Keynote: Certifying the Uncertifiable? How Eclipse S-CORE Makes Open Source Fit for Safe Mobility

Open-source software is increasingly shaping the future of software-defined vehicles — yet compliance with automotive standards such as ISO 26262 remains a fundamental challenge. This keynote explores how open development models can be combined with rigorous, auditable engineering processes to achieve safety- and compliance-ready software at scale. Using Eclipse S-CORE as a concrete example, the talk illustrates how clearly defined roles, governance structures, and process discipline turn shared code into certifiable middleware. The session offers practical insights into how compliance can be engineered into open-source projects — without sacrificing transparency, collaboration, or speed.

About the Speaker

Dr. Nico Hartmann is CTO of Qorix GmbH. He draws from his over 25 years of experience in Automotive electronics and software. Coming from an electronics and software system engineering background acquired at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology he started at Mercedes-Benz in chassis system integration and validation. With SOP programs delivered in chassis, powertrain, infotainment and body systems he has a broad knowledge of EE system architectures. Working with many OEMs and Tier-1s through his role as Head of Electronics Engineering in Mercedes-Benz Technologies, AKKA and EDAG Engineering Nico is familiar with the development systems of the industry. In his last role he was responsible for the entire software development in corporate R&D at ZF Friedrichshafen AG, deeply involved in ASIL-D compliant middleware development and stacks.

Privately, Nico is an enthusiastic sailor and likes to interact with different cultures and languages while travelling the world.