The student team of the Vehicle Safety and Cybersecurity Research Group (VSSRG), affiliated with the Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and operating within the BME Automated Drive Laboratory, participated as a European finalist in one of the world’s most prestigious vehicle safety forums. The team took part in the final round of the Student Safety Technology Design Competition (SSTDC), held within the framework of the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Conference in Toronto, Canada. In addition to competing in the student competition, the team also represented BME through a scientific presentation and as exhibitors at the conference expo.

The 28th Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Conference took place in Toronto between May 12–15, 2026, serving as one of the most important international forums in the field of vehicle safety. The event was jointly organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States Department of Transportation and Transport Canada, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and industry stakeholders in vehicle safety, automated mobility, and transport innovation.

At the conference, the BME Automated Drive Vehicle Safety and Cybersecurity Research Group (VSSRG) student team represented the Department of Automotive Technologies as a European finalist in the final round of the 10th Student Safety Technology Design Competition.

The team reached the final with their project titled “When Cars Talk: V2X-Powered Risk Metrics to Improve Next-Generation Intersection Safety”, competing in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) category.

The project focuses on reducing complex accident risks at road intersections, which are among the most critical hotspots in road safety. The concept is based on vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, enabling real-time cooperative risk assessment that complements traditional onboard sensor-based systems. This approach is particularly aimed at improving safety in dense urban traffic environments and scenarios with limited visibility.

Team members:

• Abdulagha Dadashev
• Roland Nagy
• Tamás Márton Kazár
• Zsombor Pethő, PhD (team leader and supervisor)

During the conference plenary session, the project was presented to an international audience by Roland Nagy.

Representing BME in multiple roles

The team’s participation in Toronto went beyond the student competition itself. In addition to competing in the final, they also contributed to the scientific program with a technical presentation and showcased their research activities as exhibitors at the conference expo.

This multi-role participation provided not only a competitive platform, but also direct networking opportunities with leading actors in vehicle safety and cybersecurity, as well as insight into the latest technological and research directions in the field.

A deliberately built student innovation ecosystem

Reaching the final was the result of an intensive development process spanning more than a year. Since early 2025, the student team has been working on developing their concept, achieving several key milestones on the path to international recognition.

Behind this success stands the innovation ecosystem built by the VSSRG research group and the Safety First! student competition organized at the department, which provides students with the opportunity to address real-world traffic safety challenges and develop internationally competitive solutions.

“We are particularly proud that our students were able to represent BME in such a high-level international field, where the future of vehicle safety is in focus. Reaching the final is already a significant professional achievement; however, the greatest value lies in the knowledge, experience, and international network the team gained throughout this journey,” said Zsombor Pethő.

The team’s preparation was continuously supported by Prof. Árpád Török, head of the research group.

The participation in Toronto clearly demonstrates that education and research at the Department of Automotive Technologies, BME, are closely aligned with the most pressing international challenges of the automotive industry, while providing students with real opportunities for professional growth and global exposure.