Business Tools

Automotive Entrepreneurs—Take Your Product to the Next Level With SEMA Launch Pad

By: Kristopher Porter

Launch PadMatt Beenen of Builtright Industries (with check) was named the winner of the 2018 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network.

The seventh annual SEMA Launch Pad presented by YEN is accepting applications for new, innovative automotive products/services from business entrepreneurs under age 40. As a reminder, you do not need to be a SEMA member to apply to compete, and if chosen as one of the 15 semi-finalists, your company receives a complimentary membership to SEMA (up to a $1,000 value). 

The SEMA Launch Pad is the premier automotive business competition offering young innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs a platform at the largest automotive aftermarket B2B gathering—the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Through this competition, applicants will be narrowed down to 15 semi-finalists who will be further narrowed down to five finalists via a social media voting campaign. The five finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their product to a panel of industry judges in front of a live audience to win the grand prize designed to advance their business.

Ready to learn more and apply? Click here.

2019 Prize Packages

GRAND PRIZE: One Winner

  • The finalist, top 10 and semi-finalist prizes plus:
  • $10,000 to be used for the benefit of your business
  • Turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2019 SEMA Show*
  • One full-page, four-color advertisement in SEMA News magazine
  • Up to three hours of free custom scanning services at the SEMA Garage
  • SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting

FINALISTS PRIZE: Five Competitors

The top 10 and semi-finalist prizes plus:

  • Invitation to pitch at the live event for the grand prize held on November 4.

TOP TEN: 10 participants

  • The semi-finalist prizes plus:
  • Complimentary 2019 SEMA Show "Kiosk" Booth*
  • Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show
  • Two tickets to the SEMA Banquet
  • One-hour mentoring session with an industry leader
  • Widespread awareness of your brand and business

SEMI-FINALISTS PRIZE: 15 participants

  • One-year SEMA membership.
  • Complimentary registration to the 2019 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 18–19)
  • $500 award to be used toward flight cost to the 2019 Exhibitor Summit.
  • License to use the SEMA-filmed pitch video on company marketing deliverables.
  • Widespread awareness of your business through SEMA communication channels

*All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize-winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes. All prize winners must complete a W-9 in order to receive a prize.

**No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2019 SEMA Show “Kiosk” Booth in New Products Showcase Area or the “Turn-key” Exhibit Space with Premium Placement in the 2020 SEMA Show.

Learn more: Terms & Conditions.