PAST CONTEST

Previous contest archive

Propose a service that defines your technological capabilities.

Innovative services from app developers

PV5 customers' daily and work experiences

are improved.

PV5 is a moving platform that supports

mobility service implementation with your software

.

2026 SOLUTION (S/W)

Connect existing app services with vehicles to resolve PBV customer inconveniences.

For this year's Solutions category, we are looking for partners to help pioneer the new market of in-vehicle app stores. Please propose specialized features that can solve real PBV customer problems by utilizing the next-generation infotainment system Pleos Connect SDK.

PLATFORM

Expanding the in-vehicle app experience with Pleos Connect

Pleos Connect

This is the next-generation infotainment system that connects the in-vehicle environment with app services.

Android Automotive OS

Android-based apps and services can be expanded to fit the in-vehicle environment and supported scope.

Pleos Connect SDK

Vehicle-specific features such as vehicle information inquiry and navigation linkage are provided via API.

Pleos Playground

A developer environment for concretizing ideas while reviewing SDK documentation and development tools.

Gleo AI

You can design context-appropriate in-vehicle experiences by leveraging voice commands and interactive interactions.

Pleos App Market

This is an ecosystem that deploys apps to supported vehicle models and regions after undergoing verification and review for vehicle safety and quality.

Learn more about Pleos Connect
AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY

Example of available technologies

The actual scope of provision, permissions, and usage conditions while driving are subject to the supported vehicle models/regions and separate policies.

Vehicle API

Examples utilizing supported vehicle information such as seats, lighting, HVAC, doors, charging status, and cameras

Gleo AI API

Example of conversational interaction using voice commands and TTS/STT

Navihelper

Example linking navigation maps with destination and route information

FOCUS AREAS

Key challenges to address

Please propose features that resolve customer inconveniences by linking PBV vehicle data and functions with existing App services.

Utility

Resolving customer communication inconveniences that constantly occur during driving (such as arrival delays and schedule changes).

Logistics

Addressing decreased work efficiency for delivery drivers due to unexpected situations while driving or stopped.

People with mobility challenges / Children

Solving child safety management tasks for school bus drivers

People with mobility impairments and persons with disabilities

Resolving mobility restrictions caused by difficulties in identifying wheelchair-accessible points and communication breakdowns during driving.

Camping

Resolving energy waste issues caused by the lack of integrated management between vehicle batteries and camping equipment energy during camping.

SUPPORT

Support benefits guide

All support is premised on separate review/negotiation and an assessment of provision feasibility.

Winning marks the beginning of a formal partnership with Kia.

Last year's ideas have

Has become today's business.

The third contest's winning teams are currently
working with Kia on concrete commercialization plans.

A new beginning to find 'partners'

5th PBV Idea Contest 
To find 'partners'

It is a new beginning.

To convert innovative Conversion ideas into actual business

This is an opportunity for partnership with Kia to connect them.

Your ideas into real business

Kia accompanies you through every process of conversion.

The first step to making your vision a reality

The PV5 developers dreamed of

For startups

An ideal mobility platform  

PV5 features standardized interfaces and

a modular structure that supports power and data,

optimizing it for various uses.

The first step to making your vision a reality,

Starts at Kia Headquarters.

The first step to making your vision a reality

PBV Idea Contest
Briefing Session & Networking Event Guide

That cannot be conveyed through online channels alone
Experience Kia's sincerity and the vision of PBV firsthand
Be the first to seize new business opportunities.

EVENT 01 · Briefing Session

We invite representatives and key practitioners from each category.

Scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM

Location:Learning Lab on the 3rd Floor of Hyundai Kia Headquarters

Eligibility: Representatives or key practitioners related to each participating category

EVENT 02 · Networking Event

We invite participants from each category.

Scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM

Location:Startup Venture Campus Seoul (SVC Seoul)

Eligibility: Representatives or key practitioners related to each participating category 및 공모전에 참여하는 모든 General인 포함

Applications are open without participant limits. We will contact selected participants separately after the registration period ends and internal selection.

Beyond a simple contest,

Supports business collaboration with Kia.

5th PBV Idea Contest

Application period: August 18, 2026 (Tue) ~ October 31, 2026 (26.8.18 ~ 10.31)

  1. ConversionTopic:Industry-Specific PV5 Conversion IdeasEligibility: Conversion companiesView Details
  2. Aftermarket AccessoriesTopic:Aftermarket Accessories Ideas to Enhance PV5 Utility and ExpandabilityEligibility: Aftermarket Accessories DevelopersView Details
  3. Solutions (S/W)Topic:Industry-Specific In-Vehicle App Service Ideas for PV5Eligibility: App Development StartupsView Details
  4. BusinessTopic:PV5-Based Business Models and Operational Innovation IdeasEligibility: Companies, institutions, and sole proprietors capable of business operations using PV5View Details
  5. GeneralTopic:Free Ideas Utilizing PV5Eligibility: Anyone Interested in PV5View Details

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the participation qualifications for the Solutions (S/W) category?

Any startup with software/service development capabilities can participate.

Can I participate if I only have a prototype at the demo stage?

Yes, participation is possible with prototypes at the demo stage. However, they must be at a level that clearly demonstrates technical feasibility, and you are required to submit materials that can verify actual development capabilities.

How can I find out how to use the PV5 SDK and API?

Detailed guides will be provided at a special conference, and communication related to the contest will be supported through the operating secretariat during the contest period.

How is intellectual property protected?

Intellectual property rights for developed solutions belong to the development team. Kia supports a safe development environment through joint protection and security issue mentoring.