TU Delft Partners with Dassault to Advance Aerospace Education
Delft, Thursday, 26 June 2025.
On June 26, 2025, Delft University of Technology became the 28th member of Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence. This collaboration aims to equip students and professionals in the Netherlands with crucial digital skills in aerospace and smart manufacturing, bridging the skills gap in these industries. Starting September 2025, TU Delft will develop programs using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for practical applications in education and industry.
Significance of the Partnership for Aerospace Education
The entry of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) into Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence as the 28th member marks a pivotal advancement for aerospace education in the Netherlands. This collaboration bridges significant gaps in digital skill acquisition necessary for modern aerospace and manufacturing industries. By September 2025, educational and professional programs will begin to incorporate Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform, aiming to align academic training with practical industrial applications [1].
Addressing the Skills Gap in Aerospace and Manufacturing
A significant challenge within the aerospace industry is the shortage of skilled professionals, especially as the existing workforce approaches retirement. TU Delft’s new status as an Edu Center of Excellence will facilitate the development of hands-on curricula, focusing on virtual twins and smart manufacturing technologies. Such initiatives will help cultivate a generation equipped to drive innovation in both the aerospace and maritime sectors, employing sustainable and efficient automation technologies [2][3].
Integrating Technological Innovation into Academia
This partnership is not just transformative for the university’s curriculum but also for the industry. Under the auspices of the revised charter of Dassault’s program, TU Delft will host collaborative efforts at its Smart Advanced Manufacturing XL (SAM XL) field lab, starting in September. These efforts will integrate university departments, applied sciences institutions, and key industry partners to address relevant aerospace challenges, benefiting from the practical application of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform [4][5].
Future Prospects and Industry Collaboration
As TU Delft begins its new initiatives this autumn, students and professionals alike will benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes practical experience in cutting-edge digital environments. This collaborative effort with Dassault reflects a broader trend of integrating industrial practices within academic settings to better prepare students for future roles. By nurturing engineering talent capable of leading digital transformations, this partnership serves as a model for future academic-industrial collaborations in aerospace [1][4].