What is Project of the Year (POTY)?
Project of the Year was launched in 2012 by Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Edu team as a global competition designed for students to have fun and showcase their unique designs with the help of a 1-year free license of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, 3DEXCITE and SIMULIA. Each year, POTY has a new theme, with 2024’s being sustainability. Students were challenged to envision a sustainable solution designed to improve our lives.
Participating in the Project of the Year challenge is attractive to students for a number of reasons. Not only is it FUN and a great way to push students creatively, but it also gives them an opportunity to practice with 3D modeling and simulation tools—skills that are increasingly becoming important in a competitive job market.
Who participated in this year’s Project of the Year?
This year’s Project of the Year brought in some amazing talent from all over the world. Here is a breakdown of the 2024 numbers:
Meet this year’s 2024 Project of the Year winners!
Winners for Project of the Year were awarded based on gaining the most points in each category, outlined here. There were 3 prizes for the Sustainability Award, 3 prizes for the 3DEXPERIENCE Award, 1 prize for the CATIA Award, SOLIDWORKS Award, SIMULIA Award, 3DEXCITE Award, and lastly, 1 prize for the Dassault Systèmes popular vote Award.
TEAM VERTEX
Project “Myoelectric Robotic Prosthetic Hand” – 3DEXPERIENCE Award
Team Vertex developed a 3D-printed, EMG sensor-based robotic prosthetic hand that allows users to intuitively control movements through muscle signals. By integrating servo motors, EMG sensors, and an Arduino board, the hand mimics natural hand movements, offering enhanced dexterity, functionality, and independence for individuals with limb loss.
TEAM MOZAIK
Project Underwater Vehicle – 3DEXPERIENCE Award
“Our team, Mozaik, focuses on developing solutions for various underwater and marine challenges. One of our upcoming initiatives consists of a completely autonomous ecosystem that can be used for three-dimensional mapping and recreation of historical artifacts and sites underwater.” – Team Mozaik
TEAM BUILDER
Project “Dual-Side-Shaper Machine” – 3DEXPERIENCE Award
The Dual-Side Shaper Machine utilizes the Scotch Yoke Mechanism to shape materials on both sides simultaneously, offering increased precision and productivity. This design reduces machining time by nearly 40%, making it a cost-effective solution for faster, high-quality manufacturing processes.
TEAM MAMHR
Project “Multipurpose Automatic Material Handling Robot” – CATIA Prize
“With this project, we sought to address several key challenges in the realm of material handling within warehouses. The initial idea was to improve the efficiency of picking and placing items in scenarios where it is impractical for human workers to navigate or manage substantial loads.” – Team Mamhr
TEAM WATATSUMI
Project “The Underwater Robot for Education and Environment” – SOLIDWORKS Prize
“We proposed a next-generation education program using an underwater robot that can collect plastic trash discarded in the ocean, with an eye toward environmental issues such as global warming.” – Team Watatsumi
TEAM ORIGINATOR
Project “Agricultural Quadcopter” – SIMULIA Prize
Team Originator developed an innovative agricultural drone designed to enhance modern farming. With robust structural analysis, optimized aerodynamics, and precise spraying capabilities, the drone enables autonomous navigation and real-time data collection. It supports sustainable farming by reducing chemical use and improving resource efficiency.
TEAM VARDIA
Project “DP Medical Room Animation” – 3DEXCITE Prize
“This project involved managing the complexity of smooth camera movements, character animations, and intricate equipment operation simulations. Additionally, ensuring accurate representation of medical equipment and procedures was essential, involving consultation with medical professionals and extensive research.” – Team Vardia
TEAM EAGLE
Project “Formula One Car” – Popular Vote Award
“This design pushes the boundaries of aerodynamics and aesthetics, combining sleek engineering with an innovative approach to speed optimization. The attention to detail and precision is truly exceptional!” – the Jury
TEAM ELITE INNOVATORS
Project “Ocean Plastic Extractor” – Sustainability Award
“With this project, our primary challenge was to address sustainability issues within our industry. We aimed to create solutions that minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and effectiveness in our operations.” – Team Elite Innovators
Other Project of the Year Winners:
Project “Biomimetisme” – Sustainability Award
“Our solution is a bio-inspired heat exchanger that optimizes heat transfers to recover waste heat more efficiently, in order to store and reuse this often wasted energy. This project was an opportunity not only to deepen our understanding of energy issues, but also to professionalize ourselves by working with rigor.”
Project “Eco Candle Charge” – Sustainability Award
The EcoCandleCharge addresses the growing need for sustainable energy solutions by using eco-friendly materials and incorporating waste reduction in its candle production. This innovative device not only provides renewable power for camping, emergencies, and off-grid living but also promotes awareness about sustainable practices, showing that even everyday products can be functional and environmentally responsible.
Final thoughts
Participating in events like Project of the Year is an opportunity for students to not only improve their technical skills, but also promote critical thinking and teamwork. It challenges students to solve complex problems and find innovative solutions to real-world problems. More importantly, it allows them to present their ideas on a global stage, offering them the chance to leave their mark on the industry – already positioning them as a strong candidate when they enter the workforce.
We asked this year’s winners to share a few words of encouragement for anyone who is thinking about doing student competitions organized by Dassault Systèmes and were thrilled with what they had to say. Here are some of the highlights:
“It’s an opportunity to bring your ideas to life, tackle real-world challenges, and make a tangible impact.” – Mohamed Naciri, Sustainability Award
“I encourage future students to seize the chance to contribute to meaningful projects, gain valuable experience, and inspire others with their ideas. It’s a fantastic way to make a tangible impact and pave the way for a rewarding career in your chosen field.” – Elite Innovators, Sustainability Award
We are so proud of the 2024 Project of the Year winners! To learn more about this year’s winners and their projects check us out on Youtube and find out how you can participate in next year’s Project of the Year.