KU-3DS MakerSpace Lab

Korea University (KU) in Seoul, established KU-3DS, an advanced makerspace that aims to build a manufacturing technology/product innovation metaverse platform. Through a partnership with Dassault Systèmes and VPK, KU-3DS shows students how to use industry-standard design and simulation software, including CATIA and SIMULIA on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Dassault Systèmes partner VPK provides consulting, education and technical assistance.

Students from KU arrive full of creativity and ambition! They want to develop exciting new products, groundbreaking apps, and pioneering designs, but they need the right resources and tools to bring their ideas to life. Translating concepts into tangible prototypes and products requires advanced tools, technical support, and expert guidance. Many students are also eager to learn how to use the latest technologies, such as 3D Modeling, Simulation and Virtual Reality (VR), to stay ahead in an increasingly digital world and gain the skills they’ll need in their future careers.

Creating something new, whether it’s a product, app, or VR experience, is down to more than simply a great idea. Challenges like feasibility concerns, unfamiliarity with industry-standard software, and a lack of professional feedback can slow progress. That’s where the KU-3DS MakerSpace comes in.

Located in the KU Pioneer Village, KU-3DS provides an environment where students and aspiring entrepreneurs don’t just learn about technology; they actively use it and acquire new skills and knowledge. Hands-on training gives them experience with industry-standard 3D design and simulation tools like CATIA and SIMULIA, covering CAD Design, CAE structural analysis, and VR experiences & skills. Critically, students receive direct mentorship and support from industry professionals, including experts at technology partner VPK, gaining practical knowledge that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

KU-3DS gives aspiring, early-stage and student entrepreneurs, and makers the space to experiment and refine their ideas before taking the leap into physical prototyping. With access to advanced simulation and VR tools, they can test how their designs function, make adjustments, and troubleshoot any issues, all without the high costs or risks of real-world production. This approach allows them to fine-tune their ideas early on, making the entire development process smoother and more efficient.

For many young entrepreneurs, having this kind of technology at their fingertips is a game changer. Being able to work through multiple iterations through virtual twin experiences gives them the confidence to move forward with stronger, better developed designs.

“I wanted to test whether the product I had in mind could actually be used, but I needed the right tools to make it happen,” said Kim Ji-Wook, a student in KU’s department of Business Administration. 

Through practical training, students from KU-3DS Makerspace develop the technical and soft skills, covering AI, automation, 3D modeling, simulation, prototyping and conceptual design, they’ll need in a fast-evolving job market. The lab’s immersive learning environment enhances their technical abilities and fosters the problem-solving mindset needed to navigate complex development processes.

“I am learning 3D solutions like CATIA because it will help me get a job later,” said Seong Ju-Yeon, an engineering student.

Ultimately, KU-3DS serves as a launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

Here, the future isn’t just imagined; it’s designed, tested, and brought to life!