The stakes will be high at the SEMA Show for emerging entrepreneurs and innovators of new automotive products vying for top honors in the annual SEMA Launch Pad competition.

SEMA Launch Pad is the premier product-pitching competition for budding entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket industry. Through the program, selected applicants are hand-picked to receive brand exposure, access to business resources, and the chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to launch their product or service into the marketplace.

"The automotive aftermarket is comprised of countless entrepreneurs who are extremely passionate about creating new products and providing solutions for enthusiastic car and truck owners who love to modify, maintain, restore, or personalize their vehicles," said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. "SEMA Launch Pad helps bring these emerging inventors to the forefront, providing a platform for them to potentially take their new creations to the next level."

Fifteen semi-finalists were selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show. From those, the top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the Show, where a final winner will be selected.

SEMA Launch Pad rules require contestants to be to business owners or company-leading executives (president, CEO, CFO, COO, or VP) over the age of 18. In addition, participants must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale.