VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France, June 30, 2025 – Dassault Systèmes and Delft University of Technology have partnered to advance digital skills. TU Delft is the 28th member who has joined the 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence program. The collaboration will give students and professionals access to tools and training for aerospace, manufacturing automation, and other technology-driven sectors.
The 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence recognizes TU Delft as the first institution in the Netherlands to offer formal expertise in using and deploying Dassault Systèmes’ cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform for continuous learning. TU Delft is also the first member to adopt the program’s revised charter, which emphasizes on the knowledge of virtual twin technology and the practices shaping generative industries.
“We’re proud to become the first 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence in the Netherlands. It helps us to meet the growing demand for skilled talent to lead the digital transformation and accelerated innovation for a wide range of industries, from aviation to maritime, and the smart and flexible automation of manufacturing,” said Henri Werij, dean faculty of aerospace engineering, TU Delft.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and technology providers is imperative to develop learning methods supporting a balance between workforce and skill. The aerospace sector faces a demand for skilled workers as it addresses the challenges of an aging workforce and skill gap. Since 2021, the 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence program has provided training to graduates to support this need.
As a 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence, TU Delft will create programs that link academic learning with applications at SAM XL, its campus-based field lab for advanced manufacturing. Starting in September 2025, these programs will include university departments, applied sciences institutions, and industry partners. The focus will be on using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to solve industry use cases. Students will get hands-on experience with virtual twin technology, guided by platform-certified instructors. The program will also help professionals taking TU Delft’s courses improve their skills.
“We’re thrilled to welcome TU Delft and its SAM XL field lab into our 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence program. This partnership leverages our ambition to provide 3D UNIV+RSES that combine virtual twins, industry-driven AI, and real-world applications to prepare future engineers for the generative economy. By co-developing programs with industry partners at SAM XL, TU Delft is helping close the skills gap and accelerate digital transformation. Together, we are shaping the next generation of aerospace excellence,” said Elisa Prisner, executive vice-president, industry, marketing and sustainability, Dassault Systèmes.
Source: Dassault Systèmes
About TU Delft
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), established in 1842, is the Netherlands’ oldest public technical university, located in Delft. It offers bachelor’s and master’s programs across faculties including Aerospace Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Computer Science . Serving industries such as aerospace, energy, robotics, and sustainable design, TU Delft is renowned for its research and innovation. The university educates approx. 27,000 students and employs around 6,000 staff members. Its main campus is situated in Delft, with additional facilities in The Hague to enhance engagement with policymakers . TU Delft is a member of international alliances like the IDEA League and 4TU, reflecting its commitment to global collaboration in science and engineering.
About SAM XL
SAM XL (Smart Advanced Manufacturing XL) is a non-profit automation center founded in 2018 and based at the TU Delft campus in Delft, Netherlands. It focuses on developing robotic solutions for large, complex structures in industries like aerospace, wind energy, and high-tech manufacturing. The facility includes a 2,000-square-meter lab equipped with industrial-scale robotics for tasks such as automated composite manufacturing, welding, and inspection. SAM XL works with TU Delft, equipment suppliers, and manufacturing companies to design hardware and software that improve robotic flexibility, precision, and connectivity in low-volume production environments. Its objective is to translate academic research into practical automation solutions for industrial use. SAM XL operates through partnerships, research grants, and joint projects. Its work supports advancing automated manufacturing for lightweight, sustainable industrial uses.
About Dassault Systèmes
Dassault Systèmes SE, established in 1981 and based in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, is a global software company focusing on 3D design, digital mock-ups, and product lifecycle management (PLM). The company creates virtual tools that help improve real-world outcomes for consumers, patients, and communities. Its software portfolio includes CATIA for product design, SOLIDWORKS for 3D mechanical engineering, DELMIA for manufacturing processes, and SIMULIA for advanced simulations. These solutions support industries like aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, industrial equipment, life sciences, and technology. As of 2024, the company has approximately 24000 employees across 194 offices worldwide. Dassault Systèmes reported €5.7 billion in revenue in 2023 and serves over 370,000 enterprise customers in more than 150 countries.