Dassault Systèmes launches 5th open innovation lab globally in Shanghai

French industrial software giant Dassault Systèmes on Tuesday officially launched its first Chinese 3DEXPERIENCE Lab open innovation laboratory in Shanghai.

It is the company's fifth such lab globally, established in its latest move to deepen its presence in China. The Shanghai lab will focus on areas such as advanced manufacturing, new materials, green infrastructure and the life sciences.

3DEXPERIENCE Labs are open innovation labs and startup accelerators, the first of which was launched in 2015. These labs are dedicated to creating an open innovation framework that integrates entrepreneurship, technology, education and industrial collaboration.

According to Pascal Daloz, CEO of Dassault Systèmes, the new lab in Shanghai's Pudong New Area aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of local innovations through AI-driven virtual twin technology on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and to build a collaborative innovation ecosystem.

Daloz noted that China's rapid rise in innovation, growing high-end talent pool, and global leadership in sectors such as new energy and the life sciences drove the decision to establish a lab in the country.

With over 60,000 Dassault Systèmes customers in China after two decades of local operations, Daloz expressed confidence that the facility will empower Chinese startups, foster innovation clusters, and help bring Chinese innovations to the global stage while enhancing Dassault Systèmes' own competitiveness.

Daloz also revealed plans to launch a venture fund in China by the end of the year to support local innovators.

A leader in industrial AI, Dassault Systèmes said it maintains unwavering confidence in the Chinese market.

"We will continue to increase our local investment, expand the boundaries of open and collaborative innovation, and help China's industry advance toward high-end, intelligent and green development, shaping the future of industry together with China's innovation forces," said Zhang Ying, managing director of greater China at Dassault Systèmes.