VI-grade, a provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, together with Hottinger Bruel & Kjaer GmbH (HBK), have announced the final program and confirmed speaker line-up for the Smart Prototypes Summit, taking place from May 19 to May 22, 2026, at the VI-grade SimCenter in Udine, Italy. With more than 40 industry presentations, 26 live demonstrations and six technology tracks spanning vehicle dynamics, NVH, ADAS, HiL, durability and electrified powertrains, the Summit brings together the full ecosystem of modern vehicle development — from simulation and testing to artificial intelligence (AI)-supported data workflows and digital twin validation.
Interest in the 2026 edition is strong, with over 300 registrations already confirmed for the in-person event, representing more than 90 companies across the global mobility ecosystem, with further attendees expected.
For those unable to attend in Udine, all presentations on May 20 and 21 will be streamed live free of charge, providing global access to the full conference program on those days. The full agenda is available for download.
Broad industry participation confirmed
The finalized program features contributions from OEMs, suppliers, technology providers and research organizations, including:
Alpine, Apollo Tyres, Astemo, Automobili Lamborghini, Automobili Lamborghini & Meccanica 42, BASF, Brembo, Bridgestone & Volkswagen, Bugatti Rimac, Case New Holland, CETIM, cosin scientific software, EDAG Group, Ferrari, Hyundai Motor Technical Center & Applus+ IDIADA, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG & MdynamiX, Michelin SIMIX & EDAG Group, MOVEdot, Multimatic, Nissan & HORIBA MIRA, Pirelli & MegaRide, Politecnico di Milano & Toyota Motor Europe, Porsche Engineering, S&VL & Mazda , Stellantis, Stellantis & MegaRide, Synopsys, Tesla, TOGG & HORIBA MIRA, University of Salento & Porsche Engineering, Valeo, Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars & Cadence.
This diverse speaker portfolio reflects the full ecosystem of modern vehicle development, from simulation and testing to AI, materials, and advanced engineering workflows and Smart Testing.
Global access via livestream
To extend global access, all presentations on May 20 and May 21 will be streamed live free of charge via Wistia, bringing key insights directly to a worldwide audience. The livestream will be delivered across six sessions, with registration available on the official event website.
The Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 is also supported by leading media partners, including ATZ, Automobil Industrie, Automotive Testing Technology International, engineering.com, SAE Media Group and Vehicle Dynamics International.
Registration for in-person attendance at the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 remains open. Full agenda, speaker details and livestream access are available on the official event website.
