������̳

CHICAGO—June 13,  2023—Illinois Institute of Technology (������̳) has been named as a Dassault Systèmes , a prominent distinction achieved by only three universities in the United States.

On May 11, ������̳ recognized this esteemed recognition with the unveiling of a plaque in the newly-launched 3DEXPERIENCE demonstration space. This prestigious honor places ������̳ at the forefront of educational institutions leveraging the most advanced digital technology tools and amplifies ������̳'s role in equipping students with practical experiences in leading-edge technology.

Raj Echambadi, President of ������̳, extolled the benefits of this recognition: “This designation as one of the first 3DX education centers of excellence in the world provides our students with critical exposure to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, ensuring hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools, thereby making them job-ready in some of the world's most in-demand and technologically advanced industries.”

Under the leadership of Director Natacha DePaola, the ������̳ 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 invaluable internship opportunities to ������̳ students. “We are thrilled to bring this global recognition to ������̳. It is the result of great teamwork and a strategic partnership,” says DePaola.

Reflecting on this achievement, ������̳ 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.”

Kevin Cassel, Acting Dean of Armour College of Engineering at ������̳ added, “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.”

To commemorate this achievement, IDMET hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open an associated demonstration and training site at the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship. The site will support student projects through the utilization of digital tools.

Simultaneously, IDMET launched , an innovative program aimed at providing students with exposure to modeling and simulation tools available on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This initiative allows students across various disciplines and levels of experience to develop workforce-ready skills through guided and self-learning lessons. Future aerospace engineers will be able to simulate airflow over a new wing design, biomedical engineers will be able to model their prototype for advanced prosthetics, and this technology even allows future urban planners to create a digital twin to reshape the way we all live, work, and explore.

The ADT on Elevate program is part of ������̳’s broader Elevate initiative, ensuring students receive hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and a customized plan to enhance their career readiness.

“Experiential learning pedagogy has been embedded at ������̳ for many years,” says Mallik Sundharam, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs at ������̳. “We are proud of the forward-looking infrastructure we are building in partnership with Dassault Systèmes as part of our , and we are excited about expanding this collaboration.”

“The recognition as an Education Center of Excellence provides not only access to a global education network, but it also allows ������̳ to increase awareness about its initiatives through the Dassault Systèmes channels, including the rich ecosystem of partners and customers that we have,” says , director of education North America at Dassault Systèmes.

Photo: Ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling ������̳’s new 3DEXPERIENCE demonstration space on campus

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, ������̳ was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and progress for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, , business, , science and human sciences, and . ������̳ students are guaranteed hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the living lab of the city, ������̳ fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.

Dassault Systèmes

Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE® Company, is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all – consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 300,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit

Media contacts

Petra Kelly
Communications Director
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773-771-1064
pkelly6@iit.edu 

Kevin Dollear
Communications Manager
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773-860-5712
kdollear@iit.ed