Diversity. Sustainability. Aakruti 2022!

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Aligned with DASSAULT SYSTEMES goals of diversity and sustainability, Aakruti 2022, India’s nationwide product design contest, presented the best in innovation and technology.  Students developed innovative solutions to solve both technological and social problems – aligned to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals.

Students were given the latest technology by DASSAULT SYSTEMES, our 3DEXPERIENCE platform, allowing participants to create projects though cloud collaboration with product design, project  management  and community tools.  Teams built on their knowledge of engineering principles with   browser-based SOLIDWORKS Cloud Apps, xDesign, xShape,  and 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS tools.

This year, the focus turned to inclusion and diversity.  We initially set out to have a goal of one woman on each team.  With a dedicated group of DASSAULT SYSTEMES volunteers and educators, we achieved 143 all-girl teams.

The competition included over 5000 contestants, 300 colleges, and 23 states.

The Aakruti 2022 finals also featured a product showcase of student engineering talent in India.

We were fortunate to spend some time with the Baja all-women Zenith Team from MKSSS Cummins College of Engineering and review their new designs.

2011 SOLIDWORKS Design Contest in India

12 years ago, my colleague and country manager, PM Ravikumar, took me to Chennai, India to judge the design contest.  Memories of that amazing experience are still with me today.  In Chennai, the company, BWIT surprised the winning students with internships as a prize. Then only a few states participated.  Now, Aakruti is changing a country.

With the help of Deepak NG, Managing Director India, Huzefa Salim, Milind Desai,  Ashish Kulkarni,  Anarug Shukla, Aniket Bhange and 100’s of DASSAULT SYSTEMES members students receive mentorship, support and the ability to take our SOLIDWORKS certification exams.  Many past participants have obtained internships and jobs with DASSAULT SYSTEMES and with our customers.

Teams throughout India, participating in Aakruti 2022, have risen to the challenges.  We are truly grateful to all students that develop the skills to solve these problems for our future.

Design well.  Marie

 

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach for the 3DEXPERIENCE Works products across all levels of learning including educational institutions, Fab Labs, and entrepreneurship.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1