3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 Recap

3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 wrapped up in Houston, TX, last week. In case you missed it, here's a recap of some of the key messages and announcements heard during this year’s event.

Day 1

The biggest highlight of the morning was the introduction of a new trio of AI virtual companions: AURA, LEO, and MARIE. 

From left to right: AURA, LEO, MARIE (Click images to enlarge)

Described as AI for Industry, these assistants are designed to function as collaborators rather than black boxes:

• AURA manages the broad context, connecting project requirements to design changes.
• LEO applies engineering reasoning, handling the mechanics, simulation, and manufacturing logic.
• MARIE brings scientific rigor, assessing material chemistry, formulations, and regulatory compliance.

By allowing AI to handle the heavy lifting of data and validation, creators are free to explore deeper and iterate faster without losing control of the process. Watch a demo of these new features below. 

 

But what about security? Morgan Zimmerman, CEO of the 3DEXPERIENCE brand, addressed concerns about cloud security, showcasing Dassault Systèmes' expertise in protecting sensitive data. He also debunked the myth that the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is only for large corporations, showcasing how small startups are using these tools to manage everything from customer relationships to complex engineering proposals.

The day concluded with an inspiring keynote from technologist and futurist Pablos Holman. His message was a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with modern technology.

Model Mania

GoEngineer was honored to sponsor Model Mania Xtreme, a speed modeling competition held during breakout sessions. Congrats to all the winners!

GoEngineer Customer Appreciation Party

The evening wrapped at the GoEngineer customer appreciation party. Thank you to all who joined us for an evening of fun, food, and drinks. We can't wait to see you again next year!

Day 2

On day two, NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang joined Pascal Daloz, CEO of Dassault Systèmes, on stage. Together, they are building what they describe as the world’s most powerful  industrial AI platform. This collaboration combines Virtual Twins with NVIDIA’s accelerated computing to create "science-validated world models." Unlike standard AI, these models are grounded in physics, engineering data, and intellectual property, ensuring that the AI’s suggestions are physically possible and manufacturing-ready.

NVIDIA Embraces Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Jensen Huang also highlighted a transformative shift in industrial design, emphasizing that the "AI Factory" is now the most complex product NVIDIA builds. To realize these massive-scale data centers, NVIDIA has fully adopted Dassault Systèmes’ Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) solutions. Modern AI factories, comprising millions of interconnected components, must be designed, simulated, and operated in a virtual environment before a single brick is laid. This approach ensures that the entire facility functions as one giant "AI computer" 

This methodology allows for a 100x to 1,000x increase in productivity, enabling engineers to iterate on thousands of factory configurations in software, a feat impossible with traditional physical prototyping. Once built, the virtual twin remains "alive," using real-time data to keep the physical AI factory running at peak efficiency through its entire lifecycle.

 

Day 2's General Session explained the practical application of AI through Virtual Companions. As we learned on Day 1, AURA, LEO, and MARIE are three new AI companions integrated into the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Today, we saw how these features work in the SOLIDWORKS and DELMIAWorks ecosystems:

• Private Ideation with AURA: AURA now operates directly within SOLIDWORKS, allowing users to explore design concepts securely. Unlike public AI tools, your intellectual property remains private and protected.
• Generative Assembly with LEO: LEO can now assist in converting 2D images into 3D meshes and generating assembly structures from scratch, ensuring designers never have to face a "blank screen" again.
• Natural Language Interaction: One of the most intuitive updates is the ability to "chat" with your data. Instead of digging through menus, users can simply ask, "Which parts are made of aluminum?" or "What is blocking this project release?" to receive instant, actionable answers.
• Manufacturing (DELMIAWorks): LEO is being integrated into ERP and MES systems, allowing shop floor managers to query order statuses or cost breakdowns via simple text prompts.
• Scientific Rigor: AI is now simplifying complex simulations, such as drop tests and thermal performance, making high-level validation accessible to every user.
• Regulatory Compliance: In a major win for the medical and aerospace sectors, Marie and LEO can now read complex government regulations and automatically convert them into specific design requirements.

SOLIDWORKS for Startups

Suchit Jain, VP of Strategy and Business Development, introduced three founders who use AI as a true force multiplier. All three companies are graduates of the SOLIDWORKS for Startups program, and their stories highlight how technology can bridge the gap between a childhood dream and a global reality.

Day 3

Day 3 focused on the rise of localized innovation hubs, centers that bridge the gap between education and industry. We heard from leaders who are ensuring that small-to-medium-sized businesses aren't left behind in the shift to Industry 4.0. The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) detailed how they provide training and grants to keep local manufacturers competitive in the global supply chain. Representatives from CITAP and SENAI CIMATEC showcased how integrated R&D centers are using SOLIDWORKS to develop everything from deep-sea autonomous vehicles to cutting-edge AI, proving that innovation has no borders.

Future Generations

Dassault Systèmes is doubling down on its commitment to students with several high-impact initiatives. SOLIDWORKS FutureForce is a program that now allows large corporations to nominate educational institutions, providing them with free software, training, and certifications to create a direct talent pipeline into the workforce. The SOLIDWORKS certification program has officially reached one million certified users worldwide, cementing it as the global gold standard for engineering credentials. In perhaps the biggest news for education, a free SOLIDWORKS Student Edition will be available starting July 1, removing financial barriers for any student looking to start their design journey.

Final Keynote

Jay Vogler, better known to millions as Engineezy, shared how he uses SOLIDWORKS to bring complex marble machines and robotic systems to life. Check out some of his creative designs below:

 

That's a wrap for 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026! We look forward to seeing everyone again next year in Nashville, Tennessee, February 14–17, 2027.

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