Hyundai Motor Group opened an innovation center it has named ‘Hyundai Cradle’ in California’s Silicon Valley on 15 November. The center will engage in research on and development of future technologies and is an expansion of Hyundai Ventures, the Group’s first overseas office focusing on ventures and innovation.
Hyundai Cradle is planning to pursue innovation in future core technologies such as AI, mobility and connected services, automated driving, smart cities, and robotics. In particular, the new center will aim to support new businesses by focusing on boosting synergy between robotics and future mobility convergence. The center will cultivate Korean startups through investment and joint development activities. Korean startups seeking to get into Silicon Valley will also be eligible for support.
Hyundai Motor Group is investing significantly in Silicon Valley due to the many innovative global IT companies there, such as the R&D centers of major automakers like Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, etc.
A spokesperson from Hyundai Motor Group stated that “automated driving, which is being developed in Silicon Valley, is a foundation technology for cars of the future. AI and robotics are crucial for development of automotive and mobility services. The Group is planning to build more centers in other innovative countries such as Israel.”