GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE & MOBILITY INNOVATION CHALLEGE
Competition Judges
MEET THE JUDGES
Current and Past Judges
GAMIC judges are respected leaders from across the mobility ecosystem who bring real-world perspective to the evaluation process. Their role goes beyond scoring pitches—providing informed insight, credibility, and strategic signal to startups navigating complex markets and high-stakes decisions.
Josh
Berg
Managing Director, Magna Technology Investments
Josh Berg leads global technology investments at Magna International, overseeing startup investments, partnerships, and portfolio governance across emerging mobility technologies. Previously, he held roles at General Motors, including Partner at GM Ventures, where he helped lead investments and commercialization partnerships with startups. His work focuses on advancing innovation in areas such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation mobility systems.
Timothy
Davis
Assistant Dean for Engagement and Innovation at the University of Michigan–Dearborn College of Business
Timothy Davis is Assistant Dean for Engagement and Innovation at the University of Michigan–Dearborn College of Business, Director of iLabs, and a Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Business Administration. He connects regional organizations with UM-Dearborn faculty and student research talent and leads studies on entrepreneurship, talent, and economic development. A lifelong entrepreneur, he teaches Entrepreneurial Thinking and oversees campus and regional venture programs, including the annual Business Idea Pitch competition.
Partha
Goswami
Principal, PG Mobility Analysis
Partha Goswami is a technology strategist and thought leader with 30+ years of experience in automotive and mobility. His expertise spans CASE trends, software-defined vehicles, foresight, and technology roadmapping. Partha advises companies at the intersection of technology and automotive, helping assess value-chain shifts and build strategic roadmaps. He is a frequent speaker and writer, recognized in 2025 as an Automotive IQ Top 20 Voice and an SAE Top Contributor.
Mazen
Hammoud
Global Director of Motion Tech Strategy, Ford Motor Company
Mazen Hammoud leads global motion technology strategy at Ford, guiding decisions across electrification, autonomy, and advanced vehicle systems. With a career spanning powertrain engineering, energy management, and global team leadership, he has held key roles across North America and Asia. Mazen also serves on multiple academic and industry boards, contributing to the advancement of engineering talent and innovation in mobility.
Kas
Kasravi
Clinical Professor and Director, University of Michigan - Dearborn
Kas Kasravi is a technology innovator with deep interests in artificial intelligence, analytics, patent law, invention methodologies, and 3D printing. He has developed solutions across engineering, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, financial, insurance, and defense sectors. Kas holds 30 granted patents with additional applications pending, frequently speaks at conferences, and has taught engineering at several universities. Outside of work, he plays the harpsichord, enjoys Baroque music, and has won an international photography contest.
Elizabeth
Krear
President and CEO, Center for Automotive Research (CAR)
Elizabeth Krear is President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), bringing more than 30 years of experience in engineering, product development, and strategic leadership across the global automotive industry. Her career includes leadership roles at J.D. Power and Stellantis, where she worked on electrified vehicle programs and platform strategies. Automotive News named her one of the Top 100 Women in the North American Auto Industry.
Andreas
Mai
Angel Investor, Board Member, Advisor
Andreas Mai is an executive, board member, and angel investor focused on digital innovation and the future of transportation. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to Endava and previously held leadership roles at Boston Consulting Group, Keolis, and Cisco, where he advanced connected and autonomous mobility initiatives. Andreas has advised global executives and served on multiple industry boards shaping the evolution of mobility worldwide.
Paul
Mascarenas
Corporate Leader | Non-Exec Director | Strategic Advisor
Paul Mascarenas is a corporate leader, board director, and strategic advisor focused on next-generation mobility and advanced technologies. He currently serves on the boards of ON Semiconductor, The Aebi-Schmidt Group, and Neo Performance Materials, and is a Venture Partner with Fontinalis Partners. Previously, he was Chief Technical Officer of Ford Motor Company, where he led global research, advanced engineering, and the company’s technology strategy.
Michael
McNair
Vice President for Aerospace, SAE International and President, SAE Government Technologies
Michael McNair focuses on advancing emerging technologies across aerospace, defense, and mobility systems. He currently leads aerospace programs at SAE Industry Technologies Consortia and serves as President of SAE Government Technologies. His work spans autonomy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and unmanned systems, helping translate early-stage innovations into practical applications across commercial, academic, and government programs.
Vivek
Moudgal
VP Strategy, dSPACE
Vivek Moudgal is Vice President of Strategy at dSPACE Inc., a leader in software development tools for the mobility industry. With more than 30 years of experience in simulation and real-time control systems, he works with OEMs and suppliers to advance robust software that improves sustainability and passenger safety. He holds an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Ohio State and an MBA from Michigan Ross.
Janis
Seabolt
Director of Mobility, Ann Arbor Spark
Janis Seabolt, Director of Mobility Programs at Ann Arbor SPARK, leads efforts to strengthen the region’s advanced mobility industry through strategic projects, partnerships, and program development. She supports mobility tech entrepreneurs in accelerating technology commercialization and business growth, connecting them with resources, education, and opportunity. Janis also collaborates with industry, academia, and the public sector to attract new companies, talent, and investment to the region.
READY TO APPLY?
Take your startup to the next level. Applications are open from October 1 through December 1 — no cost, no equity required.
