Many manufacturers are facing workforce development and skills gap issues, and often students are best helped where industry and education meet. In support of industry and education collaboration, Dassault Systèmes named the Illinois Institute of Technology as a 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX) Education Center of Excellence, one of only three universities in the United States to achieve the distinction, along with Long Island University and Purdue University. This partnership provides the structure of formal instruction, focused on the necessities, and needs of current industry partners.
The facilities are operated by Dassault Systèmes industry partners and provide initial and continuing education programs. Dassault Systèmes’ 3DX platform uses modeling and simulation tools, combined with industry-specific expertise and programs to ready the next generation of engineers in advanced digital technologies.
On May 11, Illinois Tech unveiled a plaque to recognize the new 3DX demonstration space. The school said this prestigious honor amplifies its role in equipping students with practical experiences in leading-edge technology.
Kevin Cassel, acting dean of Armour College of Engineering at Illinois Tech said, “Our collaboration with Dassault Systèmes is transforming the way our students learn and apply engineering principles. This recognition as an Education Center of Excellence not only puts us on the global map but also fuels our drive to make our educational programs the gold standard in tech-enabled learning.”
Under the leadership of Director Natacha DePaola, the Illinois Tech Digital Medical Engineering and Technology (IDMET) Research and Education Center has been a Dassault Systèmes partner since 2020. This partnership brings industry-standard digital tools and internship opportunities to Illinois Tech students. “We are thrilled to bring this global recognition to Illinois Tech. It is the result of great teamwork and a strategic partnership,” says DePaola.
IDMET also opened an associated demonstration and training site at Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, also focused on supporting student projects with digital tools. IDMET also launched Advanced Digital Tools (ADT) on Elevate, a program that provides students with exposure to modeling and simulation tools on the 3DX platform. This initiative supports students across various disciplines and levels of experience in developing workforce-ready skills. Future aerospace engineers will be able to simulate airflow over a new wing design, or biomedical engineers will be able to model their prototype for advanced prosthetics.
The ADT on Elevate program is part of Illinois Tech’s broader Elevate initiative, which the school said ensures students receive hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship and a customized plan to enhance their career readiness.
Reflecting on this distinction, Illinois Tech Provost Kenneth T. Christensen stated: “This acknowledgment is not only a testament to our continuous efforts to stay ahead in technological advancements, but it also embodies our dedication to fostering a conducive environment where students can engage with high-end technology, thus preparing them for a future that is increasingly driven by digital innovation.”
