Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Elektrobit, aiming to redefine the automotive software development space. This partnership, unveiled on February 12, 2025, centers around the integration of Elektrobit’s Software Development Kit (SDK) for EB corbos AdaptiveCore within Cognizant’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) solution accelerator.
The collaboration is set to significantly benefit original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers by creating scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient SDV architectures. According to industry experts, automotive companies face mounting pressure to accelerate product development cycles whilst managing limited resources—a challenge Cognizant aims to tackle head-on.
Akshat Vaid, Partner at Everest Group, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Cognizant’s collaboration with Elektrobit to integrate its SDK addresses key challenges OEMs and Tier 1s face in their Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) journeys.” The integration aims to streamline processes, enabling improved quality and reduced development costs.
One significant aspect of Cognizant's SDV solution accelerator is its incorporation of generative AI-driven productivity tools. By leveraging these advanced technologies, Cognizant is addressing the growing demands for faster product testing and development cycles. The accelerator incorporates signal-based and service-oriented applications, aligning with modern electrical and electronic (EE) architectures—which include vehicle computers and zonal controllers.
This collaboration not only seeks to minimize total ownership costs but also aspires to augment customer satisfaction through software upgrades and subscription services. Wolfgang Thieme, Director of Product Management at Elektrobit, stated, "The comprehensive pre-built accelerator is intended to help reduce total ownership costs and improve time to market.”
Aditya Pathak, Cognizant’s Vice President and Americas Head of Auto, Transportation and Logistics, elaborated on the broader vision of the partnership. He emphasized the goal of addressing customer demands for customization and hyper-personalization, aiming to integrate generative AI throughout the software lifecycle. "We intend to streamline the development process, enrich vehicle functionality, and identify defects early," he noted.
The collaboration is founded on the need to improve cybersecurity measures and to address safety concerns early within the product development phase. By doing so, it shortens the time required to introduce new features and effectively manages the complexity presented by various software platforms.
Elektrobit itself has deep roots within the automotive sector, with over 35 years of experience and its software being utilized across more than five billion devices worldwide. The company’s focus on connected software products influences automotive infrastructure software, connectivity, and security, as well as automated driving solutions.
Both Cognizant and Elektrobit are exploring how this collaboration can not only address today's market challenges but also pave the way for future advancements within the automotive industry. Together, they intend to push the boundaries of what is achievable, matching the growing trends of vehicle personalization and customization.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies and addressing the core challenges faced by automotive manufacturers, this partnership signals Cognizant's commitment to helping clients navigate their SDV journeys more effectively. With the drive for innovation at its core, Cognizant's SDV solution accelerator, enhanced by Elektrobit's technology, is poised to reshape the competitive dynamics of the automotive industry.