Dassault Systèmes Names Winner of Its 2026 AAKRUTI International Student Design Competition, Showcasing Skills and Innovations from the Future Workforce
MWN-AI** Summary
Dassault Systèmes recently announced the winners of its 2026 AAKRUTI International Student Design Competition during the 3DEXPERIENCE World event in Houston. The competition, known as the largest of its kind globally, encourages students to devise sustainable solutions across various sectors such as healthcare, mobility, and green energy. This year, the winning team, Team UJ Wom+n in Tech from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, was honored for their innovative project, "Latch," a pedal-powered breast pump designed with a universal bottle-fitting system, allowing mothers to express milk conveniently and without the need for electricity or proprietary components.
Twelve teams from nine countries, including Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey, participated, utilizing the Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and SOLIDWORKS applications to develop their designs. The students showcased their creations in the “EDU Zone” of the 3DEXPERIENCE World event, competing for a total of $10,000 in cash prizes, with all participants receiving a one-year SOLIDWORKS license.
Other notable awards included first runner-up going to Team Bou, also from the University of Johannesburg, for their child-friendly device that alleviates pain during injections, and second runner-up to Team BELGER from Gazi University, Turkey, for their targeted cancer treatment project. Additionally, Team Shady Business from the Singapore Institute of Technology won the Best All-Girls Team award for their "TalkingTiles" project, designed to aid communication for individuals with aphasia.
The AAKRUTI competition, launched in India in 2011, has expanded significantly, engaging over 55,000 students in sustainable innovation projects and exemplifying Dassault Systèmes’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and innovators.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Dassault Systèmes has showcased its commitment to innovation and sustainability through the recent announcement of the winners of the 2026 AAKRUTI International Student Design Competition. The competition, which invites global students to develop sustainable solutions, highlights the integration of technology in addressing pressing global challenges in healthcare, mobility, and green energy. The recognition of Team UJ Wom+n in Tech's innovative pedal-powered breast pump, Latch, demonstrates the company's focus on nurturing future talent equipped with essential skills for a rapidly evolving job market.
For investors, Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) presents a compelling opportunity. The company’s engagement in education and technology innovation through programs like AAKRUTI not only strengthens its market position but also expands its brand reach globally. With more than 55,000 students participating from 37 countries, the initiative aligns directly with trends favoring sustainability and social responsibility—key drivers in today’s market.
The strategic investments into student engagement and development of cutting-edge technology suggest a forward-thinking approach that can lead to long-term growth. Additionally, as businesses increasingly prioritize sustainable practices, Dassault Systèmes’ expertise in offering solutions through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform positions it well to benefit from this shift.
Investors should consider acquiring shares of Dassault Systèmes as it continues to innovate and attract young talent capable of driving future technological advancements. With the rising demand for digital solutions across industries, the company is likely to see sustained growth and performance in the coming years, making it a favorable addition to a diversified portfolio focused on cutting-edge technology and sustainability.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- Team UJ Wom+n in Tech from University of Johannesburg, South Africa wins international AAKRUTI design competition; recognized at 3DEXPERIENCE World in Houston for Latch, a pedal-powered breast pump with a universal bottle-fitting system
- Dassault Systèmes’ annual AAKRUTI competition - the largest of its kind - invites students to develop sustainable solutions to challenges in healthcare, mobility and green energy
- 12 teams from nine countries used the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and SOLIDWORKS applications to create and develop their projects
Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced the winners of its 2026 AAKRUTI international student design competition at 3DEXPERIENCE World in Houston. AAKRUTI invited teams to develop sustainable solutions to challenges in healthcare, mobility and green energy by using technology, creativity and engineering skills. The winning team - Team UJ Wom+n in Tech, from University of Johannesburg, South Africa - was recognized for Latch, a pedal-powered breast pump with a universal bottle-fitting system, designed to help mothers express milk comfortably and conveniently anywhere; without electricity or proprietary components.
Twelve teams from universities in India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Turkey and the U.K. used the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and SOLIDWORKS applications to develop a product in one of four categories - sustainable products for human wellness, sustainable mobility, sustainable habitat/city infrastructure, and green energy generation, transmission and storage. Teams presented their finished projects in the “EDU Zone” of 3DEXPERIENCE World’s 3DEXPERIENCE Playground, for an opportunity to win cash prizes totaling $10,000. All participants receive a one-year SOLIDWORK license.
“The word ‘aakruti’ means the form, figure or shape of anything. It reflects the spirit of this competition and supports our dedication to equipping students with in-demand workforce skills. Our 3DEXPERIENCE Edu department, our SOLIDWORKS SkillForce initiative, and student-oriented programs and competitions like AAKRUTI empower the next generation of innovators to thrive in their future careers,” said Suchit Jain, Vice President, Strategy, Dassault Systèmes.
Dassault Systèmes’ AAKRUTI competition, launched in India in 2011, is the largest of its kind, having expanded to more than 37 countries, embarking more than 55,000 design, engineering and technology students on a challenge to apply their skills toward projects that can help drive a more sustainable future. Dassault Systèmes hosted the final of this year’s AAKRUTI during 3DEXPERIENCE World, its annual event gathering thousands of 3DEXPERIENCE platform and SOLIDWORKS users, to enable the students to showcase their innovations and skills before the world’s largest design and engineering community.
Other finalists receiving awards:
- First runner-up: Team Bou, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Project: Dr. Bou, a child-friendly device that uses cooling and gentle vibration to reduce pain and anxiety during injections.
- Second runner-up: Team BELGER, Gazi University, Turkey. Project: selective cancer treatment based on resonance due to the cavitation of low-energy intensity ultrasound. A targeted cancer treatment that uses ultrasonic resonance to destroy cancer cells based on their unique biomechanical frequency, while simultaneously activating the body’s immune response.
- Best all girls team: Team Shady Business, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore. Project: TalkingTiles, a smart tactile communication kit that gives people with aphasia a voice through 3D-printed tiles and instant audio feedback.
- Encouragement award: Team InnoForge from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, India. Project: Filtron, a smart, eco-friendly bake cooling and dust control system that boosts braking efficiency while reducing harmful particulate pollution for cleaner, safer mobility.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com
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ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES
Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. Since 1981, the company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens. With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 370,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, can collaborate, imagine and create sustainable innovations that drive meaningful impact. For more information, visit: www.3ds.com
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260204535150/en/
Dassault Systèmes Press Contacts
Corporate / France
Arnaud MALHERBE
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Natasha LEVANTI
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Virginie BLINDENBERG
virginie.blindenberg@3ds.com
+33 (0) 1 61 62 84 21
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Grace MU
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Yukiko SATO
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+81 3 4321 3841
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Jeemin JEONG
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+82 2 3271 6653
India
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+91 9886302179
AP South
Hazel FOO
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+65 8333 3484
FAQ**
How does winning the AAKRUTI design competition enhance the profile of Dassault Systemes S.A. DASTF as a leader in supporting educational initiatives in sustainable design and technology?
In what ways does Dassault Systemes S.A. DASTF plan to leverage the success of Team UJ Wom+n in Tech to inspire future participation in similar competitions and foster innovation?
How might the innovative solutions presented in the AAKRUTI competition, including projects by Team UJ and others, impact the strategic direction of Dassault Systemes S.A. DASTF in healthcare technology?
What are the potential benefits for Dassault Systemes S.A. DASTF from the growing international interest in their AAKRUTI competition, especially regarding market expansion and collaboration opportunities in sustainable design?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Dassault Systemes S.A. (OTC: DASTF).
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