Hyundai Motor Group Opens HMG Tech Talent Forum 2026, Connecting Global Talent with Future Technology Vision

Hyundai Motor Group opened the HMG Tech Talent Forum 2026 in San Jose, California, bringing together global talent, industry experts, and the Group’s technology leaders to discuss the future of mobility and emerging technologies. The two-day event, held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and technical sessions focused on the Group’s innovation projects and career opportunities. The Forum emphasizes cross-affiliate collaboration under the theme 'Go Beyond Together,' with nine affiliates participating, including Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, and Boston Dynamics.

José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, delivered the opening keynote, outlining the Group’s future business and technology strategy. He emphasized Hyundai’s evolution into a technology and physical AI company, highlighting plans to develop robots, autonomous vehicles, and software. Muñoz also underscored the Group’s financial strength and scale as enabling factors for its ambitious vision, inviting global tech talent to engage with the Forum’s discussions.

Manfred Harrer, President and Head of R&D Division, discussed the Group’s approach to combining engineering fundamentals with AI-enabled development. He stressed the importance of integrating decades of real-world engineering experience with virtual development and AI to create trusted products. Harrer positioned Hyundai as aiming to lead advanced engineering across vehicle hardware, software, batteries, hydrogen, and robotics.

Hae In Kim, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, highlighted the Group’s global ecosystem as a foundation for turning innovation into real-world impact. Kim pointed to Hyundai’s more than 75 group companies, over 336,000 employees including 20,000 researchers and engineers, and 32 R&D centers worldwide. The Forum’s interactive exhibition showcased the Group’s technology journey across mobility, AI, and robotics, featuring live demonstrations of Spot, MobED, and CODA.