Engineering Excellence: SKNK MechaniCAD’s Inspiring Journey in the Shell Eco-marathon with SOLIDWORKS

By

Today’s story is written by my colleague, Valerie Lécolle, SOLIDWORKS EDU Expert.

In 2018, a group of ambitious students came together to form SKNK MechaniCAD, united by a shared dream: to design and build a vehicle capable of competing in the prestigious Shell Eco-marathon. What began as a bold idea quickly evolved into a multi-year journey of innovation, resilience, and success—powered by passion and the cutting-edge capabilities of SOLIDWORKS.

The Early Days: Building a Vision

From the outset, SKNK MechaniCAD relied on SOLIDWORKS as the backbone of their engineering process. The team dove headfirst into the design and development phase, creating a detailed assembly of over 600 custom-designed components. Each part was meticulously modeled in SOLIDWORKS, while the platform’s PLM tools enabled seamless collaboration and management of the project’s growing complexity.

 

Overcoming Challenges: The Pandemic and Beyond

The road to success was far from smooth. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, including restricted university access and the departure of several founding members. For a time, the future of the project seemed uncertain. Yet, the team’s unwavering commitment kept the dream alive.

By 2023, their perseverance paid off. SKNK MechaniCAD made their debut at the Shell Eco-marathon in Nogaro, France, becoming one of the few first-time teams to pass the rigorous technical inspection. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter for the team.

 

Rising Through the Ranks

In 2024, SKNK MechaniCAD returned to the competition with renewed determination. Their efforts culminated in a remarkable result of 240 km/m³, earning them 6th place in the Prototype Hydrogen category. But they didn’t stop there.

The 2025 Shell Eco-marathon, held in Kamień Śląski, Poland, marked the team’s most successful year yet. Competing against Europe’s best, SKNK MechaniCAD achieved 7th place in their category with an impressive 327 km/m³—an extraordinary 36% efficiency improvement over the previous year. Their innovative rear suspension system also earned them 2nd place in the Off-Track Awards for Technical Innovation.

 

The Role of SOLIDWORKS in Driving Innovation

” Throughout our journey, SOLIDWORKS has been a vital enabler of our success. From part modeling to complex assemblies, structural simulations, and design validation, SOLIDWORKS allowed us to innovate faster, collaborate better, and push the limits of what a student team can achieve We are proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for the tools that supported us every step of the way.” said Jagoda Dul, Marketing leader and voice of the team.

 

Looking Ahead

SKNK MechaniCAD’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the right tools. As they continue to innovate and compete, their journey serves as an inspiration to student teams and aspiring engineers worldwide.

With SOLIDWORKS by their side, the future looks brighter than ever for SKNK.

Thank you Valerie for sharing SKNK MechaniCAD’s story.  Thank you to our SOLIDWORKS Reseller, VISIATIV Poland for supporting SKNK.

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 across all levels of learning including educational institutions, Fab Labs, and entrepreneurship.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1