AutoTech 2026
June 2-4, 2026
Vibe Credit Union ShowplaceNovi, MI

Celebrate the automotive technology industry’s brightest minds, groundbreaking products and visionary companies all in one place!

The 2026 AutoTech Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the automotive industry, recognizing companies and products that are shaping the future of mobility. The awards highlight advancements in AI, connectivity, software, and transformative technologies, all of which are critical to enabling and monetizing the connected car ecosystem.

Taking place on June 2nd, and combined with the Wards 10 Best Awards for the first time, the evening underscores how excellence and innovation drives new revenue streams and enhances the experience and safety of connected vehicles.

2026 Categories & Awards

Automaker of the Year Award

Company Category

Recognizes the automotive manufacturer that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in innovation, sustainability, and market impact through groundbreaking vehicle designs, production strategies, or business achievements over the past year.

Sponsored by Sonatus

Tier-1 of the Year Award

Company Category

Celebrates the top Tier-1 supplier that has delivered transformative technologies, components, or services that have significantly advanced automaker capabilities and industry progress.

Automaker AI Excellence Award

Company Category

Recognizes automakers that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in integrating AI technologies to enhance vehicle innovation, operational efficiency, or customer experience.

Automotive-Tech Partnership Award

Company Category

Recognizes the most impactful collaboration between an automaker and one or more companies that has led to the development of a groundbreaking automotive technology, product, or service.

Connectivity Leader Award

Company Category

Recognizes the company that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing vehicle connectivity and communication systems, enabling seamless integration, enhanced safety, and improved user experiences through innovative technologies.

Software Leader Award

Company Category

Celebrates the company that has shown outstanding leadership in developing cutting-edge software solutions that drive vehicle functionality, automation, and user experience, setting new benchmarks for innovation and industry progress.

Semiconductor & Hardware Excellence Award

Product & Service Category

Recognizes groundbreaking semiconductor or hardware solutions that enable foundational advancements in automotive performance, power efficiency, or system integration.

In-Vehicle Experience Award

Product & Service Category

Honors the most innovative product or service that enhances the user experience within the vehicle cabin, focusing on comfort, entertainment, and intuitive design.

ADAS & Safety Technology Award

Product & Service Category

Recognizes the most advanced product or service that directly improves vehicle safety or driver assistance systems, with a focus on real-time functionality and accident prevention.

Cloud & Data Solutions Award

Product & Service Category

Celebrates the leading product or service that leverages cloud computing and data analytics to optimize vehicle operations, fleet management, or predictive maintenance.

Testing & Validation Excellence Award

Product & Service Category

Highlights the most innovative product or service dedicated to ensuring the reliability, compliance, and performance of automotive technologies through rigorous testing and validation processes.

Cybersecurity Excellence Award

Product & Service Category

Recognizes the most effective solution specifically designed to protect automotive systems, networks, and data from cyber threats, with an emphasis on proactive threat detection and mitigation.

AutoTech Awards 2025 Winners

AutoTech Awards 2025 Shortlist

Automotive Rising Star

Sharmishta Roy

Software Engineering Leader,
Ford Motor Company

Nandita Mangal

Vehicle Feature Owner,
Aptiv

Matt Jones

Executive Director,
Ford Motor Company

Automotive Woman of the Year (In Partnership with Women Automotive Network)

Deanna Lorincz

Global Director, Communications, Marketing, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,
Martinrea International

Kelly Brown

Global Development Performance and Regulation Vice President,
Stellantis

Maria Anhalt

Chief Executive Officer,
Elektrobit