Hyundai Mobis is launching its first open innovation center, ‘M.Cube' in Silicon Valley of the US to make a full-fledged commitment to source and invest in startups possessing new technologies for future vehicles such as self-driving. Also, the company will expand its research branch in Shenzhen, China into M.Cube by adding an investment role to it. M.Cube embodies the company's commitment to open innovation activities, creativity and incubation. The M.Cube that is being readied to launch in Shenzhen next year will become its base with a focus on AI and Big Data. Hyundai Mobis is expecting, together with Chinese startups, to secure core technologies for autonomous driving and connectivity optimized for the local market. Shenzhen, which used to be the Chinese mecca of manufacturing industry and has now been transformed into the hub of the 4th industrial revolution, is considered as the best place to discover outstanding startups. Hyundai Mobis believes that M.Cube will be a win-win for both itself and startups. The company will invest in startups possessing creative ideas, and startups can explore their growth potential with the help of the company's expertise in core auto components and infrastructure. Hyundai Mobis M.Cube is strengthening its strategic collaboration with Hyundai CRADLE. Through this, it plans to make around a dozen investments in global startups by next year. Hyundai CRADLE focuses on integration between technologies for future vehicles such as mobility service and smart city and finished vehicles, and M.Cube on investments in startups that possess core technologies such as self-driving and connectivity. It is a strategy where they will establish a value chain that starts from core technologies, auto components, finished vehicles to future vehicles, and increase investment efficiency. Hyundai Mobis will expand its investment in startups by collaborating with Hyundai CRADLE in areas where M.Cube has not been established such as Israel, Europe and Asia. In particular, Israel has many startups that are strong in areas such as vehicle security and sensors, and support from the government and universities there is abundant. In France and Northern Europe, where entrepreneurial activities per capita are higher, auto component and mobility startups are expected to be the main investment targets.

The company has appointed as the head of M.Cube Dr. Sean Ryu, who has more than 20 years of experience in startup investments in the US, and will continue to expand the organization.