DS SolidWorks Corp. Sells Millionth Education License

Dassault Systèmes (DS) SolidWorks Corp. today announced that one million SolidWorks® design software licenses have been purchased by educational institutions. Many millions of students at these institutions have fuelled their studies in science, technology, engineering, and math, and gone on to obtain rewarding careers in the design and engineering community.

The roster of premier institutions using SolidWorks spans all continents and includes: MIT (USA), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (India), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), Tokyo Metropolitan Rokugou Technical High School (Japan), Universidad del Valle de Mexico (Mexico), University of Cambridge (UK), RENATESENTERET(Norway),Tsinghua University (China), University of Manitoba (Canada), University of South Australia (Australia), The University of Applied Sciences Stralsund (Germany), and Lycée Technique Privé Saint Etienne (France).

“We want our students learning and applying science and engineering, not struggling with unnecessarily complex software,” said industrial engineering professor Andrés-Amador García Granada, Ph.D., of the IQS-URL engineering university in Barcelona. “SolidWorks gives students all the capabilities a professional engineer needs – including uniquely integrated Simulation software that we use to teach statics, dynamics, thermal problems, elasticity, and fluid-dynamics – in the most intuitive package available. As a result, students start learning sooner, learn more over time, and graduate better prepared for their careers. At IQS, 70 out of 150 students obtained a Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) certification as a common requirement to start working on a final-year project for industry.”

Many students combine their learning with competition. “SolidWorks helps us continuously refine our ‘Thunderstruck’ robot’s design for the Battlebots IQ competition, blending the best of offense, defense, weight, material strength, and sheer destructiveness,” said Senai Andai, 20, a junior-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). “The integrated SolidWorks Simulation software and intuitive user interface help us apply classroom theory to hands-on design, manufacturing, and ‘field testing.’ This is invaluable preparation for our futures as engineers.”

DS SolidWorks backs up its software with rich educational resources, including:

• Robotics Tutorials that introduce basic concepts of robot design from one’s first part to a complete assembly;
• SolidWorks Teacher Blog for educators at all levels who use SolidWorks software for design and engineering instruction;
• Anytime, anywhere access to SolidWorks, including on student laptops and home computers;
• Competitive opportunities in Formula One-style racing, robotics, solar cars, and much more;
• Instruction in sustainable design, a discipline gaining prominence among designers and or engineers; and
• Certification to demonstrate solid design skill sets to first employers.

“Our software is packed with all the sophisticated capabilities that professional engineers use,” said Marie Planchard, director of world education markets for DS SolidWorks. “We think it’s important that students have easy access to these capabilities so they can bring the advantage of experience to their internships and entry-level positions.”

DS SolidWorks’ contribution to engineering education also includes a long list of sponsorships. One recipient is Assabet Valley (Mass.) Regional Technical High School, featured in the latest episode of the DS SolidWorks Web-based reality show, Let’s Go Design. Students there are gearing up for competition in the National Robotics League using a robot they not only designed and assembled, but for which they machined the parts.

Rapidly evolving student skills like these have yielded sophisticated and sometimes astonishing designs, including this orange juice glass, this butterfly, and other cool products.

About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, is a world leader in 3D solutions that help millions of engineers and designers succeed through innovation. Our products deliver an intuitive experience in product design, simulation, publishing, data management, and environmental impact assessment. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit our Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

SolidWorks is a registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation in the US and other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2011 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.