IBM Academic Initiative

Building skills for a Smarter Planet

Join now to become a member

Membership in the IBM Academic Initiative is available at no charge. Faculty members, research professionals at accredited institutions, and IBM employees whose work supports the Academic Initiative can join.

Membership lasts for one year, but you can continually extend it by submitting a renewal form explaining your ongoing use of IBM software and educational materials. We will contact you twice a year for updates to this information.

Complete the following steps to become a member of the Academic Initiative program:

Step 1. Register for a universal IBM ID and password.

If you already have a universal IBM ID and password, skip to Step 2.

You will use this IBM ID and password each time you want to access the benefits of the Academic Initiative that are available only to program members. You can also use this universal IBM ID and password to access downloads, tutorials, webcasts, and similar resources at other IBM web sites.

Step 2. Complete the Academic Initiative program membership process

The membership application process differs slightly, depending on whether you are a faculty member of an accredited school or an IBM employee.

As part of the membership process, you are asked to read and understand the Program Agreement for your country and the Software Usage Guidelines. In some countries, local law requires hard-copy signatures. In these countries, you must print, sign, and send the agreement to the country's IBM Academic Initiative contact. Refer to the list of IBM Academic Initiative contacts (140KB) if you need more information.

Faculty members

If you are a faculty member or graduate assistant who is teaching or doing research at an accredited university, college, or high school, you will be required to specify your geographic location, information about your school, and plans for using Academic Initiative offerings.

IBM employees (including supplementals and contractors)

If you are an IBM employee who supports the IBM Academic Initiative as part of your IBM job, you are eligible to join. You must register with your IBM email address, and you will be required to describe your supporting role.

If you are an IBM employee who also works on staff at an educational institution, please apply as a faculty member.