Made in 3D USA 2026: Celebrating Student Innovation for a Sustainable Future
This year’s Made in 3D journey in the United States unfolded as a vibrant showcase of imagination shaped into innovative ideas contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Innovation with Purpose
La Fondation Dassault Systèmes celebrates the conclusion of the 4th edition of Made in 3D in the United States and recognizes the achievements of this year’s student innovators. Initially developed by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes and its partner La main à la pâte in France, the program is rooted in the educational vision of bringing hands-on science and technology, creativity, design thinking, and entrepreneurship into classrooms and after-school environments. Through this global learning initiative, students are encouraged not only to imagine, design, and build, but to question, experiment, and connect innovation with real-world relevance. Centered on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2026 program empowered students to explore real-world challenges and transform their ideas into meaningful, prototype-driven solutions.
Building Future Skills
This year, 167 students from 6 schools across the country, along with two cohorts from the Connecticut Invention Convention participating through the Made in 3D – NextGen Excellence program, embarked on a learning journey supported by 10 teachers and 13 Dassault Systèmes volunteers. Throughout the program, students developed essential future-ready skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and sustainable design using professional 3D design and 3D printing technology. By applying the SDG framework to their projects, they learned how to connect global challenges with practical innovation and responsible decision-making.
2026 Winners
From environmental systems and water-focused innovations to assistive technologies and smart design concepts, the projects showcased the creativity, technical curiosity, and social awareness of participating students. 15 of the 19 projects completed this year were selected to take part in the final pitch competition before a panel of professional judges, demonstrating not only inventive ideas but also the confidence and presentation skills gained throughout the program.
The quality and diversity of the projects highlighted how quickly students can engage with sustainability-driven innovation challenges when provided with the right technology, methodology, and guidance. As Made in 3D continues to grow, it highlights the extraordinary potential of young people to imagine, design, and build solutions that can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Students demonstrated an impressive level of creativity, sustainability thinking, and technical depth. Many projects showed thoughtful consideration for long-term environmental impact, including repairability, remanufacturing, and reverse logistics, alongside strong integration of the SDGs.
2026 High School Winners
Aura Aqua Systems team - Greater Lowell Tech High School, Massachusetts
This team came up with Dream Drop , a simple, affordable reusable water filter that empowers every individual to be their own water treatment plan.
2026 Middle School Winners
Hydro Bot team - San Marcos Middle School, California
This team developed the Hydro Turtle, a hydro-powered product that picks up trash underwater, without disrupting marine animals.
2026 Made in 3D NextGen Excellence Winner – Single inventor
Ensley – Connecticut Invention Convention
This young and talented inventor created W.E.T Gardens, a watering system allowing to grow highly nutritious microgreens using fewer resources.
2026 Special Category Awards
Congratulations to all participating students for their commitment and impressive work. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes in the US warmly thanks all educators, mentors, judges, volunteers, and partners who contributed to the success of the 2026 edition, including Greater Lowell Tech High School, Ancient Paths, Feaster Charter School, Innovate Albion, San Marcos Middle School, La Mirada Academy, and the Connecticut Invention Convention.