Nominations now open for 2026 PTEN Innovation Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 annual PTEN Innovation Awards.

The prestigious awards program began in 1999 and has since been recognizing automotive tools and equipment that have significant importance in helping technicians diagnose and repair vehicles more easily and more efficiently, ultimately making automotive shops more productive.

To be nominated, each product must have been introduced or notably updated in the past year to the automotive aftermarket. With 28 categories to choose from, the awards cover every type of repair and tools used by technicians, including ADAS, brake service tools, inspection tools, lighting, tool storage, training, welding, and more.  

This year, we've also added an AI Integration category for companies that have integrated their own AI software into an existing tool, new tool, or next generation of a tool, such as a scan tool or TPMS device.  

Each nominated product will be assessed by a panel of judges comprised of industry professionals and will be scored based on five criteria:

• Time savings
• Task simplification 
• Uniqueness
• Market Relevance
•  Technician Experience/Ease of use

The winners will be published in the October 2026 issues of PTEN and Professional Distributor and will be honored at PTEN’s annual Innovation Awards ceremony in Las Vegas at the AAPEX Show.

Additionally, all submissions will be eligible for PTEN’s People’s Choice Awards program, a program in which winners are selected by PTEN readers. The People's Choice winners will also be published in the October issues of PTEN and Professional Distributor.

Visit the Innovation Awards website for the complete list of categories, pricing information, and nomination form.