KPIT Technologies has acquired N-Dream, the creator of the in-car gaming platform AirConsole platform used by European car makers.
Zurich, Switzerland-based N-Dream has been successful in getting BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche to adopt AirConsole, which brings gaming to car infotainment systems.
The companies said this acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Switzerland’s tech ecosystem and strengthens KPIT’s position in the software-defined vehicle market. It also accelerates N-Dream’s mission to innovate the next generation of digital in-car experiences, enhancing the driving experience globally.
AirConsole, N-Dream’s platform, allows smartphones to act as controllers for games played on car infotainment screens. This approach has been embraced by major automakers, expanding the possibilities of in-car entertainment.
Founded three years ago, N-Dream, with KPIT’s backing, is set to extend its expertise beyond gaming to develop a new wave of interactive, personalized in-cabin software. This collaboration aims to deliver cutting-edge innovations across various brands worldwide.
“The idea behind AirConsole was accessibility,” said Anthony Cliquot, CEO of N-Dream, in a message to GamesBeat. “Accessibility by the ease of usage, and the seamless way to pair your phone to use it as a gamepad. Accessibility by the casual aspect of the games with mechanics that were recognizable and therefore playable and enjoyable by many e.g. UNO. Accessibility economically with a browser-based technology that didn’t rely at all on expensive cloud streaming technology.”
“The automotive industry came after us, following our successes during the pandemic on TVs, with Google TV, Amazon Fire OS, and Xiaomi devices. As we had solved the input problem with our smartphone-controlled tech in the car (touchscreen subpar experience, gamepads nobody brings that to the car), AirConsole became the standard for in-car gaming,” Cliquot said.
KPIT engages in software-defined vehicle development, acquired a majority stake in N-Dream, the company behind AirConsole. KPIT, which previously held a 26 percent share, will increase its ownership to nearly 90 percent.
Cliquot said, “KPIT recognized our strength as a game aggregator with our capacity to build an ecosystem of game developers that reached at its peak 10,000 devs globally. Beyond that, KPIT and our OEM customers consistently praise us for our ability to build easy-to-use products with the UX at the core of the product. Together with KPIT, N-Dream is now ready to go beyond AirConsole.”
The acquisition marks a major milestone for both companies and a defining moment for Switzerland’s growing technology ecosystem. It strengthens KPIT’s position in the software-defined vehicle market and accelerates N-Dream’s mission to shape the next generation of in-car digital experiences beyond games. Founder Andrin von Rechenberg and CEO Anthony Cliquot will continue to lead N-Dream, which will remain an independent entity within the KPIT Group.
“What began as a bold idea in Switzerland has grown into a platform used by leading carmakers around the world,” said Andrin von Rechenberg, founder of N-Dream, in a statement. “With KPIT’s partnership, our innovation culture and creative roots remain at the core of everything we do, while giving us the reach and resources to shape the future of in-car experiences.”
Since entering the automotive space in 2022, AirConsole has reimagined what entertainment in cars can be. The platform enables passengers to use their smartphones as controllers to play games directly on the car’s infotainment screen, supported by sound and ambient lighting integration that enhances the experience.
AirConsole’s technology has been adopted by some of the world’s most recognized automakers and features licensed IPs from Mattel and others including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, UNO Car Party! , and Pac-Man Championship Edition.
Now, N-Dream is expanding its vision beyond gaming. Building on its success in creating digital mobility experiences, the company will develop a new generation of in-cabin software designed to bring interactivity, personalization, and connected services to every journey. With KPITs competencies to develop solutions across domains and the mobility tech stack, N-Dream will be positioned to deliver these innovations across brands and markets.
“This acquisition represents an exciting new chapter for N-Dream,” said Cliqout. “By joining forces with KPIT, we can accelerate our mission to bring fantastic experiences to cars and their users. With KPIT’s scale and reach, we’re ready to take what we’ve built to a truly global audience.”
Under KPIT’s ownership, N-Dream will continue to operate independently, retaining its full team and leadership structure. Anthony Cliquot will remain CEO, Andrin von Rechenberg will continue as Chief of Innovation, and Tobias Schneider will remain CFO, ensuring full continuity in leadership and direction.
The company’s founders reaffirmed their commitment to preserving its culture, supporting its team, and delivering long-term value for users, partners, and shareholders.
“N-Dream’s creativity and technology perfectly complement KPIT’s roadmap for next-generation mobility,” said Kishor Patil, CEO of KPIT Technologies, in a statement. “Together, we will help define the next era of software-defined vehicles, where immersive, connected, and personalized experiences are an integral part of driving.”
“Our journey continues with the same passion and purpose,” said Anthony Cliquot, in a statement. “Together, we’re better equipped than ever to shape the next evolution of N-Dream. Customers and partners will continue to receive the same high-quality service, with enhanced offerings on the horizon.”
For Switzerland, the acquisition represents one of the country’s most visible technology success stories: a company born in Zurich now shaping how millions experience mobility.
While KPIT has more than 13,000 employees, N-Dream has 25. Since its founding in 2015, N-Dream has raised $13 million to date from investors Ringier Digital Ventures, Swiss Founders Fund, Alpana Ventures, EquityPitcher, SICTIC, angel investors (e.g., Dr. Christian Wenger) and KPIT.