The mobile industry association, the GSMA, and the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium (AECC) have signed a formal agreement to work together to help the automotive industry bring new connected vehicle services to market faster, utilising the full functionality of 5G mobile networks.

The two industry organisations will ensure interoperable and compatible technologies exist across a diverse range of connected vehicle platforms, enabled by the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.

The collaboration aims to unlock the full potential of connected vehicle services and accelerate the adoption of next-generation automotive technologies, by ensuring common technology standards exist so developers can more easily access operator networks and edge computing functionality, wherever they are in the world.

The AECC will work with GSMA Fusion, a new enterprise-focused, buyer-led initiative enabled by GSMA Open Gateway, to help the automotive sector voice what it needs from connectivity providers to digitally transform and monetise their operations.

By connecting the automotive industry and developers, with operators and technology partners, GSMA Fusion and AECC aim to help the automotive industry create new services, that utilise connectivity and that add value and improve customer experiences for drivers and passengers.

The collaboration will also help accelerate conversations between automotive manufacturers, mobile operators and developers and create and trial new use cases. For example, by ensuring better interoperability between open advanced networks and 5G connectivity there is an opportunity to bring new connected and autonomous vehicle services to market.

Likewise, automotive and mobile operators are already trialling application programmable interfaces (APIs), such as Quality on Demand, to bring to market new in-vehicle services for passengers as well as driver assistance, green mobility and edge AI services.

Key to this will be the GSMA Open Gateway initiative which aligns operators and technology channel partners in engaging enterprise developers, so they can more easily access network capabilities through APIs.

More than 64 mobile operator groups representing 277 networks and three quarters of mobile connections globally now participate in the initiative alongside many of the world’s leading technology companies.

To inaugurate the partnership, the GSMA Fusion team on Wednesday 23rd October spoke at Automotive Edge Computing Consortium’s All Member Meeting in Berlin, Germany at Weltwirtschaft am HKW.

Alongside the GSMA, industry leaders such as Toyota, Ericsson, KDDI and Oracle discussed and demonstrated the latest innovations in automotive technology such as flexible and differentiated connectivity through telecoms APIs, vehicle teleoperation in immersive digital twin, and operation of service-oriented vehicle diagnostics.

Henry Calvert, Head of Networks at GSMA, said: “Through the GSMA Fusion initiative, the automotive sector now has a seat at the table to voice what it requires from the telecommunications sector. Advanced connectivity and edge computing create tremendous opportunities to digitally transform the industry, helping it enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability, while driving innovation in autonomous driving and next-generation mobility.

“We look forward to working closely with the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium and mobility sector to understand their needs and ensure the mobile industry helps them deliver new digital innovations for drivers and passengers, consistently across markets, regionally globally.”

AECC President and Chair Dr. Ryokichi Onishi, Principal Engineer and General Manager at Toyota Motor Corporation said: “We are excited to formalize this partnership with the GSMA and join forces to accelerate the automotive industry’s digital transformation. By leveraging the full potential of 5G networks and edge computing through interoperable technologies, we can unlock new connected vehicle services and enhance the driving experience.

“Our collaboration with GSMA Open Gateway and GSMA Fusion is a pivotal step in aligning the automotive and mobile industries, enabling innovation in various intelligent in-vehicle services, driver assistance, green mobility and edge AI services.”

The announcement builds on a recent agreement between AECC and the Linux Foundation’s CAMARA Project, a key partner in the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.

Google has launched the Growth Academy AI for Cybersecurity program designed to support startups using artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity. 

This opportunity offers startups the chance to acquire the necessary tools, skills, and international strategies to scale their business, all while being mentored by experts from Google and other key players.

This three-month hybrid programme will help participants expand their global reach and develop responsibly within the growing cybersecurity market.

Benefits

Startups accepted into the programme will experience a range of benefits:

• Equity-free support: Participants receive three months of mentorship and resources without needing to give up any equity in their company.
• Custom mentoring: Startups will be paired with industry experts who provide tailored advice in areas such as technology, strategy, and leadership.
• Strategic guidance: Startups will be supported in their company’s growth strategy, helping them scale through the competitive cybersecurity space.
• Global expansion opportunities: Participants will learn how to scale their business internationally, with guidance from mentors and Google teams.
• Networking opportunities: Founders will have the opportunity to connect with peers and build a solid network of industry contacts.

Eligibility 

Startups interested in joining the Growth Academy’s AI for Cybersecurity programme must meet the following criteria:

• Startup stage: Only early-stage startups (Seed to Series A) aiming to scale internationally are eligible.
• AI in cybersecurity: Startups must utilise AI to tackle issues such as cybersecurity prevention, protection, threat analysis, and research.
• Proven traction: Applicants must demonstrate their progress through user growth, revenue, or funding.
• Scalability: Startups must have a product or service with a large addressable market and a sustainable growth model.

How to Apply

Startups can apply by visiting the official programme webpage and completing the application form before the deadline on 3rd December 2024. Successful applicants will be notified in March 2025, with the Google AI for Cybersecurity program running from March to June 2025.

This is an excellent opportunity for cybersecurity-focused startups to gain insights, support, and resources to drive their innovation to the next level.

The 2024 MTN Foundation scholarship awards ceremony recently took place in Enugu, Lagos and Abuja, where recipients across the country were awarded the prestigious MTN Foundation scholarship.

Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation

The three-fold event reiterates MTN’s commitment to ensuring inclusive education in the country by providing financial support to deserving students. Since 2012, 4,949 lives have been transformed through the MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme.

Here are 6 key takeaways from the events:

1. 2 Decades of Impact: MTN Nigeria Foundation has been actively supporting Nigeria education for 20 years, with focus on youth and community development. Since inception, 4,949 lives have been transformed through the MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme.

2. N300,000 Annual Scholarship: Each awarded scholar will receive an annual scholarship grant of N300,000, which covers tuition, book allowance, and stipend. This grant is renewed annually till graduation as long as the student continually meets the required benchmark. In 2024, the annual scholarship award amount was increased from N200,000 to N300,000 to further assist the students scale through their academics.

3. Diversity and Inclusion: Till date, MTN Foundation has awarded scholarships to a diverse range of students under its scholarship schemes – Science & Technology Scholarship (STSS) and Scholarship for the Blind Students (SBSS). In 2020, the UTME scholarship was added to the category, where the top 10 scoring candidates of UTME as announced by JAMB, automatically qualify for the top 10 UTME scholarship irrespective of their preferred course of study or tertiary institution.

4. Skill Acquisition: Beyond the financial commitment offered to the awardees as part of the scholarship scheme, scholars are given the opportunity to earn professional skills through learning from professional bodies and are certified thereof.

5. Breaking Barriers with MTN’s ‘W@Y Initiative’: At the Lagos State awards ceremony, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, highlighted some achievements of the ‘Women at Y’ello’ initiative over the years. The ‘W@Y’ initiative, which is driven solely by female employees at MTN, also committed to providing financial support to 12 outstanding university students in their final year.

6. Achievements of an Alumni: One of the highlights of the event was when Ajah Excel, MTN Foundation scholarship alumni, took the stage highlighting his role as the convener of the Social Media Fest (SMFest), an annual social networking event aimed at bringing together creatives across Nigeria to inspire growth and assist them in leveraging the digital economy to access global opportunities. He encouraged the young scholars to strive for greatness and actively seek out opportunities within their environment, while also expressing gratitude to the MTN Foundation for its ongoing commitment to supporting youth education. He also noted that the MTN has pledged its support for the Social Media Fest (SMFest).

At the award ceremonies, the newly awarded scholars received the scholarship grant of N300,000. This will be paid annually till their respective graduation years as long as they maintain the required Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Furthermore, the scholarship covers tuition, book allowance as well as stipend.

The three events had in attendance several key personalities including the MTN Foundation executives, some university Vice chancellors as well as education commissioners across the federation.