Agenda Overview

Michelle ASH - SIMULIA CEO & Olivier SAPPIN - CATIA CEO - Dassault Systèmes

Join us as Michelle Ash, CEO of SIMULIA and Olivier Sappin, CEO of CATIA, kick off this year’s virtual event. Building on the success of past editions, the 2026 MODSIM Summit continues to showcase how unifying design, modeling, and simulation on a single platform is transforming industries today, and preparing them for an AI-enhanced future.

Let’s explore the possibilities together!

Michael BROWN

Technical Specialist - CAE Automation Vehicle Platform Digital Engineering Efficiency and Automation - Jaguar Land Rover

Michael Brown of Jaguar Land Rover shares how integrating automated CAD and simulation has transformed engineering design — democratizing advanced analysis, accelerating decision-making, and delivering measurable business impact across multiple vehicle platforms at Jaguar Land Rover. From overcoming early technical and cultural barriers to scaling simulation across disciplines, Michael highlights how modern integrated platforms like 3DEXPERIENCE are reshaping product development. Looking ahead, he explores how AI will further empower engineers, emphasizing the critical role of high-quality data, adoption strategy, and human readiness in realizing the next wave of innovation.

CHENG Ming, Director of Simulation Technology - Central South Architectural Design Institute Co., Ltd (CSADI)

This interview provides a comprehensive diagnosis of the core pain points in traditional AEC design and simulation workflows. It articulates the strategic advantage of MODSIM technology: a unified, data-driven, full-lifecycle collaboration platform. Validated by real-world landmark projects, the discussion maps out a clear path for digital transformation, highlighting the convergence of AI, Cloud-Native Architecture, and Sustainability as the future of the industry.

Denis SCHMITZ, EcoDesigner for Mobility

The speed of automotive and general product development has increased over the last years and shows no sign of slowing down. Nevertheless, a wider solution space at the beginning of a project is key to giving room for innovative layouts with regards to technical, ecological and economical performance. This is true for car body structures, traction battery enclosures and bike frames, as well as any structural goods.

For combining aspects of time-sensitivity and multitasking, simultaneous engineering early in the design process is increasingly important to be able to take essential decisions – and MODSIM enables this type of phase-adequate development.

Pranit SONIGRA, Technical Project Lead - HORYZN

Diana GRAJALES, Aerostructures Team Lead - HORYZN

Lucas LINDNER, Head of Business and Authorization - HORYZN

HORYZN is a student initiative at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) with over 5 years of experience in developing lifesaving eVTOLs. They first gained recognition in 2019 by participating in the German Neues-Fliegen competition, showcasing their first fixed-wing eVTOL, SILENCIO GAMMA. More recently, HORYZN focused on Mission Pulse, aiming to develop a drone to deliver defibrillators faster than ambulances in rural areas, culminating in the rollout of its latest prototype, KOLIBRI, in July 2024.

The MODSIM approach played a crucial role throughout the complex development and manufacturing process of the eVTOL drone. Thanks to this methodology, the students were able to optimize their design process, increase efficiency, and anticipate potential challenges. In the interview, the students explain the benefits they gained from the MODSIM approach and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Morgan ZIMMERMANN, CEO 3DEXPERIENCE - Dassault Systèmes

Drawing on his extensive track record leading through technological change, Morgan demonstrates how the 3DEXPERIENCE platform empowers organizations to harness hidden expertise and align teams through a shared virtual understanding. Decades of experience in the industry have shaped his conviction that fostering collaboration and safeguarding intellectual property are essential in today’s climate. By making internal knowledge accessible and actionable, companies benefit from stronger decision making and can optimize the vital flows of their value chains, building resilience and lasting competitive strength.