From Capture-the-Flag to real-world insights
A deep-dive day for 42 Heilbronn talents at Abstatt: In a joint event hosted by Bosch Engineering and ETAS, 42 Heilbronn talents got exclusive insights into automotive software development and real-world test environments.
Inspiring the next generation of automotive innovators
On April 9, 2025, ETAS and Bosch Engineering GmbH jointly welcomed two winning teams of the Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge from 42 Heilbronn to an exclusive student event at our Abstatt campus. With the goal of deepening talent engagement, participants enjoyed a rich blend of technical insights and a behind-the-scenes look into the automotive development world.
Highlights
Hands-on insights into automotive software
From open-source fundamentals to AUTOSAR and Rust – students explored the technologies shaping tomorrow’s mobility.
Behind-the-scenes tech tour
Led by our colleague, students toured climate chambers, test benches, and innovation spaces, gaining real-world impressions of how we test and validate automotive software.
Personal exchange with experts
In an intimate setting, students connected directly with software and automotive professionals from ETAS and Bosch Engineering – sparking technical curiosity and career inspiration.
Opening insights: ETAS and Bosch Engineering
The day began with a joint introduction to the host companies. Students gained a better understanding of the role both ETAS and Bosch Engineering play in shaping the software-defined vehicle (SDV) landscape and how their contributions support innovation in automotive cybersecurity.
"Events like this give us the chance to connect with students on a deeper level – not just to present what we do, but to connect with the people who shape the future. These moments of exchange are what truly shape future collaboration."
Talk #1 – Open Source Software in Automotive
The first presentation gave students a reality check on the role of open source in today’s vehicles. With statements like “Open Source is eating software faster than software is eating the world,” the presenter underscored the scale and relevance of open source in the industry. Key insights included:
- 94% of all software today contains open source components
- 99% of software involves open source in the supply chain
- Around 150 million lines of code power the modern vehicle
- Roughly 70% of that code is non-differentiating
The session also introduced the Eclipse Automotive Framework, Automotive Working Groups, and SDV Alliance – illustrating the ecosystem that drives collaboration in the industry.
Talk #2 – Introduction to AUTOSAR
The second lecture provided an overview of AUTOSAR as the industry standard for embedded automotive systems. Students learned about both the Classic and Adaptive Platforms, the importance of automotive-grade safety and security, and how APIs connect vehicles to the cloud.
The message was clear: AUTOSAR continues to evolve and remains a key enabler for software-defined mobility.
Talk #3 – Rust & AUTOSAR Classic
The third session introduced Rust as a modern programming language with growing relevance in the automotive space. Key benefits highlighted:
- Built-in memory safety
- Less dependence on MISRA
- Enhanced developer productivity
- Potential integration across the AUTOSAR software stack
The goal: leverage Rust’s strengths to enhance both security and performance in future mobility solutions.
Campus tour – From innovation labs to extreme conditions
Following the lectures, students took part in an inspiring site tour – beginning on the Plaza and continuing through key test environments:
- Cold chambers: 8 chambers simulating extreme temperatures from -35°C to +35°C
- Cold-rolling and powertrain test benches supporting high-speed testing up to 310 km/h
- NVH lab: Acoustic measurements in realistic driving conditions
- InnoWorX area: A creative collaboration zone to drive agile project work
Each stop gave students a hands-on impression of how automotive software and hardware are validated under real-world conditions.
The result: New perspectives, stronger bonds
The event offered students valuable insights, meaningful connections with experts, and an authentic glimpse into the world of automotive development. At the same time, it supported ETAS’ long-term goal of strengthening ties with emerging talent and positioning itself as a future employer of choice in cybersecurity and automotive software.
Impressions
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