Hitachi Automotive Systems has announced a partnership for collaboration with Plug and Play, a global innovation platform that brings together the best start-ups with the world’s largest corporations. Through this collaboration, Hitachi Automotive Systems will strengthen connections with leading start-ups in the mobility space including autonomous driving and connected cars, and accelerate its innovation capabilities.

Based in Silicon Valley in the US, Plug and Play has offices in over 20 locations globally and has developed accelerator programs and corporate innovation services. Plug and Play has developed a unique ecosystem of start-ups and entrepreneurs and runs accelerator programs across a range of industries including mobility, IoT, supply chain and logistics, and smart cities.

Hitachi Automotive Systems chief technology officer, Dr Kimiya Yamaashi, said: “We are very excited about this collaboration. As a global automotive system integrator and key component supplier, we supply a range of technologies that are enabling a shift towards autonomous driving and electrification, such as on-board controllers, sensor systems, high power motors, high efficiency invertors, and high precision sensors. Our aim is to contribute to a sustainable mobility society by enhancing our capabilities through business tie-ups with unique start-ups that possess various technologies and insights. We believe this collaboration with Plug and Play will help to strengthen these connections and bring new opportunities for co-development.”

“We’re excited to welcome Hitachi Automotive Systems to our ecosystem. Working with them will help us drive forward innovation in the mobility area,” said Sobhan Khani, VP of Plug and Play’s Mobility programs.