By Ashley Reyes
Emerging entrepreneurs and inventors have until June 13 to submit their applications for the SEMA Launch Pad. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product or accessory will vie for a chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to help launch their product or service into the marketplace.
SEMA Launch Pad is the ultimate product-pitching competition for automotive entrepreneurs, and helps elevate budding businesses though brand exposure, access to business resources, face time with key industry influencers and more. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three finalists, while other semifinalists and their products are promoted on SEMA websites, publications and social-media networks throughout the duration of the competition.
Fifteen semifinalists will be selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the SEMA Show, where a final winner will be selected.
Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.
To qualify, applicants must be a business owner or company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO or vice president), and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype or concept or currently available for sale.