Ambassador Page

Hi Amazing webdev team,

I would like to add a menu item and a page for the Ambassador program in the SDV website. Here is the content

Eclipse SDV Ambassador Program

Grow the Community. Represent the Future. Become an SDV Ambassador.

The Eclipse SDV Ambassador Program empowers passionate community leaders who are helping shape the future of software-defined vehicles.

Ambassadors are the bridge between global open source innovation and local ecosystems — speaking at events, mentoring newcomers, organizing activities, and helping others find their place in the SDV community. Whether you're leading from the stage or supporting contributors behind the scenes, SDV Ambassadors are a vital part of our growth and success.

The program is now live, and our first cohort of ambassadors is already active!

Meet Our Ambassadors

Martin Schleicher
Martin Schleicher is an independent consultant focusing on Software Strategy, Business Models and Ecosystem development with more than 25 years of experience in Automotive. From 2021 to 205 he was “Head of Software Strategy” in Continental Automotive. Before he held various management roles in Elektrobit, including responsibility for company strategy, product and portfolio management, and partnerships. Martin has been contributing to industry associations, such as AUTOSAR,SOAFEE, and Eclipse SDV. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and member of automotive conference advisory boards.
Link to LinkedIn

Markus Rettstatt

Markus Rettstatt is Vice President Software Defined Car at Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation (MBTI), the largest software hub of the Mercedes-Benz Group in Germany. He leads the automotive software development stream, shaping the future of in-vehicle software. In addition to his core responsibilities, Markus actively promotes collaboration on non-differentiating software assets in the open-source ecosystem. He represents Mercedes-Benz in both the Eclipse SDV Working Group and the VDA Working Group.

Filipe Prezado,

Chatgpt seems to “think(*)” I’m an experienced software architect with a strong background in software engineering, architecture, and technical program management. Currently at Reycom AG, I’m focused on building platform components and toolchains for the field of software-defined machines (SDM). Before that, I spent over 25 years at Microsoft, working on the Software Defined Vehicle engineering team and representing Microsoft in the Eclipse SDV Working Group.

I’m a passionate advocate for open-source software, community-driven innovation and growth and actively contributing to Eclipse SDV initiatives. I’m also affiliated with 42 Porto, where we train the next generation of automotive and mobility software engineers leveraging Eclipse SDV projects.

When I’m not at work Chatgpt finds me deeply engaged in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the realms of edge computing, robotics and AI, and their applications to smart farming and agriculture.

(*) can be a case of hallucination

What do our Ambassadors do?

Represent Eclipse SDV at events, online, and in your region
Mentor and support new contributors
Help grow the community through local engagement
Collaborate with EF staff and other ambassadors
Promote SDV projects and initiatives globally
Representing the Eclipse SDV Community at major industry events, by eg providing booth space at trade fairs and/or holding presentations on the behalf of the SDV Community
Supporting with outreach to academic institutions

Want to Get Involved?

We welcome new ambassadors each year.
If you're actively engaged in the Eclipse SDV community and want to represent the initiative in your region, you can apply or nominate someone via our nomination form.

Who Should Apply?

We're seeking highly engaged individuals who have already demonstrated their commitment to our working group. Ideal candidates will have:

1. A strong passion for open-source software in the middleware domain.

2. A proven track record of actively supporting our working group by:

- Inviting us to speak at conferences.

- Hosting our events.

- Serving as project leads.

- Contributing to our committees.

To ensure close collaboration with the SDV Eclipse Foundation team, we will select a maximum of three ambassadors per year. The ambassador role is for a limited term of a couple of years.

Frequently Asked Questions

**What is the Eclipse SDV Ambassador Program?
** A recognition and support program for SDV community leaders who drive visibility, mentorship, and regional outreach.

**Who can become an ambassador?
** Anyone actively involved in the Eclipse SDV community who meets the selection criteria — whether through events, working groups, mentorship, or public speaking.

**What’s the term length?
** One year, with the option to renew based on contributions and mutual interest.

**How are ambassadors selected?
** Through a combination of self-nominations or community nominations, reviewed by a selection committee made up of EF staff and current ambassadors.

**What’s expected of an ambassador?
** Represent the community, attend key events, mentor others, and share SDV activities publicly. Each ambassador fulfills 2–3 core responsibilities annually.

**What benefits do ambassadors receive?
**Recognition, a ticket to OCX, digital credentials, branded swag, and access to exclusive support and opportunities.

**Is there a cap on the number of ambassadors?
** Yes, during this phase, we have selected three ambassadors.

**Can I nominate someone else?
** Yes! Community nominations are welcome and encouraged once the portal is live.

**Is there a budget for ambassador activities?
** While this is a volunteer role, the program provides swag, event access, and staff support — but not direct financial compensation.

Want to Get Involved?

(Insert HubSpot form) I have an issue in marketing that will provide the link to the form. I will update this issue with that link.

Here is I envision the page to look like at the moment https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVLa9UmFY=/?moveToWidget=3458764637882835508&cot=10

FYI @ana0809

Edited Aug 21, 2025 by Amin Rasti