In this edition of our Meet the SDV Committers series, we spotlight Elena Gantner, committer to the Eclipse S-CORE project and an emerging voice in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) space. From her beginnings as a backend developer to her current role working on vehicle diagnostics at Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation GmbH, Elena brings a fresh perspective to the evolving landscape of automotive software. We caught up with her to discuss the challenges of bridging legacy automotive systems with modern development practices, the benefits of open collaboration within the Eclipse SDV Working Group, and her vision for the future of in-vehicle software.
When and how did you start your career in automotive?
My career in automotive began with my employment at Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation GmbH in the summer of 2022. At first, I started there as a backend developer but quickly moved on to car software and automotive technology. Since 2023 I’m mostly working on vehicle diagnostics.
What’s currently the biggest challenge for SDVs?
In my view, the greatest challenge we face in SDV lies in bridging the divide between the traditional world – characterised by classic ECUs and established processes for developing and securing automotive software – and the modern paradigm of software development, which emphasises rapid delivery and iterative improvement. Successfully navigating this transition, while maintaining the stability and safety of the software, presents a significant challenge.
What has been your #1 benefit of being involved in the Eclipse SDV Working Group?
In general, I believe that engaging with other industry professionals and fostering open dialogue about the challenges we all face today is essential. For me personally, it is also highly rewarding to contribute to what I consider the future of modern automobiles.
What would be your one-sentence pitch to contribute to Eclipse S-CORE?
Why should every company reinvent the fundamental components of car software when we could instead concentrate on delivering greater value to our customers?
How would you describe Eclipse SDV in three hashtags?
#futureofcarsoftware #workingtogether #drivethefuture
Did you know that Eclipse S-CORE is at the heart of a new collaboration among 11 leading automotive companies, endorsed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)? Read the VDA's press release to learn more, and visit the Eclipse S-CORE website to get involved!
