The Shift2SDV project aims to revolutionize the European automotive domain by creation of an SDV ecosystem around middleware & API framework enabling collaboration across the automotive value chain. This ambitious endeavour envisions a comprehensive shift towards a modular framework that transcends the limitations of current monolithic systems, fostering agility and innovation through the development of complementary middleware services and software development solutions. Central to Shift2SDV is the development of a cutting-edge middleware framework that provides micro-services to build automotive applications upon, abstracting from underlying hardware components – supporting stepwise migration, open source and proprietary components, in-vehicle safety critical and off-vehicle cloud functionality. It is specifically designed to streamline software development and integration while ensuring compatibility and flexibility with existing and emerging technologies. Key technical objectives include the development of a modern, flexible micro-services-based architecture, middleware framework that simplifies the brand-specific application development, and establishment of a safe and secure system architecture compliant with functional safety standards. Additionally, the project aims to develop an orchestration for efficient resource management, integrate edge and cloud computing, and demonstrate the practical viability of the developed middleware through concrete use cases. To maximize impact, Shift2SDV prioritizes active communication, dissemination, and exploitation of project outcomes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and existing projects and initiatives aligning technological advancements with market demands. Through these concerted efforts, Shift2SDV seeks to propel European leadership in Software Defined Vehicles, driving innovation and economic growth in the automotive industry.