THE JUDGES

Jared Hare, Myles Kovacs, Chip Foose, and Alex Parker

The Opportunity Of A Lifetime!

SEMA Launch Pad is the ultimate product-pitching competition and the chance of a lifetime for automotive entrepreneurs to introduce their product or service to the world.

The 2022 competition to win the grand prize package of $92,000, including $75,000 in cash, is well underway. With industry judges Chip Foose of Foose Design, Jared Hare of Addictive Desert Designs, Myles Kovacs of DUB magazine and TIS Wheels, and Alex Parker of Redline Detection inspecting the products and asking the tough questions, the candidates bring out all the stops in an attempt to make it to the next round.

The Judges

Jared Hare, Myles Kovacs, Chip Foose, and Alex Parker

2022 SEMA LAUNCH PAD WINNER

Kevin Robinson, President
TRAC LLC

2022 TOP 2 FINALISTS

Susan Pieper, Founder and CEO
DMOS Collective Inc.

Stealth and Delta Car Shovels: Premium indestructible shovels that are easy to stow and mount on various vehicle racks and platforms.

Kevin Robinson, President
TRAC LLC

TRAC Tire Jack: Tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler, and easier.

2022 TOP 5 FINALISTS

Dustin Golat, Co-Owner
GolaTTaylor Tools

Thread Wizard: Tool that removes all grime, dirt, surface rust and fouling from a bolt in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional methods.

Jacob Hawksworth, CEO
Hypercraft

HyperPack: Modular EV battery pack system that allows builders to easily configure a custom high voltage battery system for their electric vehicle project.

Susan Pieper, Founder and CEO
DMOS Collective Inc.

Stealth and Delta Car Shovels: Premium indestructible shovels that are easy to stow and mount on various vehicle racks and platforms.

Kevin Robinson, President
TRAC LLC

TRAC Tire Jack: Tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler, and easier.

Frank Terlep, Cofounder and CEO
Auto Techcelerators LLC

Test Drive CoPilot Technology Platform: System designed to help properly perform, document and invoice for ADAS safety system verification testing, dynamic calibrations, seat belt function tests and more.

2022 SEMI-FINALISTS

Fabian Araujo, COO
Armadillo Designs Inc.

Armadillo Shell: Camper shell with a retractable roof aimed primarily at the construction industry and for outdoor enthusiasts.

Andrew Auble, President/Cofounder
GlueTread

Sidewall Repair Kits: Kit that allows consumers to repair the sidewall of their off-road tires without removing the tire from the vehicle.

Robert Carale, Founder
Airflex Tire Inflator Systems

Automatic Tire Inflator: An aftermarket adapter system that can be installed between a rotor and a wheel to allow air from an onboard compressor to inflate and deflate tires while a vehicle is moving.

Jesse Freeman, CEO
True Blue Motorsport

6 Speed Automatic Transmission Retrofit Kit: System used to retrofit older model RWD and 4WD vehicles with small transmission tunnels with a 6-speed automatic.

Dustin Golat, Co-Owner
GolaTTaylor Tools

Thread Wizard: Tool that removes all grime, dirt, surface rust and fouling from a bolt in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional methods.

Jake Hamann, Founder and CEO
Autix Automotive Inc.

AUTIX: Platform dedicated to highlighting not just a vehicle, but the owner behind the wheel, their unique story, and a curated value metric for their specialty ride.

Jacob Hawksworth, CEO
Hypercraft

HyperPack: Modular EV battery pack system that allows builders to easily configure a custom high voltage battery system for their electric vehicle project.

Conrad Mohr IV, CEO
ACME HPL

ACME Big Stick Traction Enhancement Module: Rear suspension module that rearranges factory IRS into a 4-link suspension for better traction and adjustability on Dodge/Mopar performance vehicles.

Susan Pieper, Founder and CEO
DMOS Collective Inc.

Stealth and Delta Car Shovels: Premium indestructible shovels that are easy to stow and mount on various vehicle racks and platforms.

Kevin Robinson, President
TRAC LLC

TRAC Tire Jack: Tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler, and easier.

Kai Tan, CEO
RevMatch LLC

RevMatch Smartphone App – Digital app that allows gearheads the ability to manage vehicle projects from end-to-end with real time parts data and inspirational content, all in the palm of their hands.

Frank Terlep, Cofounder and CEO
Auto Techcelerators LLC

Test Drive CoPilot Technology Platform: System designed to help properly perform, document and invoice for ADAS safety system verification testing, dynamic calibrations, seat belt function tests and more.

Irvin Vance, Founder
Vance Product Design LLC

Quick Lift Engine Stand: Tool that gives users the ability to lift an engine without the use of an engine crane for inspection, repair, or modifications.

Daniel Whittington, Owner
VenomAire LLC

Smart Air Intakes: Air intake that uses a patented Force Air Induction (FAI) technology to improve air intake stability for volumetric efficiency.

Andrew Wiess, President
ROV LLC

Truck Trolley: Roller tray accessory that improves the convenience and accessibility of truck beds by allowing users access to items that would normally be a challenge to reach.

2021 SEMA Launch Pad Series

Program Details

Program Details

TOP FIVE FINALISTS COMPETE FOR A GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE VALUED UP TO $92,000

  • The ultimate competition for entrepreneurs.
  • Takes place at the world's leading automotive B2B gathering, the SEMA Show.
  • Participants pitch their business idea to a panel of iconic industry judges at a live event.
  • Grand prize package valued at $92,000 includes $75,000 to be used for the benefit of one's business, brand exposure, access to business resources, face time with key industry influencers and more!

THE APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED.

 

Prize Packages

GRAND PRIZE

Value: Up to $92,000

  • The finalist and semi-finalist prizes plus:
  • $75,000 to be used for the benefit of your business Value: $75,000
  • 10' x 20' Turn-key Exhibit Space with Premium Placement at the 2022 SEMA Show* Approximate Value: $9,703
  • One full-page, four-color advertisement in SEMA News magazine Approximate Value: $5,885
  • Up to three hours of free custom scanning services at the SEMA Garage Value: $285
  • One-year Tech Transfer Subscription (must qualify; the subscription is forfeited and no substitute or amount will be awarded if not qualified to receive) Value: $360

SECOND PRIZE

Value: Up to $27,000

  • The finalist and semi-finalist prizes plus:
  • $20,000 to be used for the benefit of your business Value: $20,000
  • One full-page, four-color advertisement in SEMA News magazine Approximate Value: $5,885
  • Up to three hours of free custom scanning services at the SEMA Garage Value: $285
  • One-year Tech Transfer Subscription (must qualify; the subscription is forfeited and no substitute or amount will be awarded if not qualified to receive) Value: $360

THIRD PRIZE

Value: Up to $12,000

  • The finalist and semi-finalist prizes plus:
  • $5,000 to be used for the benefit of your business Value: $5,000
  • One full-page, four-color advertisement in SEMA News magazine Approximate Value: $5,885
  • Up to three hours of free custom scanning services at the SEMA Garage Value: $285
  • One-year Tech Transfer Subscription (must qualify; the subscription is forfeited and no substitute or amount will be awarded if not qualified to receive) Value: $360

FINALISTS PRIZE

5 Competitors: Total Prize Value: Up to $4,000

  • The finalist and semi-finalist prizes plus:
  • Invitation to pitch at the Live Event for one of the Top Three prizes held during the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas November 1 – November 4, 2022.
  • SEMA Data Co-op: 50% discount effective for the first year for the entry tier, up to 39 part numbers. Value: $594
  • If not one of the Grand, Second or Third place prize winners, one - ½ page, four color advertisement in SEMA News Magazine. Approximate Value: $3,055.75
  • One Live Chat talking about how you started the business and experience at Launch Pad.
  • One-year Tech Transfer Subscription (must qualify; the subscription is forfeited and no substitute or amount will be awarded if not qualified to receive) Value: $360

SEMI-FINALISTS PRIZE

Value: Up to $8,000

  • One-year SEMA Membership starting the first day of the month after being selected as a Semi-Finalist. Value: up to $2,000**
  • One-year SEMA Council Membership of your choice. Value: Up to $150
  • Complimentary registration to the 2022 Exhibitor Summit, 2 nights of hotel and travel reimbursement for up to $500.
  • Complimentary booth* in the SEMA Launch Pad Pavilion at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas November 1 – November 4, 2022 Value: $4,508*
  • Two non-transferable exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show
  • Two non-transferable tickets to the SEMA Banquet Approximate Value: $100
  • Onsite Lead Retrieval Tool Value: $490

Prize Packages

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

*No changes are permitted to the booth layout or location within the Pavilion. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2022 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area or the turn-key exhibit space with premium placement in the Launch Pad Pavilion at the 2022 SEMA Show. Company may purchase up to two (2) additional exhibitors passes beyond the complimentary allotment of two (2) exhibitor badges for use by company staff and/or spouse.

**SEMA membership dues are based on business type and annual sales. Maximum value of SEMA membership is $2,000.

*Please review the full Terms & Conditions for prize package

Dustin Woolf

2021 Launch Pad Winner

Program Timeline

  • Application Period: April 26, 2022 – June 13, 2022
  • Semi-finalists (15) announced: June 30, 2022
  • SEMA Launch Pad Competition Finals: November 2, 2022 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Basic Requirements

Basic Requirements

  • Applicants: do not need to be a SEMA member.
  • Participation: The business owner, company's leading executive (i.e., president, CEO, CFO, COO), or vice president is the participant on behalf of the company.
  • Functioning Product/Service: The competing business must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept, or currently for sale.
  • Exhibitor Summit Travel (15 semi-finalists): Travel to the Exhibitor Summit (Las Vegas, NV). SEMA provides event registration, hotel, meals onsite and a $500 Grant to be used towards flight expenses.
  • SEMA Show Travel (15 semi-finalists): Travel to the SEMA Show (Las Vegas, NV) at their own expense to exhibit and compete in the live event. The participant in the original application must make the business pitch before the SEMA Launch Pad judges. (No substitutes)
  • Taxes: All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize-winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes.
  • Intellectual Property: A patent or trademark registration is not required but by entering the competition, the contest participant certifies that he/she has ownership rights to any intellectual property rights (i.e., trademark, copyright, patent, proprietary information) for the company and product/service being marketed, or authorization from the owner of such rights.
  • Residency: Open only to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years of age (except residents of Alabama and Nebraska, who must be 19 years of age or older) and who have a valid email address.

**Please review the full Terms & Conditions and Selection Criteria.

Past Winners

Past Winners

2021

Dustin Woolf

Woolfpack Racing

2020

Roland Hence

FrontLane, Inc.

2019

Reid Lunde

Kaizen Speed

2018

Matt Beenen

Builtright Industries

2017

Tom Burden

Grypshon Industries

2016

Aaron Aldrich

Any Level Lift

2015

Robert Vogt

Voyomotive

2014

Ian Lehn

BOOSTane Octane

2013

Jonathan Mill

E-Stopp Corp.

About

The SEMA Launch Pad is the automotive specialty equipment's ultimate competition for budding entrepreneurs who are ready to introduce their products to a worldwide audience.

While the competition has supported young creators since 2013, the age limit has been removed to make it easier for more participants to qualify. There's also more cash prizes, and more participants than ever will be featured in SEMA's publications and social media channels.

If you have a product or service for the automotive industry, we want to hear from you!