I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ville Ilves, an accomplished executive advisor and former CEO of Rightware, to discuss his remarkable career journey and insights into the automotive and tech sectors. Ville shared his experiences leading Rightware to significant milestones, including doubling its revenue and securing major design wins with over 50 automotive OEMs. We delved into his expertise in software licensing and M&A work. Ville also offered a Scandinavian perspective on venture capital and deep tech innovation, along with his current endeavours financing a new electric vehicle company that combines Chinese manufacturing with European assembly, leveraging onboard LLMs and edge computing.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Rohit Auluck, Industry Strategy Manager for Automotive, Transportation, and Supply Chain at Autodesk. We delved into the intersection of design, engineering, and emerging technologies, discussing how generative AI is reshaping design studios and what tech companies are developing to push the boundaries of creativity. Rohit shared insights into the evolving priorities of the automotive sector—lighter, faster, and more cost-effective solutions—and the crucial role of data ownership for OEMs building their AI capabilities. We also touched on the skills gap in automotive design, the importance of digital twins, and the downstream implications across the value chain.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Julia Imlauer, an AI and robotics expert and co-founder of Presada. Our conversation spanned a range of topics, starting with the challenges of sensor data fusion and balancing structured and unstructured inputs. Julia offered perspectives on hosting machine learning models, managing costs, and the risks of over-reliance on external partners. We also explored advanced technologies like transformers and synthetic data, discussing their implications for scalability and innovation. Regulation and explainability emerged as key themes, with Julia sharing her thoughts on navigating these issues. Her commitment to diversity in tech and empowering young coders added an inspiring dimension to our dialogue.

I spoke with Andrei Iordache, Director of Automotive Solutions at HERE Technologies, about his experience with AI and location-based solutions in the automotive industry. We discussed his personal background and the company’s perspective on leveraging AI to create seamless user experiences, from EV charging to personalised travel recommendations that shift the focus from knowing where to go to simply understanding what you enjoy. Andrei shared insights into the critical role of underlying data, key lessons he’s learned leading a global team, and his thoughts on the future of location-based technologies, offering practical recommendations for staying ahead in this rapidly evolving space.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Neil Alliston, Executive Vice President of Product and Commercial at RAVIN AI. We explored Neil’s personal journey and how RAVIN AI has pioneered the use of computer vision to automate vehicle inspections, addressing industry challenges and creating value for diverse stakeholders. Neil walked me through the technical intricacies, including AI-driven computation and user experience hurdles, while also sharing insights into the future of the industry and the evolving role of generative AI. An enlightening conversation with a true leader at the cutting edge of AI innovation.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dirk Leopold, Executive Vice President of Digital Engineering at itemis AG, and Andreas Graf, Senior Vice President of Artificial Intelligence & Dataspaces at itemis. We delved into the evolving landscape of software-defined vehicles, discussing the interplay between automotive cybersecurity and safety, and how generative AI is shaping processes and products in this domain. We also explored the challenges posed by changing regulations, frequent software updates, and the stringent data quality requirements needed to meet resubmission demands for SDV documentation. Dirk and Andreas offered unique insights into how innovation, leadership, and expertise are driving transformation in this complex, fast-paced industry.

I had the privilege of speaking with William Wei, a globally recognised technology leader and the visionary mind behind the MIH Open EV Platform, often called the "Android of EV." We delved into the transformative role of AI in reshaping industries, with a focus on Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). William shared his experiences as CTO at Foxconn and his work in AI-first strategies, electric vehicles, and robotics, revealing how cutting-edge technologies are driving the future of mobility. His deep insights into AI infrastructure, decades of expertise in system-level innovation, and his entrepreneurial journey offered a fascinating glimpse into the evolving intersection of AI and automotive technology.

I had the privilege of speaking with Scott Newton, Managing Partner at Thinking Dimensions and a seasoned senior advisor to boards and C-level leaders. Our conversation delved into the rapidly evolving landscape of strategy within the automotive industry, exploring how new business models and digital ecosystems are redefining global competition. Scott shared his insights on the transformative role of Generative AI for automotive OEMs, from innovation to integration, and the strategic decisions leaders must make to stay ahead. With decades of experience advising boards, CEOs, and private equity leaders, Scott provided a masterclass in navigating the complexities of sustainable growth and digital transformation in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors.

I had an engaging conversation with Justus Benning, an AI expert currently advancing AI capabilities at VOSS Automotive, where he focuses on optimising the performance of the “ClickID” smart wearable. Justus brought a wealth of insights into the real-world applications and limitations of machine learning and artificial intelligence, challenging us to look past the hype and consider practical uses for AI, especially in manufacturing and on-device applications. We discussed the current state of large language models, weighing their diminishing returns and exploring the role smaller, distilled models might play in improving efficiency without compromising quality. Justus also shared his thoughts on AI’s implications for automotive suppliers and the evolving AI landscape for companies partnering with tech giants like Microsoft. This was a thought-provoking conversation for anyone curious about AI’s practical journey from cutting-edge research to impactful deployment.

I sat down with Thomas Zuchtriegel, Head of Mobility & Automotive at Journee, to explore the immersive technology reshaping the automotive landscape. Thomas shared insights from his pioneering work in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), discussing how AI-powered VR is enhancing everything from advertising to in-car experiences. We delved into the potential of virtual showrooms and the metaverse to transform customer engagement, as well as the technical advancements making VR devices more versatile and accessible. With his background, including time at Audi Business Innovation and co-founding CORTICORE, Thomas gave an insider’s look into how data and AI are driving the evolution of immersive experiences in automotive.