Pune, India — December 20, 2022 — La Fondation Dassault Systèmes reinforces its contribution to empowering students to be ready for the future with its “Made In 3D: Seed the Future Entrepreneurs” program, now benefitting 600 students across 100 schools in 31 states and Union Territories across India. The objective of the program is to create a culture of innovation and introduce school-going children to the world of start-ups and entrepreneurship, providing students with appropriate exposure through activities-based learning, exploration, and challenges thereby preparing them for the future. For this ambitious program, supported by many volunteers, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has won the national ‘2022 CSR Impact Award’ in the Skill Development category for the second consecutive year.
Through this program, school students from 8th to 10th grades (age group 12 to 16 years) are introduced to the exciting world of “makers” and “startups.” The students conceptualize, design, and manufacture their dream product, as well as create a marketing campaign, and launch it at the conclusion of the program. They create physical products using cutting-edge collaboration tools, specialized 3D design software, and 3D printing technology.
For previous season 2021-2022, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes selected 50 schools, with each of them forming pseudo-start-ups comprising 6 students and 2 teachers. This season saw 50 innovative products designed and developed by school students who stretched their thought limits. A Mosquito Drone – Dr. Mosque for remote blood testing, a 3D printed sheet– Green Shield for houses to retard solar rays to maintain indoor temperature, a Cattle cleaner and massager by the name Pashupal to reduce farmers’ efforts in cattle maintenance, an insect catching device – MISTI: Modern Indoor Solution for Trapping Insects and many other products that show each problem has a solution, we just need to think outside the box.
“The ultimate aim of any program is to see the positive change happening with the efforts students make, and we have the pleasure to witness such change happening,” said Hemant Gadgil, Executive Director, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, India. “Many of these students are aspiring to submit patents for their innovative products, and wish to launch an actual start-up to make their products available to a large audience. Additionally, this program witnessed many girl students stepping out of their comfort zone, which helped boost their confidence to become future leaders,” he added.
The program was initially conceptualized by La main à la pâte Fondation in France and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes in Europe. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes in India adopted this program in 2020 and it has now been executing it in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI Aayog – Government of India since the year 2021-22.
