Innovation Review on Testing & Validation

This month the Autotech Council invites you to join our meeting where we introduce startups and new tech in automotive testing, simulation, and validation – from ADAS, AV, and digital twin, to sensors, data, and cross-platform integration.

The traditional model of building and breaking physical prototypes is over. Automotive development is now written in code, not sculpted in clay. That’s not to say “software eats everything” - in this industry, the hardware still matters. But it, too, is first built in code, long before it’s cast in steel. And what is built in code can be tested in code, faster, cheaper, and through more iterations than before. Front loading automotive development and testing validates designs in a virtual space, long before a single piece of metal is cut.

The competitive edge now belongs to those who have mastered virtual validation, using powerful digital tools to accelerate development, slash costs, and engineer next-generation vehicles with unprecedented speed and safety. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the “testing” part of this critical transformation, meet the innovators driving it, and ensure your organization is not left behind.

At the Autotech Council, we’ve frequently returned to the topic of testing and validation. We held meetings on this subject in August 2022 and February 2020, but every couple of years, so much changes. Today, with software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and elaborate ADAS systems becoming the norm, development cycles are accelerating, cars are electrifying, and connectivity means even a continuous testing relationship with the vehicle is possible. The market for automotive verification and prototyping solutions, estimated at $15 billion in 2025, is projected to reach approximately $40 billion by 2033, reflecting a significant industry shift away from costly physical testing toward virtual environments.

Innovation in this segment will be highlighted on this agenda, including:

• Virtual Verification and Validation (V&V): The umbrella concept of using computer-based models to ensure a system meets its design requirements.
• Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV): How the shift to SDVs with zonal architecture is completely changing the hardware-software relationship and demanding new testing paradigms.
• Front-loading: The strategic move of testing and validation to the earliest stages of the product lifecycle to reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) / Digital Twins: The practice of creating and utilizing a comprehensive digital model of the vehicle as a "single source of truth" for all development teams.

• HIL and SIL Testing: Advancements in Hardware-in-the-Loop and Software-in-the-Loop methodologies that bridge the gap between virtual simulation and real-world performance.
• AI and ML: The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize test cases, predict failures, and automate validation processes with unparalleled efficiency.
• Cloud-based Simulation: Leveraging the power of the cloud to run thousands of simulations in parallel, enabling global collaboration and real-time insights.

This meeting, hosted at Autotech Council Member Volkswagen in Belmont, CA, features introductions to high-quality startups, demos from T1s working in testing and validation, and networking with founders and leaders in these companies to forge partnerships that will drive the industry forward.

Meeting Format

Our public meetings are open to onsite and online attendee and start with an industry overview followed by an expert panel, and then tech demos and startup pitches. The 4-hour agenda also includes 3 networking breaks and lunch for in-person attendees.

Attendees leave our meetings having learned about the state of innovation, discovered many, game-changing startups, reviewed new technologies, and met industry colleagues who are also moving the needle in vehicle connectivity. Plus, for our onsite attendees, a handful of business cards and interesting lunch conversations.

Introduce your technology or company to OEMs, Tier1s, CVCs and tech scouts. Apply to speak by the deadline or purchase a spot if available.

In-room demo/meeting tables are available to rent for companies with relevant product or service to share during 3 networking breaks.

Relevant thought leaders, technology experts, and market analysts are welcome to apply here for a keynote, analyst or panel positions.

A company with a strong value proposition in this topic, may sponsor a speaker, a demo, or a break. Sponsorship is exclusive. Details here.

Fees

• ATTENDEE REGISTRATION (ONSITE or ONLINE): $200
  No fee for Autotech Council and Telecom Council members

OPTIONS & UPGRADES

• TECHNOLOGY PITCH (ONSITE or ONLINE): $250
  5-minute on-agenda pitch to introduce a relevant technology, company, or product - subject to approval.

• DEMO/MEETING TABLE (ONSITE ONLY): $500
  Rent an in-room meeting table to show a demo, followup on your pitch, or connect with attendees during networking breaks and over lunch. Tables are 30” round, 42" tall and include black linen, power, Wi-Fi, and flagged with your logo.

Venue

Interested in hosting future meetings in 2026?  Host requirements include meeting facilities for 50-100 executives, catering, AV and tech support, and hosts benefit in many ways when they welcome mobility executives to their offices and share their industry leadership. Request to Host

Remote Access:  Our virtual meeting room is available to those who cannot attend in person. To join remotely, choose the "Online ticket when you register.