SEMA has named Jon Delgado, chief technology officer at Repairify, as the 2023 Gen-III Innovator of the Year. This distinction is given annually to an entrepreneur aged 40 or younger who showcases innovation in the automotive aftermarket sector, SEMA said.
Delgado is credited with the development of the asTech Rules Engine, a patented system that relies on empirical data to offer users the most precise and economical diagnostic scan tailored to specific vehicles. To build this tool, asTech conducted scans on tens of thousands of vehicles using top aftermarket scan tools. The data from these scans was then compared to authentic OEM tool scans. After a rigorous and comprehensive effort, this data was able to determine which aftermarket scans matched the performance of the OEM scans based on vehicle year, make, model and trim.
In addition, SEMA said Delgado played a crucial role in bringing this data to the automotive industry. He did so through an API solution that combined asTech’s established remote OEM services with aftermarket alternatives. This integration is now a feature in the asTech All-in-One scan tool.
Under Delgado’s leadership, asTech also introduced asTech Insights, a product powered by artificial intelligence. This tool uses the data from OEM-compatible scans to swiftly produce tailored collision repair recommendations based on the vehicle and its diagnosed trouble codes. Impressively, this AI model was developed using data from over 210 million diagnosed trouble codes.
Furthermore, Delgado’s expertise extends to ADAS calibration identifications via his adasThink solution, SEMA said. Through his contributions, repair shops now have tools that ensure safety systems are calibrated as mandated by OEM repair procedures.
Delgado is set to be honored at the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The evening will celebrate other industry leaders and offer attendees a night of entertainment, award presentations, live music and more, SEMA said,