GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE & MOBILITY INNOVATION CHALLEGE
COMPETE. CONNECT.ACCELERATE.
A No-Cost, No-Equity Opportunity for Startups to Gain Visibility, Mentorship, and Real Industry Traction
- Detroit, MI USA
- April 2027
OVERVIEW
Why GAMIC?
GAMIC is a global competition and accelerator that helps early-stage mobility startups break into the North American market. Startups don’t just need funding — they need access, credibility, and connections to decision-makers. GAMIC provides all three, at no cost and with no equity required.
HOW IT WORKS
The Journey
The competition takes startups on a structured path from application to the global stage:
APPLICATION & SCREENING
Submit your innovation for review by industry experts.
Quarterfinals
Selected startups present in-person or virtually to judges, gaining valuable feedback and visibility.
SEMIFINALS
Build momentum and connect with mentors, sponsors, and partners.
FINALS AT SAE WCX
Compete on a global stage in Detroit, MI, USA (or virtually) with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and investors.
What Startups Gain
ACCESS
Connect with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, investors, VCs, and mentors — without needing prior connections.
CREDIBILITY
Be vetted and supported by respected industry leaders.
Acceleration
Shorten the path to pilots, partnerships, and funding with direct exposure and expert feedback.
Mentorship
All startups reaching the semifinals and beyond are paired with experienced mentors to refine messaging, strategy, and approach.
Support
Access to 70+ industry experts, up to $400,000+ in professional services, and exposure to 10,000+ mobility executives, investors, and innovators worldwide.
Proven Outcomes
Since 2008, GAMIC has supported more than 1,000 startup alumni. Alumni have gone on to launch pilots, raise capital, and form partnerships with global mobility leaders — collectively securing more than $2.5 billion USD in investment and acquisitions.
Among them, GAMIC Champions have raised over $1 billion USD to date.
raised by GAMIC alumni since 2008
raised by 54 gamic finalists as of 2026
QUALIFICATIONS
Who Should Apply?
GAMIC invites entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers from around the world who are building the future of mobility.
Innovation Space
Automotive, electric vehicles, mobility, and autonomous systems
Location
Worldwide — Global startups enter from 75 countries across Asia, Africa, Australasia, Europe, North and South America
STage
Idea, prototype, early users, or paying users
FUnding
Angel, Pre-seed, Seed, or Series A (up to $10M in funding; currently raising or not raising)
Technology Type
Readiness
Proof-of-concept or working model, with at least an initial business plan and go-to-market strategy
Competition Timing
Application Open Period
September 1 – November 30
Quarterfinals
November – January
(Virtual and in-person in Michigan, USA)
SEMIFINALS
February
(Virtual and in-person in Michigan, USA)
FINALS AT SAE WCX
April
at SAE WCX in Detroit, Michigan USA
Examples of Innovation Areas
Previous GAMIC winners and finalists have focused on:
Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
Sensors & Vehicle Electrification
Connected & Automated Vehicles
Cybersecurity & V2X
Infotainment & Simulation
Mapping Systems & Testing
Business Model Innovation
& Value-Added Consumer Solutions
Why Join GAMIC?
More than a Pitch
This is a fast track to the right people, with mentorship and real-world opportunities at every step.
high-value return on time
Unlike most competitions, GAMIC gives you expert guidance, industry visibility, and direct access — without strings attached.
built for global startups
Whether you already have North American traction or not, GAMIC helps you break into this market with insider access and credibility.
READY TO APPLY?
Take your startup to the next level. Applications are open from September 1 through November 30 — no cost, no equity required.
