Find the ‘killer app’ in the car... Hyundai Motor and Kia launch contest with 51 million won in prize money

[Financial News] Hyundai Motor and Kia are opening their doors to external developers to expand the in-car software (SW) ecosystem. They aim to encourage the development of new apps using vehicle data and are even considering commercializing standout ideas as actual in-car services. The strategy is to expand cars from simple means of transportation into platforms offering a variety of digital services.
Hyundai Motor and Kia announced on the 21st that they will hold a vehicle app development contest for university and graduate students, general developers, and startups. Following an in-house hackathon held in August, they plan to open participation to external developers and accelerate efforts to build an ecosystem for vehicle app development.
The contest covers a range of services using vehicle data, including in-car entertainment, mobility and lifestyle care, safe driving, and care for families and passengers. Participants will use the software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs) provided on Hyundai Motor Group’s vehicle app development platform, Pleos Playground, to develop apps that can run in actual vehicles.
Applications will be accepted through the 15th of next month on the official website. Individuals or teams of up to five people may apply. After submitting a service proposal, applicants will go through a document review next month, followed by an app demonstration evaluation in December.
Hyundai Motor and Kia will select 10 teams in total for awards including the grand prize, top prize, excellence awards, and special awards, and will present 51 million won in prize money. The winning teams plan to further develop their services, demonstrate them in person at a developer-related event early next year, and operate exhibition booths.
The significance of the contest lies in expanding external developers’ participation from the vehicle development stage. Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to continually improve the development environment for Pleos Playground and consider the possibility of launching standout ideas from the contest as actual services.
A Hyundai Motor and Kia representative said, “This contest is an opportunity for external developers’ creative ideas to be realized as actual in-car services,” adding, “We will continue to support a variety of in-car services using vehicle data and expand the vehicle app ecosystem together with developers.”
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter