ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab Israel Ltd commenced operation at the beginning of 2018 and has since made excellent connections in Tel Aviv's local start-up and tech scene. Together with great partners, the spin-off of the Prague-based ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab - which was set up by ŠKODA AUTO and its Israeli importer, Champion Motors - has been developing a multitude of different digital mobility services as well as IT technologies including innovative hardware and software solutions. In his speech at the Smart Mobility Summit in Tel Aviv, ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier announced that the joint venture has been able to agree on further collaborations in Tel Aviv's start-up scene.

At the Smart Mobility Summit, ŠKODA AUTO CEO Bernhard Maier emphasised, 'The finishing-line photo that we have defined as part of our 2025 Strategy shows ŠKODA as the 'Simply Clever company for the best mobility solutions'. We are pressing ahead with the digital transformation across the entire business and are now also bringing the first projects that we've developed in collaboration with Israeli tech start-ups onto the roads and into our customers' devices.'

At present, the innovation hub is working with several particularly innovative technology companies. Seven of these are already in a concrete project development phase and one is about to launch its products.

Chakratec has developed a kinetic energy storage system that absorbs peak loads in the grid and makes it possible to operate ultra-fast charging stations, even in remote areas. What's more, it also allows for a virtually unlimited number of high-power charge and discharge cycles, and - as it makes use of a mechanical flywheel instead of chemical batteries - this technology is extremely eco-friendly. The Chakratec Kinetic Power Booster is scheduled to be installed in Prague soon.

Guardian Optical Technologies develops sensors based on microwave technology. They detect the smallest of vibrations and movements in the car and process this data in real time. This allows the system for example to identify if a child seat has not been secured properly or if a seat belt has not been fastened correctly.

At the same time, ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab Israel Ltd is continuously pressing ahead with establishing further connections in the local start-up and tech scene. Recently, the company sealed deals on five new collaboration projects: Together with Technical Development at ŠKODA AUTO, Silentium is working on an active noise control system for vehicle cabins to considerably improve the level of comfort while travelling. Neteera is developing an innovative chip located in the driver's seat backrest. From there, it monitors parameters such as breathing and blood pressure, allowing driver fatigue to be detected and an alert to be triggered in a timely manner. ContinUse Biometrics is working on an optical sensor, which keeps track on a variety of different physiological metrics, which enables the system to identify changes in driver competence, health and comfort conditions. Intervyo is opening up new opportunities in a quite different field: the tool makes the job of Human Resources employees easier by checking the applicants' details for their qualities and skills. It can discover individual strengths or any other valuable experiences in their careers that are not listed in their CVs even though they could make an applicant a suitable candidate. The virtual analysis assists in filling vacancies with suitable talent and provides new options. In line with the principles of Industry 4.0, Seebo, on the other hand, offers intelligent solutions for predictive maintenance as well as quality control.

ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab Israel, an Israeli spin-off of ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab Prague Ltd, started its work at the beginning of 2018. Just like the Prague-based lab, it aims to use local knowledge to strengthen ŠKODA AUTO's development expertise in digitalisation. The joint venture with the Israeli ŠKODA importer, Champion Motors, works on innovative ideas, assists ŠKODA AUTO in identifying new hardware and software solutions, and develops products for the individual mobility of the future. The aim is to develop new business models with start-ups that have a certain degree of maturity and technology companies. Hardware innovations as well as the digitalisation of the company and all its company processes are another focus.