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Kigen Achieves Groundbreaking GSMA eSA Certification for Automotive eSIMs

In a significant milestone for connected vehicle security, Kigen, a global leader in eSIM and iSIM technology, has been awarded the GSMA eUICC Security Assurance (eSA) certification. This development marks the first instance of an Automotive eSIM achieving this esteemed certification, supporting GSMA's latest SGP.32 v1.3 IoT eSIM specifications. This new certification signifies a much-needed advancement in automotive-grade security, offering Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) a standardized architecture for creating secure and connected vehicle fleets designed for long-term operation.

Enhancing Vehicle Connectivity

Kigen's Automotive eSIM not only meets but exceeds security expectations through its integration with Infineon's TEGRION™ SLI22 automotive security controller. This collaboration results in a robust platform that addresses security requirements for fleets expected to operate securely for a decade or more. The certification reflects Kigen’s commitment to driving innovation in the automotive space, ensuring that manufacturers can develop and manage connected vehicles effectively without compromising on security.

With a surge in the demand for intelligent and software-defined vehicles, the need for secure connectivity platforms has never been more pressing. The Kigen Automotive eSIM enables OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to experience simplified integration, better management of telematics control units, and a streamlined architectural approach across various connected vehicle types. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also bolsters security against emerging threats, particularly those posed by advancements in quantum computing.

Future-Proofing Automotive Security

The latest enhancements from Kigen include features such as direct and indirect profile downloads, digital activation codes, and emergency profile handling — all critical for connected vehicles. These improvements stem from the recent SGP.32 v1.3 specifications published in May 2026. By adopting these advancements early on, Kigen minimizes the risk of architectural obsolescence, allowing OEMs to future-proof their offerings even in the face of evolving technology landscapes.

One of the major advantages of Kigen’s eSIM technology is its adaptability in the post-quantum cryptography (PQC) arena. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, incorporating PQC becomes imperative for vehicles with lengthy service lives where hardware replacement is often impractical. Although PQC has yet to be officially included in GSMA specs, Kigen prepares OEMs for impending changes by supporting hybrid key encapsulation strategies that utilize both classical and quantum-safe algorithms. Collaborative testing with Kigen's C-SDK development suite allows manufacturers to simulate PQC-resistant communication, enabling them to stay ahead of future security challenges.

Vincent Korstanje, CEO of Kigen, emphasized the importance of a secure and manageable connectivity trust anchor in vehicles that are essentially long-term software platforms. He stated, “Kigen's new eSA-certified Automotive eSIMs give car manufacturers a secure path from factory provisioning to global fleet operation, while preserving freedom to evolve connectivity throughout the vehicle's lifetime.”

Industry Recognition and Collaboration

The importance of this certification has not gone unnoticed. Gloria Trujillo, eSIM Technical Director at GSMA, remarked that Kigen played a pivotal role in the evolution of eSIM technology for IoT. She also highlighted this achievement’s significance in making GSMA eSIM specifications a reality for the next generation of vehicles and connected IoT solutions.

Katherine Diao from China Mobile International congratulated Kigen on this notable accomplishment, recognizing the potential of SGP.32-based security solutions for Chinese automakers and their global deployments.

Kigen Automotive eSIMs are set to be available for OEM sampling in the ETSI MFF2 package starting October 2026, accompanied by the Kigen IoT eSIM Starter Kit, ensuring that manufacturers have the necessary resources to transition to this advanced technology seamlessly.

Conclusion

As vehicles continue to advance into sophisticated, regulated mobility devices, Kigen's attainment of the GSMA eSA certification for their new Automotive eSIMs establishes a new standard in secure vehicle connectivity. This innovation promises not only to enhance the operational efficiency of OEMs but also solidifies the importance of security features in the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology.