MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers announced the launch of the 2024 MEMA Aftermarket Startup Challenge (MASC), providing a platform for emerging technology companies to showcase their innovations to the aftermarket industry.

Three leading venture capital and mobility startup accelerators are coordinating and will facilitate the event: Assembly Ventures, Automotive Ventures, and Capstone Financial Group.

The challenge will culminate at the Aftermarket Technology Conference, which will take place from October 13-16, 2024, at the Wyndham in Clearwater Beach, Fla.

Finalists will pitch their innovations to an audience of aftermarket industry technology leaders, and all startups will receive mentorship from industry experts. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to vote for the MASC winner in real time during the conference’s general session, and the winner will be announced shortly after.

“This year’s Challenge will be the best opportunity in our industry for startups to gain visibility and connect with leaders from our members,” said Chris Gardner, Senior Vice President of Programs & Technology at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.

“We look forward to another successful Challenge as we continue the Challenge’s goal to foster new technology development and drive innovation within the automotive and commercial vehicle aftermarket.”

Technology categories for this year’s MASC include:

• Predictive Analytics
• Digital/Online Customer Engagement
• Supply Chain/Inventory Management
• EVs
• Diagnostics
• Sustainability
• Fleet Management
• Training
• ADAS
• AI
• CV/LV Aftermarkets

The 2023 MASC was a resounding success, with Legacy EV being declared the winner.

Legacy EV, a company dedicated to EV educational programs and parts, has trained nearly 500 technicians, partnered with several schools for EV curriculum, and established a global network of 43 Authorized Installers.

The Aftermarket Technology Conference is the premier industry technology event in North American, providing a pivotal platform for showcasing the most critical and emerging technologies influencing the industry. More information can be found at MEMATech.org.

More information about the challenge is available here.