and fabrication at our Boston and San Francisco Technology Centers, supported by training, technical expertise, and project guidance.
Community
A cross-disciplinary network of resident teams and Autodesk employees for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and specialized expertise.
Programming & Events
Hybrid-first programs for sharing work, gathering feedback, and contributing to broader research conversations.
Tools
Autodesk software and, when applicable, support for developing and showcasing work using Autodesk products, plug-ins, and APIs.

Explore Autodesk Technology Centers

Proposal Criteria

Participation in the Residency Program is proposal-based. We evaluate proposed projects across four criteria:

Alignment
We look for work that connects to at least one Autodesk industry and can inform or advance our understanding of research areas and questions relevant to Autodesk Research.
Impact
We look for projects that engage real-world design and make challenges and have the potential to advance research, inform industry practice, or open new directions for exploration.
Feasibility
We assess whether the Residency Program and our Technology Centers have the space, equipment, expertise, and capacity to meaningfully support the proposed work.
Commitment
We consider whether teams have the capacity to actively engage throughout their project, including consistent hybrid participation and, when applicable, on-site engagement at our Technology Centers.

Interested in applying?

Academic Research Cohort
One annual application cycle

Proposal submissions: October 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Onboarding: April 2027

Industry Research Network
Two application cycles each year

Winter cycle: Apply January 1–31, 2027 → Onboard March 2027
Summer cycle: Apply July 1–31, 2027 → Onboard September 2027

Apply to the Residency Program

The Autodesk Research Residency Program

Article

2026

Where Research Meets Reality: Autodesk Reimagines its Research Residency Program

Introducing the next chapter of the Autodesk Research Residency…