2025 Aftermarket Technology Innovation Award Now Accepting Submissions

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Business Technology Council (BTC), a council under MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, announced it is now accepting applications for its Technology Innovation Award. The award recognizes technology solution/service providers that introduce innovations that support, enhance and/or advance aftermarket processes. Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025.

Technology innovations must have been launched during the past year or will be launched soon. Innovations must also support one of the BTC’s areas of focus. These types of technologies can include:

• Customer-Facing Technologies: cataloging and product data, EDI/e-commerce, mobile, web services, e-tailing, RFID, QR codes, bar codes, POS data, data warehouses, S&OP.
• Information Technologies: cyber and network security, big data, BI, AI, AR/VR/MR, blockchain, RPA, DAM, data analytics, cloud computing, IT outsourcing, ERP, MES, CRM.

"The future of the automotive aftermarket requires partnerships on data management and other business technologies that solve problems and building efficiencies," said Jim Naso, applications data manager at Continental ContiTech Power Transmission Group and BTC Chair. "Our competitive market demands flexibility to be adaptive to ongoing changes that will allow us to improve processes, secure, organize and share information with each level of the industry. I would like to emphasize the importance of our relationships with affiliate members by encouraging their participation to submit their latest program innovations."

"We're calling on all vehicle solution and service innovators to step forward and share their achievements," said Sara Kaderly, director of programming at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. "Each year, we're inspired by the creativity in the aftermarket, and we look forward to celebrating the forward-thinking ideas shaping the future of our industry."

After the application submission deadline, finalists will be notified on August 31. The finalists will then present their innovations during the BTC fall meeting on September 16 and BTC members will vote on the winner. The winner of the award will be announced at the 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference, October 5-7 in Springfield, Mo.

Past winners of the award include Repairify's asTech ® Driven by Repairify (2024), PDM Automotive's AI-Generated Omnichannel Content (2023), Dorman's "Where to Buy" platform (2022), VizSeek's Visual Search (2021) and OptiCat's Automated Loadsheets (2020).

More information about the award can be found at mema.org/tech-innovation. Those interested in applying can do so here.

Learn more and register for the 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference at MEMATech.org.

About the Business Technology Council (BTC)

The Business Technology Council (BTC) is the aftermarket’s leading business technology forum. Members network and exchange best practices related to current and emerging technologies that support their efforts to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and pursue new business opportunities. For more information on how you can get involved and upcoming events, visit mema.org/networking-groups/BTC.

About MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports over 900,000 American jobs in all 50 states. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a recognized industry change agent—promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues, and serving as a valued resource for member companies. Members represent all areas of the aftermarket including light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a membership group within MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association.

MEMA is the leading North American trade association for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations. MEMA has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Members supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society's transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability.

MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at mema.org/aftermarket-suppliers.