Dassault Systèmes has launched the 16th edition of the AAKRUTI International Student Design and Innovation Competition for the 2026-2027 season, featuring four thematic areas: robotics, local community issues, healthcare innovation, and mobility. Participants are required to propose measurable solutions using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and SOLIDWORKS software. The prize pool is $20,000, with winners receiving SOLIDWORKS licenses and all participants eligible to earn industry certifications such as CSWA or CSWP. The company invests nearly $1 million annually in this program, which has engaged over 75,000 students from more than 1,000 institutions across 37 countries, with approximately 500 alumni 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.