Uli Schaaf
Development Engineer @ AUDI AG
Registration
Welcome to Apply & Innovate 2026.
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Program
| Time | Hall 1 |
|---|---|
| 8:00 |
Registration and breakfast |
| 9:00 |
Welcome and opening of Apply & Innovate |
| 9:15 |
Keynote 1:
A New Way of Collaboration Between OEM and Tier 1 to Push Virtual Development Ulrich Schulmeister | Robert Bosch GmbH Klaus Hassel | Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG |
| 10:00–10:30 a.m. | Coffee break and exhibition |
| Time | Test processes and test strategies (1) – Hall 1 | ADAS and automated driving (1) – Hall 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 |
Customer-Centric Virtual Verification & Validation for the Complete Vehicle
Uli Schaaf | Audi AG |
LiDAR simulation using CarMaker FSS+, Lidar RSI and GPU Coding Interface
Dr. Ivan Stepanov | Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH |
| 11:00 |
Indoor Vehicle in the Loop: Enabling System of Systems Validation for Software Defined Vehicles
Vamsi Makkapati | KS Engineers Henrik Liebau | Keysight Technologies |
Sound Is a System Variable
Fabian Kamp | HEAD acoustics GmbH |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Quantum leap in efficient ADAS testing for GSR and ENCAP
Gianni Di Martino | APL GmbH |
Analysis of the Influence of Toe and Camber Deviations on the Control Behavior of a Lane-Keeping Assist System
Henrik Schmitz | KIT (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie) |
| 12:00–1:30 p.m. | Lunch break and exhibition |
| Time | Partner Pitches (1) – Hall 1 | Partner Pitches (2) – Hall 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 |
Closed-Loop Camera Validation: Seamless Integration of CarMaker and OrbAI for High-Fidelity OTA Camera Sensor Stimulation
Michael Kirjanov | SETES GmbH (ADAS and automated driving) |
Prompt‑Powered Scenario Engineering: Elevating ODD‑Based Validation in VIRTO
Stephen Lernout | Deontic (Data-driven development) |
| 1:40 |
An Automated Pipeline for 3D Environment Generation – From Geodata to Simulation-Ready Digital Twins
Philipp Tretyakov | TrianGraphics GmbH (ADAS and automated driving) |
ScenGen: From Real-World Data to Simulation-Ready Scenarios
Alireza Ghods | NATIX (Data-driven development) |
| 1:50 |
Don't just build software. Drive it!
Julian Jäger | Vector Informatik GmbH (Software-defined vehicle development) |
Disruptive Methods and Tools, Software for the SDV, Electronics Technologies
Dr. Tobias Lautenschlager | Persystems GmbH (Powertrain) |
| Time | Virtual vehicle development tool suite – Hall 1 | Off-highway – Hall 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 |
Leveraging High Fidelity Simulation Datasets to Enable Operating Safe Chassis and ADAS Design in VIRTO
Frederic Spetler | Michelin |
Generation of Test Automation with Artifical Intelligence
Thorsten Pendzialek | Linde Material Handling GmbH |
| 2:30 |
Towards an end-to-end toolchain for virtual validation of ADAS/AD functions using generative AI
Dr. Alexander Bradler | IAV GmbH |
Evaluation of Distribution Logics in SIL and HIL Environments for ISOBUS-Controlled Equipment for Agricultural Operations
Dr. Claudio Maroni | Soluzioni Ingegneria |
| 3:00 |
Development of a VIRTO Cloud-Based CarMaker Parallel Simulation Environment for Powertrain Control Validation
Junho Lee | Hyundai Motor Company |
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- |
| 3:30–4:00 p.m. | Coffee break and exhibition |
| Time | Apply & Innovate Highlights |
|---|---|
| 4:00 |
Demo Experience @ IPG Demo Site + Guided Tours @ Exhibition |
| From 6:00 p.m. | End of conference day 1 |
| 6:30 p.m. | Evening event in the plenary hall of the Gartenhalle |
| Time | Hall 1 |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration and breakfast |
| 9:00 |
Keynote 2:
Virtual Testing in Euro NCAP: Current Status and the 2029 vision Pierre-Marie Damon | Euro NCAP |
| 9:45 |
Coffee break and exhibition |
| Time | Vehicle dynamics – Hall 1 | ADAS and automated driving (2) – Hall 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 |
Improving Ride Comfort Prediction in CarMaker by External Wheel-Body compliance integration
Yongchan Oh | Hyundai Motor Company |
Every Road User as a Potential Ego: Mining Thousands of Classified Test Scenarios per Hour from Roadside Cameras
Alexander Kutsan | AD Simulation Solutions |
| 10:30 |
Realistic Environmental Conditions for the Simulation-Based Analysis of Tire Wear
Dr. Sebastian Emmerich | Fraunhofer ITWM |
Automating ADAS/AD validation
Alexandre Mugnai | ESTECO |
| 11:00 |
Coffee break and exhibition |
| Time | ADAS and automated driving (3) – Hall 1 | Virtual reality and driving simulators – Hall 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 11:15 |
Sensitivity of Vehicle Modeling in ADAS Virtual Testing for Euro NCAP Applications
Osama Al-Zughbi | UTAC |
Advancing and Accelerating ADAS Testing and Validation through Mixed Reality-Based Vehicle-in-the-Loop Methods
Ronja Tausend | IFM (Institut für Fahrerassistenz und vernetzte Mobilität) |
| 11:45 a.m. |
End-to-End Validation of Automated Driving Functions Based on the Pix RoboBus
Dirk Martin | FDTech GmbH |
From Simulation to Validation: Accelerating Vehicle Development with High-Dynamic Driving Simulation
Prof. Dr. Arno Eichberger | Technische Universität Graz |
| 12:15 |
Lunch break and exhibition |
| Time | Test processes and test strategies (2) – Hall 1 | Data-driven development – Hall 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1:45 |
Development of real-world test cycles for indoor tyre wear test benches based on GPS measurements and a vehicle model
Prof. Dr. Günter Leister | twms-consulting |
From Field Data to Artificial Customers: Data-Driven Customer Behavior Modeling for SiL-Based Validation
Nils Starbaty | AUDI AG / Universität Stuttgart |
| 2:15 |
AddSafety – Building a trustworthy digital twin for virtual Euro NCAP testing
Peter Wimmer | Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH |
Closing the Real-to-Sim Gap
Marius Reuther | b-plus automotive GmbH |
| 2:45 |
Vehicle-in-the-Loop Testing of Platooning Functions Using ROS-Based Lidar and V2X Raw Data Injection
David Fischer | KIT (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie) |
Agentic AI for Simulation and Test Data Analysis
Dr. Stefan Suwelack | Renumics GmbH |
| Time | Hall 1 |
|---|---|
| 3:15 |
Closing and end of Apply & Innovate |
Speakers
Uli Schaaf
Development Engineer @ AUDI AG
Dr. Ivan Stepanov
System Simulation Engineer @ Valeo Schalter und Sensoren
Vamsi Makkapati
Lead Engineer & Product Manager @ KS Engineers
Henrik Liebau
Manager Autonomous Drive Emulation Platform @ Keysight Technologies
Fabian Kamp
Product Manager @ HEAD acoustics
Gianni Di Martino
Manager Mobility @ APL
Henrik Schmitz
Doctoral Researcher - Automated & Connected Mobility @ IPEK - Institute for Product Development at KIT
Michael Kirjanov
CEO & Co-Founder @ SETES
Julian Jäger
Senior Product Management Engineer @ VECTOR Informatik
Philipp Tretyakov
Technical Consultant @ TrianGraphics
Dr. Tobias Lautenschlager
Chief Executive Officer @ Persystems
Stephen Lernout
Co-Founder & CEO @ Deontic
Dr. Alireza Ghods
Co-Founder & CEO @ NATIX
Frédéric Spetler
Head of Michelin SIMIX Engineering @ Michelin
Thorsten Pendizialek
Department Lead @ Linde Material Handling
Junho Lee
Senior Research Engineer @ Hyundai Motor Company
Pierre-Marie Damon
Technical Operations Manager @ Euro NCAP
Yongchan Oh
Senior Research Engineer @ Hyundai Motor Company
Dr. Sebastian Emmerich
Group Manager @ Fraunhofer ITWM
Alexandre Mugnai
Business Development Manager @ ESTECO
Osama Al-Zughbi
Simulation Engineer @ UTAC
Ronja Tausend
Research Assistant @ IFM (Institute for Driver Assistance and Connected Mobility)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Guenter Leister
Managing Director @ twms-consulting
Nils Starbaty
PhD Candidate @ AUDI AG
Peter Wimmer
Lead Researcher @ Virtual Vehicle Research
Marius Reuther
Chief Executive Officer @ b-plus automotive
David Fischer
Research Associate @ IPEK (Institute of Product Development at KIT)
Stefan Suwelack
CEO & Co-Founder @ Reunumics
Exhibitors
Partners
Event Location
Insights into Apply & Innovate 2024
Apply & Innovate 2024, which took place at the Gartenhalle in Karlsruhe from September 11–12, once again brought together the virtual vehicle development industry for two inspiring days of innovation, exchange and networking.
More than 250 attendees joined the international technology conference to explore the latest methods, innovative projects and state-of-the-art research results across 37 presentations covering a wide range of topics.
In addition to the conference program, the accompanying trade exhibition featuring 13 exhibiting partners and the evening event created the perfect atmosphere for valuable discussions and new connections.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
If you are interested in participating as an exhibitor, please contact us by email at maximilian.honauer@ipg-automotive.com. We will be happy to provide further information.
No, there is no fixed registration deadline. You can register for the event at any time.
Yes, food and beverages will be provided during the event and are included in the ticket price.
Yes, ticket transfers are possible. Please send us a short email with the contact details of the substitute participant.
You can cancel your participation at any time without giving reasons by sending an email to events@ipg-automotive.com. The date and time we receive your cancellation determines the cancellation policy.
Please also refer to our General Terms and Conditions for Participation.
The following cancellation conditions apply:
- Up to 28 days before the start of the event: free of charge
- Up to 14 days before the start of the event: 50% of the participation fee
- Less than 14 days before the start of the event: 100% of the participation fee
The evening event provides an opportunity to continue the conversations and professional discussions from the first day of the conference in a relaxed atmosphere. Take the chance to connect with speakers, members of the Program Advisory Board, and exhibitors, and expand your professional network. A dinner buffet and drinks will be provided in the plenary hall of the Gartenhalle.
Yes, if you initially booked a ticket that does not include the evening event, you can register for it at a later stage. Please book the corresponding add-on ticket ”Apply & Innovate 2026 | Evening Event Pass”.
The presentations are held in both German and English. Simultaneous translation into English is available for presentations held in German.
Yes, after the event you will receive access to a video platform with recordings of the presentations.
During the Guided Tours, we take you to selected highlights of the exhibition and provide exciting insights into current technologies and applications. In addition, the Demo Experiences give you the opportunity to explore innovative solutions up close through live demonstrations at IPG Automotive’s Karlsruhe office.
The Gartenhalle Karlsruhe is easily accessible by public transport and by car:
- Subway/tram: Stop “Kongresszentrum”
- Car: Parking is available in the Messe Karlsruhe underground garage (subject to a fee)
There are several hotels in various price categories nearby. Recommended options include:
- Novotel Karlsruhe City
- IntercityHotel Karlsruhe
- Schlosshotel Karlsruhe
- ibis Hotel Karlsruhe
- Premier Inn Karlsruhe City Am Wasserturm Hotel
Yes, the Gartenhalle Karlsruhe is barrier-free.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available during the event.
Yes, a cloakroom is available on site for your convenience.
Yes, photos and videos may be taken during the event for documentation and marketing purposes.
IPG Automotive GmbH
Fautenbruchstraße 46
76137 Karlsruhe