Dassault Systèmes has launched the 16th edition of the AAKRUTI International Student Design and Innovation Competition. For the 2026–27 season, the competition focuses on four thematic areas: robotics, local community issues, healthcare innovation, and mobility. Participants are required to use the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and SOLIDWORKS software to propose solutions with measurable outcomes. The prize pool is $20,000, with winners receiving a SOLIDWORKS license, and all participants eligible to earn industry certifications such as CSWA/CSWP. The company invests nearly $1 million annually in this program. The competition has attracted over 75,000 students from more than 1,000 institutions across 37 countries, with about 500 former participants now working at leading global companies. The global finals will be held at the 3DEXPERIENCE World conference in Nashville in 2027. This competition is a key talent strategy for Dassault Systèmes to bridge the gap between academic education and industry skills.