Exploring Quantum & AI Advancements in Mobility at CARNET Ecosystem Day 2025

CARNET, the centre for automotive research and innovation based in Barcelona, hosted the third edition of its annual CARNET Ecosystem Day on May 13^th at CASA SEAT. This flagship event has become a key milestone for CARNET’s innovation community, bringing together leading players in the automotive and urban mobility sectors to foster collaboration, explore partnerships, and showcase the most promising solutions emerging from the Southern European start-up ecosystem.

This year’s edition focused on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), highlighting advancements in quantum computing, vehicle intelligence, seamless connectivity, cybersecurity, and simulation.

The event brought together CARNET’s founding members, Volkswagen Group Innovation, SEAT S.A., and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC),along with industrial partners, entrepreneurs, and cutting-edge start-ups. Selected through a rigorous scouting process, the participating start-ups represented a range of cutting-edge innovations addressing key challenges in:

• • • • Quantum Computing in Automotive
      • AI-Driven Personalisation & In-Vehicle Entertainment
      • Seamless Connectivity & Cloud Integration
      • Automated Manufacturing & Simulation
      • Cybersecurity in SDVs

“If you have a problem where sensitivity is important, think of quantum,” said Prof. Dr. Lluís Jofre i Roca, CARNET’s Academic Director. Autonomous driving is such a challenge, where vehicles must process vast amounts of data in real time to make critical decisions. However, quantum computing’s potential extends beyond this use case.

“To make Volkswagen quantum-ready, we are collaborating with other companies to be ahead and not miss the potential of quantum,” added Dr. Mónika Bachofner, head of Open Innovation at VW Group Innovation, underlining the strategic value of early adoption.

This year’s start-ups reflected a huge technological depth in the field. Eight were selected for the pitching session to showcase innovations across quantum computing, AI, connectivity, and cybersecurity. The start-ups selected were:

• • • • 4i introduced a multilingual smart voice interface that operates in high-noise industrial settings, enhancing traceability and decision-making in processes like machine inspection.
      • Build38 presented a cybersecurity solution for connected vehicle mobile apps with real-time threat detection and protection.
      • G2Q Computing develops quantum-assisted software to solve complex optimization and machine learning problems.
      • Huxelerate pitched a secure digital solution that enables vehicle testing without sharing source code or relying on hardware.
      • KD showcased fibre-optic technology that replaces traditional copper connections to enable 50Gb/s in-vehicle data transmission for next-gen vehicle architectures.
      • Novac, developing high-temperature pouch supercapacitators for integration into composite materials, accelerating efficient electrification in automotive, aerospace, and industry.
      • QCentroid is a QuantumOps platform transforming how mobility companies leverage quantum and advanced computing to optimise routes, traffic flow, and resource allocation.
      • VSORA revealed its Tyr chiplet-based AI accelerator, delivering massive processing power for autonomous driving.

These solutions pointed to a clear trend: the convergence of software-defined performance and scalable, secure vehicle systems.

In addition, four start-ups joined the showroom session, offering live demonstrations:

• • • • 2hire with an API and IoT platform for remote vehicle control and telemetry, managing over 40,000 vehicles across 20+ countries.
      • PREEN introduced a touchless, AI-powered robotic car wash for OEMs and industrial use, with applications in both aesthetics and manufacturing testing.
      • SCAI Engineering featured VICU, a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication unit enabling real-time, V2X-capable smart mobility.
      • Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech showcased quantum computers and algorithms for automotive innovation and materials design.

“The strength of our ecosystem lies in the diversity of the partners we bring together,” said Cristina Juárez, CIO at CARNET. “We’re proud that our CARNET Ecosystem Day is becoming a key event for innovation-driven collaboration. As software increasingly defines the driver experience, our mission is to connect the people and technology shaping that future”.

Beyond the presentations and pitches, the event served as a networking platform for participants to share challenges, identify cooperation opportunities, and deepen their understanding of CARNET’s growing innovation ecosystem.

As part of its long-term mission, CARNET remains committed to supporting collaborative networks that drive research, experimentation, and the implementation of transformative mobility solutions. Events like the Ecosystem Day are essential to building those bridges and accelerating innovation across Europe’s mobility landscape.