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Altair (Troy, Mich., U.S.), part of Siemens Digital Industries Software, is deepening its ongoing collaboration with  (DAC, Napoli, Italy) to accelerate digital transformation across Italy and Europe’s aerospace sector. The partnership aims to empower small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and startups by providing access to cutting-edge technology, driving innovation and enhancing competitiveness throughout the European aerospace supply chain.

DAC, established in 2012, constitutes an ecosystem of 300 stakeholders —  including 32 large companies, 123 SMEs, 15 universities and research centers such as CIRA, CNR and ENEA and 170 partners — providing synergy between public and private sectors to tackle complex challenges. DAC focuses on advancing four core aerospace areas: commercial aviation, general aviation, space systems and vectors, and maintenance and transformation.

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Much of its research and activities have achieved this through the use of composite materials. Specifically, the TOP project (developing and applying innovative processes for manufacturing and assembling composite material aerospace structures), the TABASCO project (developing low-cost production technologies and processes for composite structures in advanced aircraft) and the REVAIA-2 Project (developing composite structures made of cellulose fibers and resins derived from natural materials). 

“For DAC, the collaboration with Altair Engineering represents a strategic initiative that reflects a specific vision for supply chain development: guiding SMEs and startups toward an advanced production model based on the systematic adoption of digital tools and integration with research,” says Luigi Carrino, president of DAC. “Thanks to this agreement, we offer our member companies not only facilitated access to high-level simulation and data analysis technologies, but also training programs and concrete opportunities for technological acceleration and growth, consistent with the level of large companies.”

A key challenge for many OEMs is maintaining digital continuity across their supply chains. SMBs frequently lack the resources, expertise or financial capability to implement the same technologies used by larger partners — often resulting in lower efficiency, longer lead times and reduced product quality. The Altair-DAC initiative directly addresses this gap.

Under the program, SMBs gain access to Altair’s simulation, data analytics, and AI technologies at discounted rates, enabling them to digitize engineering processes, improve efficiency and innovate faster. Startups are offered low-cost entry in their first year, followed by participation in Altair’s Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program from the second year and onward. Altair’s technology can also further bolster’s DAC’s work in composites design — enabling structural optimization, ply level optimization and more.