SMART PROTOTYPES SUMMIT 2026

BEYOND ZERO: WELCOME TO THE SMART ERA

May 19-22, 2026
VI-grade SimCenter, Udine, Italy

Event Starts In

40

Days

11

Hours

43

Minutes

2

Seconds

Secure Your Seat View Speakers

Early bird pricing ends March 15th

Discover the 2026 Smart Prototypes Summit

The Smart Prototypes Summit is a three-day international event hosted by HBK and VI-grade, dedicated to innovation in vehicle development. Held May 19 – 21, 2026 at the VI-grade SimCenter in Udine, Italy, it builds on the legacy of the Zero Prototypes Summit and brings together engineers, OEMs, suppliers, research institutes, and industry leaders to showcase how “smart” prototypes integrate virtual and physical testing, simulation, measurement tools, and data to speed up the development of smarter, more sustainable, high-performance vehicles.

The event features technical presentations, live demos of advanced technologies – such as driving simulators and virtual engineering platforms – interactive training sessions, user meetings, and exclusive networking with HBK and VI-grade automotive experts and innovators.

View Full Agenda Meet the Speakers
Tech Summit
May 19-21, 2026

Global Networking

Meet peers, partners, and industry leaders shaping the future of mobility

Engineering Mobility, Live

Expert talks, demos, and hands-on training

Sarah Johnson

"Our job is to bring virtual and physical together, to really create a closed-loop innovation environment."

Ben Bryson HBK PRESIDENT

About the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026

The Smart Prototypes Summit brings together engineers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the latest innovations in vehicle development. From virtual validation and driving simulators to advanced testing solutions, the summit offers hands-on demos, technical sessions, and interactive workshops designed to inspire collaboration and accelerate innovation in mobility.

Join peers and experts from around the world to exchange knowledge, experience cutting-edge technology, and shape the future of automotive development.

View Full Agenda Meet Our Speakers

3

DAYS OF INTENSIVE LEARNING AND NETWORKING

500+

EXPECTED ATTENDEES

35

CUTTING-EDGE PAPERS

20

DEMO EXPERIENCES

Who Should Attend?

For professionals shaping the future of vehicle development and testing.

Automotive Engineers

Design, testing, and development professionals

NVH & Dynamics Experts

Ride, noise, vibration, and vehicle dynamics specialists

ADAS & HMI Professionals

Advanced driver assistance and human–machine interface teams

Powertrain & EV Engineers

Electric and conventional powertrain testing

R&D & Product Managers

Innovation leaders shaping vehicle development

Simulation & Test Users

HiL, SiL, and driving simulator practitioners

Program and Proceedings

Official program - May 19-21, 2026

Get the Complete Schedule

Download the full agenda as PDF or add events to your calendar

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General Admission

$ 149 /ticket

3-Day Access

  • Access to all conference sessions
  • Welcome reception networking
  • Coffee breaks and lunch included
  • Digital conference materials
  • Certificate of attendance
Register Now

250 tickets remaining

Most Popular

VIP Experience

$ 299 /ticket

3-Day Premium Access

  • All General Admission benefits
  • Reserved front row seating
  • Exclusive VIP networking lounge
  • Meet & greet with keynote speakers
  • Premium swag bag worth $150
  • Private dinner with industry leaders
Get VIP Access

Limited to 50 attendees

Student Pass

$149 $ 79 /ticket

3-Day Student Access

  • All conference sessions access
  • Student networking events
  • Career fair participation
  • Mentorship program eligibility
  • Student resource kit
Student Registration

Valid student ID required

Event Venue
Main Venue

VI-grade SimCenter

Via Galileo Galilei 42, 33010 Tavagnacco (UD)

The Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 will be hosted at the VI‑grade SimCenter in Udine, Italy, a leading simulation and vehicle development hub. This state‑of‑the‑art facility features professional driving simulators, real‑time simulation platforms, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop systems, enabling hands‑on testing, demonstrations, and collaborative innovation across vehicle dynamics, NVH, ADAS, HMI, and more.

500+ Capacity
High-Speed WiFi
Shuttle Service
Fully Accessible
Get Directions Nearby Hotels

Venue Location

By Air

The nearest airport is Trieste Airport (TRS), approximately 45 minutes away. A shuttle service from selected hotels to the VI-grade SimCenter and back will be provided for all attendees.

By Train

Udine Train Station is about 15 minutes from the SimCenter. A round-trip shuttle service from partner hotels to the VI-grade SimCenter will be available throughout the event.

By Car

Easily accessible via the A23 motorway (Udine Nord exit). On-site parking is not available, but a round-trip shuttle service from selected hotels to the VI-grade SimCenter will be provided.

Recommended Accommodations

Là Di Moret
Là Di Moret
Viale Tricesimo 276, 33100 Udine, Italy
From €99/night
Hotel Friuli
Hotel Friuli
Viale Ledra 24, 33100 Udine, Italy
From €100/night
Best Western Hotel Continental
Best Western Hotel Continental
Via Tricesimo 71, 33100 Udine, Italy
From €114/night
Ambassador Palace Hotel
Ambassador Palace Hotel
Via Giosuè Carducci 46, 33100 Udine, Italy
From €119/night