Software-Defined Vehicles: BlackBerry Partners with L-SPARK Accelerator [Update]
BlackBerry is a long-standing trusted supplier of high-performance, reliable, and safe software in the automotive and critical IoT markets – with technology in over 215 million vehicles. We believe our purpose in these markets is to support and enable the development of safer, more secure, scalable, as well as more reliable vehicles and IoT devices.
To continue to push the frontier of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), we established a top-tier accelerator program with L-SPARK, Canada’s largest software-as-a-service (SaaS) accelerator, with an aim to grow Canadian tech companies focused on the development of SDV technologies.
An SDV manages operations, as well as enables new features and functionality almost entirely through onboard software. Some of these features are critical to safety, like braking or steering, while others might be less crucial, like adjusting the radio or interior lighting. (See our Ultimate Guide to Software-Defined Vehicles for a closer look at SDVs).
Trailblazers Pushing the Boundaries of SDV Technology
The program will receive its third cohort this year, but what’s special this time is that these companies will have access to the BlackBerry intelligent vehicle data platform – BlackBerry IVY™. BlackBerry IVY is a scalable, cloud-connected software platform that allows automakers to provide a consistent and secure way to read vehicle sensor data, normalize it, and create actionable insights from that data both locally in the vehicle and in the cloud.
By using BlackBerry IVY, these innovators will be able to deliver next-gen SDV use cases following the theme of improving driver and passenger experiences.
The four companies selected for this special BlackBerry IVY-focused accelerator program with L-SPARK represent the very best of the Canadian smart mobility ecosystem. Each company brings with them a ton of talent, innovative technology, and a drive to deliver high-impact, data-driven services, and solutions that will one day transform the in-car experience.
Deeplite provides an artificial intelligence (AI) inference optimization platform for the millions of developers struggling to deploy edge-AI to products in vehicles, smart cities, 5G IoT, and the things we use every day by making smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient AI.
Raven Connected provides a comprehensive video telematics platform that incorporates an array of sensors, communication modules, and direct connection to the vehicle’s onboard computer to capture images, video, and other data elements. These components are incorporated into machine learning (ML) and AI models to generate real-time insights into vehicle performance, driving behaviors, road conditions, and pedestrian safety.
Sensor Cortek uses deep neural networks to develop advanced embedded AI-based perception systems enabling reliable understanding of real-world environments. The company creates intelligent software solutions with a focus on advanced driver assistance and autonomous vehicles.
Wedge Networks is a cybersecurity software vendor specializing in intelligent real-time threat prevention. With numerous patents, awards, and peer-reviewed machine learning publications, Wedge’s intelligent, constantly evolving and learning threat prevention platform protects millions of connected devices - including connected and autonomous vehicles and intelligent transportation systems. Wedge Networks is an existing OEM customer of CylancePROTECT® by BlackBerry.
“The BlackBerry L-SPARK Accelerator has not only propelled connected vehicle technology forward, but has paved the way for collaboration and partnership between the participating companies and BlackBerry,” said Leo Lax, Executive Managing Director at L-SPARK. “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of innovation in the connected vehicle technology space alongside the incredible team at BlackBerry for the third consecutive year.”
