Jeff Chou is the CEO and co-founder of Sonatus, which is accelerating vehicle software innovation and the transition toward software-defined vehicles. The company’s platforms and products serve as the key building blocks that allow automotive companies and their ecosystem to innovate faster and deliver continuous improvements in costs, capabilities, reliability, and user experience over the vehicle lifespan.
Jeff is an accomplished serial entrepreneur and has worked with startups focused on the development of next-generation products for the data center market. Prior to Sonatus, Jeff was the CEO and Founder of Diamanti, where he helped develop the first purpose-built converged infrastructure for containers. With his background in engineering and the data center, he is well-positioned to lead a company rooted in the fundamental intersection of IT and automotive.
Jeff earned his BSEE in Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and his MSEE in Computer Engineering from Stanford.
1. What do you want to present at IAA MOBILITY, or what will you be speaking about at IAA MOBILITY?
At IAA MOBILITY, Sonatus will showcase how software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are transforming the automotive industry. The future of mobility is software-driven and we accelerate this transformation by enabling OEMs to build smarter, more adaptable, and future-proof vehicles. Our focus will be on how automakers can leverage dynamic software architectures, real-time data processing, and AI-driven intelligence to enhance vehicle development, improve quality, and unlock new revenue streams. IAA MOBILITY is the perfect platform for us to engage with industry leaders, discuss the future of SDVs, and build the partnerships needed to accelerate this transformation.
2. Which technological developments do you think will have the greatest impact on mobility in the coming years?
The biggest shift in mobility will come from the full-scale adoption of SDV technologies. Vehicles are evolving from static, hardware-centric machines to dynamic, software-driven platforms that can continuously improve over time. AI will play a crucial role in driving this change, not only in autonomy but also in predictive diagnostics, personalized vehicle experiences, and dynamic performance optimization. Additionally, advancements in service-based architectures, high-speed in-vehicle networking, and cloud-native infrastructure will allow vehicles to operate as intelligent, continuously evolving digital ecosystems. This shift is comparable to the transformation seen in the IT and cloud industries. Once vehicles become true software-driven platforms, they will enable new applications and services beyond what we can currently envision.
3. What are your goals for IAA MOBILITY 2025, and which topics are your main focus?
For IAA MOBILITY 2025, we want to reinforce the critical role of software in the automotive industry and demonstrate how Sonatus empowers OEMs to transition to SDVs seamlessly. Our main focus will be on scalable software architectures, AI-powered intelligence, and real-time data processing. All essential for delivering vehicles that are smarter, safer, and more connected. We aim to engage with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and technology partners to accelerate this transformation and ensure that the automotive sector is ready for the digital future.
4. Which important future topic do you think is not receiving enough attention in the mobility debate?
While much of the mobility debate centers around electrification, connectivity, and autonomy, the underlying shift required to enable these advancements—the need for a fundamentally new software-first architecture—is often overlooked. Many discussions assume that vehicles will naturally become more intelligent and connected, but without the right digital foundation, this potential will remain untapped. Another underrepresented topic is the cultural shift required within the industry. The transition to SDVs is not just a technological change but a fundamental transformation in how vehicles are designed, built, and monetized. It requires automakers to rethink their business models, invest in new competencies, and embrace a level of agility more common in the tech industry than in traditional manufacturing.
5. In which area of mobility do you see the greatest potential – and where is there still room for improvement?
The most untapped potential lies in the ability to transform vehicles into dynamic, updatable digital platforms. That approach will unlock new revenue streams, enhance customer experiences, and increase operational efficiency. However, the challenge is that many OEMs still operate within legacy frameworks that were built for static, hardware-centric vehicles. So the transition to SDVs requires not only new technology but also a willingness to break away from traditional automotive development cycles. Automakers must embrace more modular, adaptable software architectures and invest in scalable AI and data-driven solutions. The companies that can successfully navigate this shift will not only survive but thrive in the new era of mobility.
6. Which partners or stakeholders would you like to connect with at IAA MOBILITY, and why?
Collaboration is essential to driving the SDV transformation forward. At IAA MOBILITY, we want to engage with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, semiconductor companies, cloud providers, and other technology leaders who share our vision for a software-defined future. The shift to SDVs is complex and requires expertise from multiple industries. Our experience in software-defined transformation across multiple sectors positions us as a valuable partner in helping automakers navigate this change. By working together, we can accelerate the transition and create a foundation for continuous innovation in the automotive space.
7. How do you envision the future of mobility – and what specific changes do you expect in the next ten years?
Continuous innovation will define the future of mobility. With vehicles evolving dynamically through software rather than being limited by the capabilities they leave the factory with. In the next ten years, we expect SDVs to become the industry standard, with AI deeply integrated into vehicle operations—from predictive maintenance to intelligent energy management. Also the way people interact with vehicles will change. The next-generation consumers will expect their cars to integrate seamlessly with their digital lifestyles, much like smartphones or laptops today. Additionally, the shift toward "mobility as a service" will continue to disrupt traditional ownership models. The younger generation is less focused on car ownership and more interested in access to seamless, on-demand transportation. This will require automakers to rethink their business models and find new ways to create value through software and services.