The Just for Laughs comedy conference has launched a new sitcom pitch contest that has the possible creator of the next Seinfeld or Louie attending the New York TV Festival in October 2012 as an official artist.

The set-to-screen competition, aimed at stand-up comics with potential sitcoms based on their sketches or characters, will see five finalists pitch in Montreal.

The winning sitcom will then be showcased at U.S. studio and network execs at the 8th Annual New York Television Festival from October 22 to 27, 2012.

The Just For Laughs competition is open to global talent, and sitcom concepts not yet parked at a network or studio in development are eligible.

To be short-listed for the final five pitches, applicants must submit a series treatment and outline, along with supporting video, for consideration.

The Just For Laughs comedy conference is set to run from July 26 to 28 in Montreal.