Automotive electronics and in-vehicle software set technical priorities for 2026. ELIV - International VDI Congress 2026 takes place from 14 to 15 October 2026 in Bonn at the World Conference Center Bonn and combines technical sessions with an exhibition of suppliers focused on software architectures and electronic components.
Program focus at ELIV 2026
Key topics include vehicle software architecture, artificial intelligence, electronics technologies and semiconductors, security and software for the software defined vehicle. The organizers have a special partnership with Nasscom to bring insights from the Indian automotive ecosystem, including expert talks and company presentations. The program also features short lightning talks offering 20 three minute pitches for rapid technical snapshots.
Dates and venue details
The congress runs over two days on 14 and 15 October 2026 in Bonn. The World Conference Center Bonn hosts both the conference rooms and the trade exhibition where suppliers display simulation tools, validation environments and components for modern vehicle architectures. Attendees can also access parallel sessions on mobile machine electronics that complement the main agenda.
Exhibitors and company profile to target
Exhibitors typically include providers of simulation and validation platforms, semiconductor suppliers, functional safety vendors and integrators of embedded software. Firms showcasing end to end testing solutions and engineering consultancies for OEMs are also present. Map out target companies in advance and prioritize meetings with teams responsible for architecture, validation and software integration.
Actionable steps to prepare B2B outreach
Define target accounts with specific technical needs and align your messaging to topics listed in the program such as AI and semiconductors. Book demo slots and prepare concise technical collateral that highlights integration efforts and validation results. Use the lightning talks to present a single technical differentiator and measurable outcome. Bring whitepapers, technical links and trial access to accelerate follow ups.
Closing note and official link
ELIV - International VDI Congress 2026 merges in-depth technical content with a supplier exhibition designed to inform procurement and engineering decisions. Use plenary sessions to detect OEM priorities and the exhibition to validate component and architecture fit. Register and check the detailed program at https://www.vdiconference.com/eliv/ to align your attendance with the most relevant sessions.
The transition to software centric vehicles raises the bar for interoperability and validation. Arrive with engineered propositions and testable proofs to convert contacts into technical collaborations that advance vehicle development.
Registration and tickets on the official website: vdiconference.com
