Thanks to this success, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava has joined the ranks of internationally recognized institutions contributing to the global development of modern directions in the automotive industry.
“This award confirms that the work and enthusiasm for innovation of people at our university bring results of global significance. Our researchers, as well as students who collaborate with them, are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive industry. At the same time, they contribute to the reputation of our technical university,” said Igor Ivan, Rector of VSB – Technical University of Ostrava.
The award-winning technologies were developed at VSB-TUO in cooperation with VALEO as part of the REFRESH project. These include the second-generation Drive-by-Wire Interface system for vehicle control and the comprehensive “Valeo Ray” sensory system for monitoring surroundings and collecting so-called perception data — both key technologies for experimental development vehicles.
The company autinno, which received the Self-Driving Industry Award 2025, focuses on manufacturing, distribution, and servicing of these systems and defines research and development requirements for VSB-TUO.
“For us, the award is proof that our product brings value to the European autonomous mobility sector. Our partner VALEO and the Mobility Lab team at VSB-TUO, including talented students, deserve great credit for this. Our work has a real impact and delivers results we can be proud of. I believe it opens doors to new opportunities and partnerships in pilot operations and deployments,” added Petr Šimoník, Vice-Dean for Industrial Cooperation and Commercialization at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB-TUO, and Managing Director of autinno.
The second-generation Drive-by-Wire Interface is an auxiliary system that ensures full vehicle controllability, including comfort functions and the car’s display. The technology enables both control by onboard integrated computing and control systems as well as remote operation of mass-produced vehicles.
The “Valeo Ray” sensory system is a roof-mounted monitoring platform composed of cameras, laser scanners, a precise positioning unit, and other electronic components for image processing, 3D object tracking, and monitoring of general driving conditions.
The autinno team received the Self-Driving Industry Award 2025 in the Research category. The competition, organized by the professional magazine Cars of the Future in the United Kingdom, aims to highlight outstanding achievements in the field of automated mobility of European significance.
Neil Kennett, editor of Cars of the Future, stated on behalf of the Self-Driving Industry Awards 2025 jury: “We were delighted to present the 2025 Research Award to autinno, which plays a key role in introducing autonomous vehicles in Central Europe and beyond. The company designs and manufactures Drive-by-Wire interfaces and perception sensor systems that are now widely used in academia and by Tier-1 suppliers, providing essential R&D support to accelerate innovation and maintain an open European market.”
autinno s.r.o. is a university spin-off founded in 2022 by researchers from VSB-TUO, with financial benefits for the university derived from autinno’s commercial activities. The company utilizes and develops VSB-TUO’s research, development, and innovation outcomes, aiming to expand advanced modern automotive technologies among strategic partners. It manufactures, distributes, and services licensed and original products, primarily for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and Tier-1 suppliers, giving them a significant competitive advantage in the market. The company contributes to transforming European autonomous driving development through its proprietary Drive-by-Wire interface and custom-designed, sophisticated sensor systems.
See the results of the Self-Driving Industry Awards 2025 here.