Product-Pitching Competition Offers Prize Package Valued Up to $92,000

By Ashley Reyes

Applications for the SEMA Launch Pad—a program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs and inventors launch new automotive products into the marketplace—are now available.

Originally created to support young entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. This year’s Launch Pad also includes expanded prize packages, with the grand-prize package valued up to $92,000. Fifteen semifinalists will be selected to participate in and promote their products at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and receive additional awards that may include cash prizes, complimentary SEMA membership and promotional video features that will air on SEMA’s social media networks.

Five finalists will take part in a product-pitching competition and vie for a grand prize that includes $75,000 in cash, booth space at the 2022 SEMA Show, complimentary ad space in SEMA News and more.

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype or concept or currently for sale.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online by May 30.