CTW Summit 2025: Driving the Future of Automotive Software

CTW Summit 2025 brought together industry leaders, tech experts, and creative minds at Pavilhão Carlos Lopes in Lisbon on 8 October. From bold ideas to real-world impact, the day was packed with insights into the future of mobility, AI, and software-defined vehicles.

A Milestone Moment

Opening the event, Christine Marconcin, COO of Critical TechWorks, celebrated CTW’s pivotal role in shaping the next generation of BMW vehicles starting with the BMW iX3, the first of the Neue Klasse. Her message was clear: "The Neue Klasse is a success."

CTW’s Global Impact

Christoph Schafle, Head of Governance and Security at BMW Group, spotlighted CTW as one of BMW’s most critical IT hubs. With a new hub launching in Brazil, BMW’s global network is nearly complete and CTW continues to lead the way in delivery and innovation.

Software-Defined Vehicles: The New Frontier

Licínio Oliveira, Cluster Head at CTW, emphasized how software is transforming vehicles into intelligent, evolving systems, and a panel featuring experts from Critical TechWorks, Luís Cruz, Bosch, Carlos Manuel Machado, Intellias, Henrique Costa and Técnico, Pedro U. Lima, explored the shift from traditional controllers to full-blown operating systems, raising new questions around safety, regulation, and cybersecurity.

Cross-Industry Perspectives

In the afternoon, Fazila Ahmad from EDP and Lara Trigueiro Moura from Via Verde shared how energy and mobility sectors are converging. From batteries on wheels to seamless highway experiences, the message was clear: technology is reshaping how we move and connect.

Autonomous Driving: Closer Than You Think

Miguel Bertão and David Miguel Gomes, Product Visionary and Data Mastermind at Critical TechWorks, broke down the reality of autonomous vehicles. With millions of kilometers already driven and billions more simulated, the future of self-driving cars is not far off, but it all hinges on quality data and smart sensors.

Data, AI, and a Dash of Humor

João Remelgado Santos, IT Paladin, used cat memes to explain how CTW’s diverse teams are mastering AI and data-driven development. Meanwhile, Daniel Costa, CTW’s Chief Technical Titan, revealed that 20 million vehicles are already connected to the cloud, exchanging 200 terabytes of data daily to improve safety and performance.

Looking Ahead

The closing panel, moderated by Bruno Mateus, tackled the future of software-defined vehicles. From OS evolution to European innovation challenges, speakers like João Esteves, Chief Technical Titan at Critical TechWorks, Luís Gargaté, Division Director for Automotive, Medical Devices and Railway at Critical Software, and Stefan Weissert, Head of R&D at Bosch, all agreed: partnerships and bold thinking will shape what’s next.

CTW Summit 2025 proved that the future of mobility is written in code and Critical TechWorks is helping lead the way.