PROGRAM

2022 – present: Lead Engineer Virtual E/E Validation at Porsche AG

2017 – 2022: XiL Simulation Engineer at Porsche AG

2013 – 2017: Project Lead XiL Simulation Models at VAIVA GmbH

2009 – 2013: Research Assistant at the University of Duisburg-Essen

Kushal Koppa Shivanandaswamy is a Solutions Architect at Bosch Global Software Technologies (BGSW), Bengaluru, India, with overall 16+ years of industrial experience from various domains inclusive with over 7 years of experience in automotive software engineering, specializing in Software-in-the-Loop (SiL), Virtual ECUs, virtualization, simulation, and Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) technologies. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in developing scalable virtualization platforms, AI-driven engineering solutions, and cloud-enabled simulation ecosystems that accelerate software development, integration, and validation for next-generation automotive systems. His experience in leading and delivering virtualization solutions for automotive domains, such as powertrains, BCM, ADAS, PK, and GWM is very valuable. He is a professional with a strong background also in embedded and aerospace domains with 9+ years of experience, and holds dual Master degrees with specialization in VLSI Design and Embedded Systems and Automotive Engineering.

Kushal leads strategic initiatives in Virtual ECU generation, simulation automation, metadata-driven engineering, and enterprise virtualization platforms, including MeDaC, VirtuGo, VirtuVerse.SDV Studio, and AI-powered simulation orchestration. His current work focuses on enabling virtualization-first engineering through AI, cloud technologies, and tool-agnostic simulation frameworks. He also mentored graduates and post graduate students in their dissertation programs.

He has authored multiple peer-reviewed technical publications in the fields of model-based engineering, formal methods, safety-critical systems, aerospace systems, multicore architectures, and automotive virtualization. His publications include research presented through IEEE, Springer, Hindawi, and SAE International, including the SAE paper "A Virtual Environment for Early Development and Validation of Next Generation Digital Vehicle Entry Functions."

At the SiL Conference Munich 2026, Kushal will present his vision for AI-powered virtualization, scalable Software-in-the-Loop ecosystems, and next-generation virtual engineering platforms that are transforming automotive software development from hardware-dependent validation to continuous, cloud-enabled software engineering.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kushal-k-s-5445082a/

Vice President Technology and Engineering, Bosch Mobility, actively Leading the Bosch Mobility Program "Virtualisation 1st"

Since more than 30 years in Bosch in a lot of responsibilities from Engine Calibration over Systems Engineering including Lead of Rolling Chassis and the complete time as Evangelist in Virtualizations

ZF Group
Senior Simulation Engineer
May 2025 – Present
Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Simulation Development Engineer
July 2018 – June 2025 

Koblenz University of Applied Sciences
Lecturer in Technical Thermodynamics
October 2023 – April 2025 

Adjunct Lecturer – Mechanical Engineering – Thermodynamics Module

ZF Group
Master’s Student
August 2017 – January 2018 
Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Development of a multiphysics simulation method at the component level
- Analysis of current coupling strategies for multiphysics simulation
- Correlation/validation with measurements
- Examination of sensitivity and tolerance studies

August 2024 – present

Engineering Supervisor

ZF in the “CDYT832” department (Vehicle XiL Simulation Tooling)

September 2012 – August 2024 Senior Simulation Engineer

ZF (formerly TRW) in the “Vehicle & System Simulation” (VSS) department

October 2009 – October 2011 Lecturer

Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, teaching the introductory mathematics course

Education

July 2012 Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Koblenz University of Applied Sciences

Nic Eckstein bridges the worlds of mechanical engineering, IT, and modern software development. Following his start in enterprise IT, he brought his expertise into EE testing at an early stage and helped drive the transition towards Software-in-the-Loop (SiL). Today, as a Team Manager, he is responsible for cloud platforms for embedded testing and shapes the business development of innovative testing solutions for the mobility of tomorrow.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-eckstein-a20a30243/

Matthieu Rullier leads the Virtualization Team at Stellantis, driving the deployment of virtual ECU solutions at scale within the XiL ecosystem. He has over 8 years of experience in XiL, previously working on propulsion systems at a Tier 1 supplier.

Mehmet Emre Büyükçerçi is an XiL Architect at Stellantis, specializing in virtual validation architectures and interoperability. He plays a key role in defining scalable XiL ecosystems. Emre brings around 15 years of experience in simulations, algorithm and XiL development across multiple Tier 1 suppliers, particularly in chassis and ADAS domains.

Since 2024, Georg Hummel has been Project Lead for Virtual Validation at BMW Group's Software Factory, setting the strategic direction for scalable, cloud-based multi-vECU co-simulation infrastructure for embedded control units.

From 2018 to 2024, he was Developer, Product Owner and Product Manager for open- and closed-loop virtual testing at VW Group (AUDI, later CARIAD) building scaled co-simulation infrastructure and tooling for driver assistance and body customer functions increasing development efficiency.

He holds a Dr.-Ing. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, where he evaluated synthetic data for perceptive-algorithm testing and built simulators within the European projects MEDUSA and PROACTIVE.

Together with Jonathan Schneider, he presents on scaling Software-in-the-Loop testing with the SIL Kit.

Since 2024, Jonathan Schneider has been Technical Lead for Virtual Validation at BMW Group's Software Factory, steering virtual testing infrastructure and tooling for embedded control units.

From 2018 to 2024, as Product Owner for Virtual Validation, he drove instruction-set-simulation (ISS) based virtual ECU targets for CI/CD-driven testing and designed scaled virtualization architectures such as multi-vECU co-simulation alongside a service-based cloud platform for end-to-end virtual verification and validation.

He holds an M.Sc. in Automotive Software Engineering from TU München.

At this conference, he presents with Dr. Georg Hummel on scaling Software-in-the-Loop testing with the SIL Kit.

Experience: 24 years in the Aerospace and Automotive industry, with deep verification expertise across multiple products.

Current Position: Deputy General Manager, Daimler.

Role / Responsibilities:
Leading the Virtual Verification (iSIL) Team in Bangalore, responsible for virtual verification activities using the dSPACE VEOS environment. The team creates a virtual verification platform and configures it for various vehicle variants for integration maturity. The team ensures virtual verification as a prime path for current vehicle projects and seamlessly extends it to SDV in the iSIL framework.

Engineer of ‘Ecole Nationale Supérieur d’Arts et Métier’

Engineer of ‘IF School, option internal combustion engine’

From gasoline engine combustion & emission development, tuning of engine & automated gearbox, tuning of OBD diagnosis to powertrain software validation.

Multicultural environment and activities with VOLVO Car, Renault Romania, Renault India, Nissan Spain and Nissan Japan.

Involded in European project ‘ACOSAR’ leading to DCP standard, FMI Advisory comitte and FMU3 LS-BUS.

After ten years in HIL validation and responsible of Renault Group worlwide HIL powertrain roadmap, deploy software virtualization since four years for Ampere softwares.

Associated expert for electric powertrain virtualized software

Nicolas Laurent is a technology expert with over 25 years at Renault Group. He specializes in simulation platforms, AD/ADAS validation, and engineering IT systems. With a background in mechanical and software engineering from Centrale Méditerranée, he has led multiple innovative projects and teams, combining technical depth with strategic vision in complex automotive and industrial environments.

• 2019 – present: Head of Business Development at dSPACE Group SE & Co. KG 
• 2013 – 2019: Senior Product Manager for Virtual Validation and Software Architecture at dSPACE GmbH 
• 2010 – 2013: Product Manager for Virtual Validation at dSPACE GmbH
• 2006 – 2010: Product Engineer at dSPACE GmbH
• 2002 – 2006: Research Assistant at the University of Münster

• Since 2025: Vice President SIL | Virtualization Tools 
• 2013–present: Various roles at Vector Informatik 
• 2013: PhD in Electrical Engineering 
• 2007–2013: Research Assistant at FZI Research Center for Information Technology, focusing on embedded systems 
• 2001–2007: Computer Science studies at the University of Karlsruhe 

tba

Markus Helmling is a Senior Manager Software Development in Vector's Test and Validation business unit and Product Manager for SIL Kit.

After studying Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at Pforzheim University and gaining experience in the automotive supplier industry, he joined Vector Informatik GmbH in 2012. Since then, he has been responsible for a variety of products and technologies as a Technical Product Manager, with a strong focus on in-vehicle communication and networking, particularly Automotive Ethernet.

Today, his work centers on enabling scalable software-in-the-loop (SIL) development and validation workflows, helping customers accelerate the development of software-defined vehicles through open and interoperable simulation ecosystems.

Dr. Thomas Ringler studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart and has been working for more than 20 years in AUTOSAR methodology and toolchain development at Mercedes-Benz R&D. As development engineer he is leading a project on the virtual integration of distributed Body & Comfort functions based on AUTOSAR.

BMW Group

Course of study 

University of Stuttgart and University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), Aerospace Engineering (Focus on aerodynamics and thermodynamics), graduate of 2011

Doctorate (University, Topic, Year)
University of Kassel (in cooperation with Volkswagen), “A New Approach to Whole Vehicle Simulation for Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles [for Holistic Energy Efficiency Analysis and Optimization]“, graduate of 2019

Milestones / Activities 

• Over a decade of experience in whole vehicle simulation in different positions

• Main team achievement: transforming whole vehicle simulation from a niche application into an important tool in product development, which has evolved into a crucial technical asset, significantly contributing to the efficiency and innovation of the company's product development processes with various applications

• Strong Networking and Close Coordination within the VW Group concerning the field of whole vehicle simulation

Current position

• Head of Whole Vehicle Simulation at VW, since 2021

Course of study

Technical University of Braunschweig and École Normale Superieure (ENS) de Cachan, Electrical Engineering (Focus on closed-loop control systems), graduated in 1994 

Milestones / Activities 

• More than 30 years’ experience in the field of ECU development in the automotive area in Europe, USA, Japan and South Korea

• Leading calibration and function development activities for series production development of engine management systems for diesel, gasoline and hydrogen engines

• Since 2010 project lead for agile product development of digital solutions in the area of calibration and test methodology for state-of-the-art EE systems. These solutions focus on toolchain integration without any tool gaps starting from concept phase until complete system validation for series production in any test or calibration area (MiL, SiL, HiL, engine, component and vehicle test benches as well as test and durability vehicles)

Current Postion

• Senior Technical Consultant for Calibration Methodology

• Technical Excellence Lead for the domain “Processes, Methods and Tools” at IAV GmbH

Prof. Dr. Peter E. Pfeffer is Professor of Automotive Engineering at Munich University of Applied Sciences and Co-founder and CEO of MdynamiX AG. He combines deep academic expertise with extensive hands-on industry experience, with a particular focus on vehicle dynamics, steering systems, chassis development, and ADAS systems.

He studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Vienna. Before founding MdynamiX, he worked in the development department of Audi AG and subsequently lectured at the University of Bath, where he also earned his PhD on virtual steering system development.

Beyond his research and entrepreneurial work, he serves as Scientific Director of the Munich Chassis Symposium (chassis.tech plus), coeditor of the Steering Handbook, and as an advisory board member of the VDI Society for Vehicle and Traffic Engineering as well as the scientific journal ATZ.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-pfeffer-938b4284/

Alessandro Giacomazzo is a Senior Software Engineer with over 15 years of experience in autonomous driving systems and simulation infrastructure. For the last four years, he has focused on simulation platforms, leading the strategic migration and integration of legacy systems into advanced dSPACE-based ecosystems. His work spans the full development of Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation pipelines, managing core codebase integrations, and spearheading research in Generative AI for automated virtual environment synthesis. He specializes in building high-fidelity, scalable virtual testing solutions that drastically optimize operational efficiency and accelerate autonomous vehicle validation.

Alessandro Giacomazzo | LinkedIn

Daniele Molinari is a Computer Science graduate and AI-focused Intern developing synthetic worlds for autonomous‑driving simulation. His work centers on OpenDRIVE‑based environment modeling and the integration of generated road networks into dSPACE ecosystem for large‑scale virtual testing. Passionate about generative AI and LLMs, he explores how emerging AI techniques can support automated creation of diverse and realistic driving scenarios for next‑generation simulation pipelines.

Daniele Molinari | LinkedIn

Hubert Lainck studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Soest, Germany. Following his studies, he completed his diploma thesis at the Forschungszentrum Jülich, where he focused on the design and implementation of a test bench for the development of a high-speed magnetic field measurement system at the COSY (Cooler Synchrotron) particle accelerator.

Since joining FORVIA HELLA in 1999, he has been involved in the conception, development, and programming of test systems within the field of Body Electronics. Over more than two decades, he has developed and implemented numerous test and validation platforms for automotive electronic functions, supporting their integration into series development processes.

His areas of expertise include test bench engineering, test automation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems, and advanced validation methods for body electronics control units. In addition, he is actively driving the adoption of virtual validation technologies and the digitalization of testing processes within automotive development.

Thomas Vieth is a senior test management professional at HELLA, a FORVIA company, working within the Testing Body and Lighting Electronics organization in Germany, responsible for test strategy and test management.

He has extensive experience in test management, test strategy development, process optimization, and compliance-driven quality management. Thomas leads and supports complex customer projects for major automotive manufacturers, focusing on efficient test planning, execution, reporting, and continuous improvement of testing processes. His areas of expertise include test management, ASPICE-compliant development processes, functional safety, tool qualification, and the application of digital solutions and AI technologies to enhance engineering productivity and quality.

Thomas Vieth | LinkedIn

Matthieu Rullier leads the Virtualization Team at Stellantis, driving the deployment of virtual ECU solutions at scale within the XiL ecosystem. He has over 8 years of experience in XiL, previously working on propulsion systems at a Tier 1 supplier.

Mehmet Emre Büyükçerçi is an XiL Architect at Stellantis, specializing in virtual validation architectures and interoperability. He plays a key role in defining scalable XiL ecosystems. Emre brings around 15 years of experience in simulations, algorithm and XiL development across multiple Tier 1 suppliers, particularly in chassis and ADAS domains.

Tim Pfitzer (BOSCH) has been working at Robert Bosch GmbH for over 7 years, specializing in ECU software virtualization, SiL architecture, and strategic development.

Benedikt Menne has over 15 years of experience in automotive function development, with a particular focus on Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), virtual validation, and model-based development processes. His expertise lies in the design, standardization, and implementation of simulation and integration solutions for the early verification and validation of ECU functions.

 As Product Owner for dSPACE VEOS, he has concentrated since its inception on contributing to the FMI-LS-BUS standard and its market establishment, as well as the integration of this technology within the dSPACE SIL/HIL toolchain. He is also working on implementing end-to-end workflows for virtual validation and co-simulation. His expertise encompasses combining standardized FMI-based approaches with modern simulation and test environments to shorten development times and sustainably improve the quality of software-defined vehicle functions. His goal is to create interoperable and scalable simulation solutions for efficient use in customer scenarios.

Amir Sardari is a Senior Expert in Software & System Engineering and Virtualization Strategist at Robert Bosch GmbH. With nearly 18 years of experience in automotive research and development, he has worked across a broad range of vehicle domains, including Chassis Systems, ADAS, Powertrain, Electrification, and Mobility Electronics. His current focus is on virtualization and Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) engineering. Amir serves as the lead of the VDA Project Group for SiL Standardization, where he collaborates with automotive OEMs, suppliers, tool vendors and industry working groups to establish common standards for SiL ecosystems.