Continental has been awarded the prestigious CLEPA Innovation Prize 2024 for its exceptional technological achievements in automotive software development. At a ceremony held in Brussels, Belgium, CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, presented the award in the "Digital" category to the Smart Cockpit High-Performance Computer (HPC) Virtualisation—a cloud-based solution revolutionising vehicle development. This accolade underscores Continental's commitment to advancing future mobility, making it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable through pioneering technologies.

"We are extremely proud to receive the CLEPA Innovation Award for the third time. It is a significant recognition of our research and development expertise in software innovation," said Jean-François Tarabbia, Head of the Architecture and Network Solutions business unit. "Being recognised by our peers in the industry is particularly rewarding, as it shows that our technologies are acknowledged for their innovative strength."

Virtualisation Accelerates Development
The award-winning virtualisation solution enables software development to commence using virtual electronic control units (vECUs) before physical hardware becomes available. For example, future applications and functions can be simulated and tested ahead of the availability of microcontroller or processor hardware. This decoupling of hardware and software development processes allows both to proceed independently and concurrently, significantly reducing development times and enabling early identification of potential issues.

Cloud-Based Development Environment
The solution is underpinned by the CAEdge vECU Creator, part of Continental's cloud-based "Automotive Edge" (CAEdge) framework. CAEdge offers a cutting-edge virtual environment that supports fast, efficient, and flexible software development across classic and adaptive AUTOSAR, Android, Linux, and QNX environments. This environment facilitates continuous development and integration of new features, improving safety and driving experiences throughout a vehicle's lifecycle.

Smart Cockpit HPC Virtualisation: A Groundbreaking Project
Continental's virtualisation solution has already been implemented successfully in various development projects, notably the digital twin of the Smart Cockpit High-Performance Computer (HPC). This technology separates software development from hardware availability, enabling high-speed simulation and connection of peripheral devices. By reducing project complexity and development timelines, Continental can deliver a production-ready product within just 18 months. Winning the CLEPA Innovation Award confirms hardware virtualisation's status as a game-changing advancement for software-defined vehicle (SDV) systems.