In addition to the keynotes focusing on strategic topics, which bring all participants together in the auditorium, the congress will address current developments as well as established electronics topics in four parallel sessions, ranging from software-defined vehicles to E/E architectures and semiconductors, all the way to security and automated driving. ELIV 2026 will be opened by Dr. Rolf Zöller, Chair of the Program Committee and CEO of DigiTrans Consulting, together with Dr.-Ing. Carsten Hoff, Chair of the Program Committee for the concurrently held Mobile Machine Electronics conference and CEO of the dSPACE Group.
Two Automotive Trend Sessions
This year, two Automotive Trend Sessions on AI and India will take center stage, each complemented by a panel discussion. At the same time, artificial intelligence runs like a common thread through much of the conference program - illustrated by specific projects and real-world examples that show how the technology is currently making the leap from development to an increasing number of production applications, or in many cases has already done so. Furthermore, a study created specifically for the topic of automotive AI will be discussed.
The Automotive Trend Session on India was developed in partnership with NASSCOM. The association brings together India’s software and automotive industries and provides content support for this new session at the conference. India is not only considered one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in the world but has long been regarded as one of the most important hubs for software development.
New to the Program: Quantum Computing
In addition, ELIV 2026 will address the forward-looking topic of quantum computing. This is driven by the growing energy and cost pressures associated with today’s AI models: training and operation require enormous computing capacity and correspondingly high investments in hardware and energy. Quantum computing is considered one of the technologies that could lead to greater efficiency and computing power in the long term. This topic is complemented by several presentations on post-quantum cryptography, which address the security of connected vehicles.
An Overview of the Key Topics at ELIV 2026:
- Automotive AI: Strategy, AI-Driven Vehicle (AIDV) und AI-Driven ADAS
- India – Tech & Market
- Software for the SDV: Platforms, Data-Driven Development, Middleware & Tools
- Architecture: Powernet, Open Source for SDV
- Electronics Technologies & Semiconductors
- Quantum – Future Computing
- High-Performance Computing
- Security
- Automated Driving – Simulation
- Disruptive Methods & Tools
- Customer Experience
- Organizational Transformation
Proven Formats, New Brand Identity
The popular Lightning Talks are once again a staple of the program: In three-minute presentations, startups and up-and-coming talent in particular will present their ideas on the main stage, complemented by the NextGen program for young professionals up to age 35. ELIV 2026 is rounded out by a trade exhibition and a dedicated startup area. The first day of the conference concludes with the Night of Electronics at the historic Kurhaus Baden-Baden, located just a few steps from the conference center.
ELIV 2026 has a new look − fresher and more connected. The logo and visual identity have been updated, and the conference app offers enhanced matchmaking and networking features for attendees.
Back in Baden-Baden
After several years, ELIV 2026 returns to its birthplace in Baden-Baden. The city is located in the heart of Baden-Wurttemberg, one of Germany’s most important regions for the automotive and IT industries. The modernized and expanded Baden-Baden Congress Center offers the international professional community a pleasant conference setting, short distances, and a personal, focused atmosphere for professional exchange.
Parallel Conference on Mobile Machine Electronics
Held in parallel with ELIV 2026, the Mobile Machine Electronics conference will once again take place, focusing on the automation of entire work processes in the agricultural machinery and construction equipment industries − from intelligent sensor technology and robotics to AI-powered systems. It is remarkable how closely the technical challenges in the electronics sector mirror those in the automotive sector. Advantage: Attendees of both conferences can freely switch between sessions and thus tailor the program to their individual interests.
Registration and program available at https://www.vdiconference.com/eliv/ or via the VDI Wissensforum Customer Center, P.O. Box 10 11 39, 40002 Dusseldorf, E-mail: wissensforum@vdi.de, phone: +49 211 6214-201, fax: -154.
Regular updates, interesting news and highlights from ELIV 2026 can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/elivcongress/.
Press Accreditation
A visit to Baden-Baden is also well worth it for journalists: Accreditation is already available at https://www.vdiconference.com/eliv/press/.
