I sat down with Carl Lightfoot, Co-Founder of AI Assistant, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about what it really takes to build value with generative AI—especially in the complex world of automotive. We unpacked the gap between hype and reality, explored Carl’s journey from corporate life to start-up founder, and dug into the hard-won lessons from AI Assistant’s four-year evolution. Carl shared how they navigated technical challenges, reshaped their product based on real user feedback, and ultimately found product-market fit. We also touched on what true customer-centric development looks like, why profitability matters more than ever in GenAI, and what the future might hold for legacy tech players. It was a grounded, insightful chat full of practical takeaways for anyone building—or thinking of building—in AI.

I sat down with Helmuth Ritzer, Co-Founder and Managing Director of 800 Volt Technologies, for a deep dive into the forces shaping today’s automotive landscape. We explored the digitisation challenges OEMs are currently grappling with, drawing on Helmuth’s rich background at Daimler and his leadership roles across HERE Technologies, car2go, and moovel. Our conversation spanned the enablement of OEMs through digital innovation, the electrification of powertrains, and the rise of the software-defined vehicle (SDV). We discussed the shifting value proposition in the industry, the evolving engineering-manufacturing dynamic inspired by smartphone business models, and the pressure from global competition—particularly from China. Helmuth shared real-world AI use cases across infotainment, safety, location services, and autonomous driving, and offered insight into smart charging, V2X integration, and enabling charging everywhere. We closed with a forward-looking view on collaborative innovation models and the operating framework required to scale autonomous mobility.

I sat down with Fernando Lopez to explore how CampX by Volvo Group is driving the future of transport through startup-corporate collaborations. Fernando shared how CampX serves as Volvo’s innovation engine, enabling advancements in mobility and sustainability by connecting agile startups with the resources of a global industry leader. We delved into what makes these partnerships work—from tech readiness and strategic alignment to the non-financial support CampX provides, such as mentorship and validation environments. Fernando offered insights into how AI is accelerating innovation across Volvo, and how the company balances the risks and rewards of adopting emerging technologies. We also discussed how CampX filters the right innovations, the importance of solving real-world problems, and why ecosystem thinking is essential for the future of mobility. Wrapping up, Fernando shared his outlook on trends shaping logistics and sustainability, and his vision for the next generation of innovation hubs.

I sat down with Claire Weiller, Senior Director of Product & Programme Management at Fermata Energy, to explore the fast-evolving world of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. Claire shared her insight into what V2X actually is—spanning applications like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Building (V2B)—and why it's becoming critical in the transition to a more flexible, decentralised energy system. We discussed the state of the V2X market globally and in the UK, spotlighting the key players driving real-world deployments, as well as the technical, regulatory, and commercial hurdles still holding it back. Claire also delved into how AI and predictive analytics can unlock smarter decision-making for both consumers and the grid, and laid out her vision for a future where cars act as energy citizens. It was a fascinating deep-dive into the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of mobility, energy, and data.

I was joined by Daniel Tibble, Data Product Director at Renault Mobilize, to reflect on his journey through the pandemic at Wejo and his transition into Mobilize. We explored how Mobilize fits within the broader Renault Group, delving into its organisational structure and strategic priorities. Daniel shared insights into the distinction between data and digital products, and how that impacts development and value creation. We also discussed Mobilize’s data strategy, including its product lifecycle, key assets like movement and charging data, and real-world use cases. The conversation touched on governance and navigating complex regulatory frameworks such as GDPR and the EU AI Act, before turning to the evolving role of Generative AI and large language models in and around the vehicle.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Marius Reuther, CEO of b-plus automotive GmbH, about the transformative role of AI and data in shaping the future of autonomous driving. We explored the intricacies of the data value chain and its importance in enabling smarter, more efficient decision-making in automotive systems. Marius shared valuable insights into the challenges of supervised learning and data labelling, and how b-plus is addressing these with scalable AI platforms. We also delved into the complexities of Operational Design Domains (ODDs), regulatory compliance, and how AI—particularly generative AI—is opening up new possibilities for innovation in mobility. It was a fascinating discussion packed with practical insights and a forward-looking vision for the industry.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Florian Baumann, a leading voice in the automotive software space, currently serving as Technical Advisor at STMicroelectronics and formerly Senior Director of Software, Platform Architecture at Aptiv. Our conversation explored how GenAI, Edge AI, and containerisation are reshaping vehicle architectures. Florian shared his journey from Aptiv to his current role, offering insights into the shift from centralised to decentralised automotive software systems and the rise of open-source platforms. We delved into the practical applications of GenAI in vehicle design, the role of WebAssembly in modernising legacy code, and how Edge AI enhances personalisation and real-time data processing within vehicles. Florian also highlighted the importance of collaboration between OEMs and suppliers to navigate the industry's technological transformation. His vision for the next decade painted an exciting picture of software-defined vehicles, underpinned by standardisation and innovation.

I sat down with Raul Kraus, Senior Manager at EY, to explore the evolving role of Generative AI in the automotive industry. We discussed how OEMs are adopting GenAI, the challenges they face, and notable success stories. Raul shared insights into the regulatory differences between Europe and the US, explaining why the latter sees faster application despite fewer restrictions. We also examined the critical role of data architecture and enterprise IT transformation in enabling AI-driven innovation. Finally, Raul offered predictions for the next decade and key recommendations for automotive companies looking to stay ahead in the AI revolution.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Thomas Kropf, former President of Corporate Sector Research and Advance Engineering at Bosch, about the transformative role of AI in the corporate world and beyond. We explored how Bosch has been leveraging Generative AI across various business areas, delving into real-world applications, challenges, and lessons learned. Thomas shared his insights on how AI is reshaping industry collaborations, particularly among OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and hyperscalers, and discussed strategies for driving AI adoption in large organisations. We wrapped up with a forward-looking discussion on the future of AI, Thomas’ advice for startups and corporates, and key takeaways for leaders navigating technological change.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Louis Nastro, a seasoned expert in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, business strategy, and high-tech product development. We explored the critical role of localisation and perception in AV systems, diving into the technical challenges and how data-driven approaches enhance decision-making. Louis shared real-world applications of AV technology, from navigating complex environments like airports to leveraging digital twin solutions for operational efficiency. We also discussed the transformative impact of Generative AI in AV scenario development, highlighting its potential to accelerate innovation and commercial viability. Throughout our conversation, Louis offered valuable insights into balancing technical advancements with business needs, the importance of collaboration, and emerging trends shaping the future of AV technology. It was a fascinating discussion packed with practical takeaways for both technologists and business leaders.