The CREATE conference at S2S26 explores the technologies transforming intelligent, connected and software-defined systems.

Across seven expert-led sessions, it brings together perspectives from semiconductors, software, automotive, defence, energy and advanced engineering.

Topics range from next-generation SoCs, system security and functional safety to resilient PNT, AI, robotics and vehicle-to-grid technology.

Together, the sessions highlight how collaboration across the technology stack can accelerate innovation and build safer, more resilient future systems.

Software Defined Product

Software Defined Products are reshaping the future of mobility, creating new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and competitive advantage across the automotive sector. With world-class capability in AI, a strong heritage in software development and systems integration, and a vibrant ecosystem of international suppliers based in the UK, this session will offer timely insight into one of the industry’s most important areas of transformation.

Hosted by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which is supporting the growth of Software Defined Vehicle capability through initiatives including DRIVE35 and CAM Pathfinder, the session will bring together expert perspectives from NXP, Siemens and Vector. Join us to explore the opportunities ahead, the trends shaping the future, and the challenges the industry is working together to navigate.

System Security & Resilience

As vehicles, machines and connected systems become increasingly software-defined, security must extend beyond traditional cyber protection. This session explores the shared challenge of building trust and resilience across the digital ecosystem — from synthetic media detection and identity protection to secure vehicle computing and SBOM-enabled supply chain assurance.

Hosted by the University of Swansea, the session will bring together experts from the University of Michigan, Secure Elements and JCB to share perspectives on managing risk, reducing vulnerability and supporting the safe deployment of future mobility and machinery platforms. Join us to consider how digital trust, intrusion detection and supply chain transparency can strengthen system security and resilience.

Advanced Next Gen SOC

Vehicles and intelligent systems demand ever greater compute performance. Next-generation silicon is becoming a critical enabler of safety, efficiency and innovation. This session explores the shift from traditional scaling to more holistic approaches to chip design, where verification, energy-efficient architectures and optimised data movement are central to building trustworthy and scalable systems.

Bringing together perspectives on automotive SoC verification, domain-specific acceleration, advanced packaging and AI-enabled design automation, the session will highlight how complexity is reshaping the economics of assurance and performance. Join us to consider how tooling, talent and new design methods can help the UK ecosystem keep pace with the demands of advanced semiconductor innovation.

Applications for resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT)

As reliance on satellite-based positioning, navigation and timing becomes an increasing point of vulnerability, resilient PNT is emerging as a critical capability for national security, infrastructure and future mobility. This session will explore how quantum-enabled timing and sensing technologies can strengthen assurance, improve operational resilience and support accurate navigation where conventional signals may be unavailable, degraded or contested.

Opening with insight from the UK’s quantum-enabled PNT research community at the University of Glasgow, the session will connect emerging technology with real-world defence, maritime and industrial robotics applications. A fireside chat will then examine the shared challenges and opportunities across sectors, and consider the role quantum can play in building more robust, independent and trusted PNT capability for the systems and services of the future.

AI, Automation & Robotics

This session will explore how digital engineering, AI-enabled autonomy, simulation, and testing are accelerating the development of intelligent and autonomous systems. Industry experts will share practical insights into improving system performance, reducing integration risks, and building confidence in increasingly complex technologies.

Hosted by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), with speakers from JLR, Leonardo, QMUL, IPG and QinetiQ, we will highlight advances in sensing, robotics, and autonomous applications across defence, space, agriculture, and automotive sectors. Attendees will gain an overview of emerging technologies, real-world applications, and the strategic direction of autonomy and CAM in the UK.

V2G – Moving Power

V2G links transport electrification with flexible energy systems, enabling vehicles to store, move and return power to support grid resilience and lower-carbon mobility. This session explores the system levels behind V2G, from infrastructure integration to power conversion, controls and enabling electronics.

Hosted by Cenex, with contributions from Apricity, Motion Applied, Ricardo and Vishay, the session connects low carbon transport, electrification engineering and component-level power electronics, linking system opportunities with the practical technologies that make power movement possible.

Functional Safety – from semiconductor to systems

Functional safety is critical across the full technology stack, from semiconductor IP and embedded software to system assurance. Hosted by MISRA, this session explores how standards, design discipline and verification evidence support safe, dependable systems.

With contributions from Codasip and LDRA, the discussion connects processor design, software assurance and compliance practice, spanning configurable RISC-V technology, verification, validation, traceability and evidence for certification.