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The 2025 MIDI Innovation Awards

What are the midi innovation awards?

The MIDI Innovation Awards, established in 2021, celebrate groundbreaking advancements in MIDI  technology.

Organized collaboratively by The MIDI Association, NAMM, and Music Hackspace, the awards highlight innovative products and projects that utilize MIDI 1.0 and 2.0 in novel ways, emphasizing MIDI’s role in fostering musical creativity.

This year we had a record number of entries. The 118 entries are presented here.

There will soon (July 14) be a link to the voting site run by Broadjam who also handles the voting for the NAMM TEC Awards among many other things. 

    View The 2025 MIDI Innovation Awards Entries by Random Order

    Click on the Product title to see the details or the underlined Category to see other entries in that category

    Say hello to the Misa Quadwave: a reimagined digital guitar merging captivating stage freedom, robust design, and low-latency synth control for unparalleled creative expression.
    MIDILLI lets you design your own MIDI controller: custom size, controls, and features. Integrates with all MIDI gear and includes built-in MIDI routing.
    X MAX is the flagship crossover keyboard from MIDIPLUS, combining stage performance and music production capabilities to offer an exceptional experience for musicians.
    TITAN Q6 is a 14-in/16-out audio interface with new analog and digital circuits. Its innovative digital OTG-IMAX transmission delivers up to 140dB dynamic quality.
    UP is a controller compatible with popular DAW, expandable up to 32 channels, offering touch-sensitive motorized faders with 10-bit accuracy.
    Unlock seamless MIDI control with CME H4MIDI WC: a compact USB host interface offering 8-in/8-out connectivity, advanced routing, Bluetooth expansion, and pedalboard-friendly design.
    Anukari is a synthesizer based on an interactive 3D physics simulation. Drag and drop physics components like masses and springs to design instruments/effects.
    SPOKE is a simplified way to create capacitive-touch MIDI interfaces using any conductive object or material.
    Halbestunde turns any sheet music into an interactive, AI-powered practice tool — with instant playback, smart feedback, and MIDI-driven features that make learning music engaging.
    Portable, customizable MIDI CC controller with precision faders,LED encoders & 8-layer presets. Instantly compatible across platforms—no drivers needed. Control music, video, & lighting effortlessly.
    Bringing the power of the open MIDI standard to modular synthesizers by using MIDI data alongside traditional CV and Gate signals within modular synth patches.
    A trio of MIDI controllers with an intuitive keyboard-like wheel design used together to endlessly shape and layer sound in realtime and notate the results.
    Divisimate 2 lets you orchestrate your live performance with your virtual instruments in real-time. Split up your chords, modify your parts and create playable orchestrations.
    Rhodes in association with Dave Starkey and Cyril Lance developed a midi system for the analogue Mk8 tine piano
    MidiWrist Unleashed turns your Apple Watch into a standalone MIDI controller that directly connects to any advertised Bluetooth LE MIDI device.
    The A-88MKII MIDI offers creative tools for today’s keyboard-based musicians, and has been updated to include a preview of the MIDI 2.0 Piano Profile functionality.
    Intuitively microtune any MIDI synth, and experiment with pitch in new ways.
    A new standard for professional stage controllers: top-tier hammer action, advanced MIDI 2.0 integration, deep software connectivity, and a refined user interface.
    MNS-ME is a generative music engine that turns MIDI input into evolving, interactive MIDI output, enabling algorithmic creativity for musicians, producers, and creators.
    A sensory symphonia where the audience are the performers. The Expression Orchestra is an ensemble of instruments designed to increase access to rich musical expression.
    The LC-1X+ is a single channel RGB LED and 128 channel DMX lighting controller. It enables you to control your lighting like an instrument!
    Always in key, instantly ready to play – Gamma is a mini synth and MIDI Controller with a unique layout and personality unlike any other.
    jamcorder is a new transformative way to record your digital piano. truly set & forget, you never need to hit record.
    A MIDI controller based on an innovative, patented key arrangement, to enable real-time playing of very fast melodies and rhythmic patterns.
    A SID synthesiser : MIDI in, 2 SIDs, Audio out
    Kassiopeia is a 4-channel DC interface that lets you control motors, solenoids, LEDs, and more. Tap, shake, vibrate, and move objects to create sound.
    Keystage is the first keyboard to adopt the MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange, putting unparalleled integration and control at your fingertips.
    37-key MIDI controller with built-in FM synth, RGB pads, sequencer, arpeggiator, assignable controls, wireless function with battery, and USB-C port.
    Roto-Control is a revolutionary motorized MIDI controller for software and hardware. Finally, the compact and customizable MIDI controller you’ve been dreaming about is a reality!
    GSequencer your versatile audio and MIDI sequencer.
    TuneTap音游节奏机是一款深受年轻用户喜爱的帮助简化创作过程 快速参与创作更直观的感受音乐和创作乐趣的打击垫
    Bento is a portable sampling production lab. Sample, sequence, and perform with it’s internal audio engine and/or external MIDI synths.
    Moon Performance System is a hardware MIDI controller with dual circuit boards, seamlessly integrating drum machine and synthesizer sequencers, featuring a modern, matching design.
    Vintage Character Modern Innovation Our 1951 Steinway D, lauded by great masters, meets the next-gen Ivory3 engine integrating sampling with modeling. An unparalleled playing experience.
    Montage M combines several powerful sound generating engines and extensive parameter control, empowering customers to shape a huge variety of sounds.
    Verbera is a standalone, hardware-based convolution reverb pedal — with Instant IR loading, stunning tweakability, and boundless sonic range.
    COSMOLAB is a MODULAR DEVELOPER KIT based on the Electrosmith’s DAISY DSP Platform. Is intended for makers, developer, rapid prototyping and educational.
    Playtonik is a musical fidget toy built around fun physical interactions with shapes. Relax with ambient soundscapes or inject some chaotic energy
    Turn your guitar into a MIDI controller and master the keyboard as if it were a fretboard
    Monotype MIDI is a text to sound program inspired by the binary, punch-hole systems used in early twentieth century type-setting technologies.
    Symbolic communication for AI agents using MIDI 2.0: structured, machine-verifiable protocol enabling collaborative reasoning, trust verification, and real-time multi-agent coordination.
    Aline is a sequencer that combines generative and traditional engines in multiple layers, those layers can be creatively composed for performance and studio
    MC8 PRO brings unmatched flexibility, compatibility, and clarity to MIDI foot control — featuring vibrant new displays and built-in Bluetooth MIDI for true wireless freedom.
    Bend time. Automate notes. A single grid as a multi-dimensional musical canvas — for iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
    Pipo Interfaces is an easy to use platform for wireless sensing. It forms a creative playground for audiovisual interactions and performance.
    The MFC1 is a versatile, fully mappable MIDI floor controller that works seamlessly with any standard MIDI device.
    Browser-powered music education & performance software helping people learn faster, play better, and create freely with virtually limitless control over every aspect of live performance.
    The flagship digital wind instrument with our most advanced DuoEngine™ synthesizers, highly expressive controls and robust built-in speakers.
    Its hard to find the right AI model for musical tasks. Our open repository of GenAI models for music to makes them easy to find.
    RapidComposer reinvents music composition with phrase-level creativity, smart harmony tools, and MIDI intelligence, empowering composers to explore ideas faster, deeper, and more musically than ever.
    Wireless Bluetooth and versatile interfaces boost creator productivity.
    Piano One is a hybird modelled grand piano which supports MIDI 2.0 and MPE, provide the best piano sound
    Supreme Drums One Synth is a free hybrid modeling drum kits featuring synthesized drums sound in classic analogue synthesizer.
    Violin One is a physical modelling instrument which supports MIDI 2.0 and MPE
    Transform your smartphone in a wind instrument with zefiro, the smallest MIDI USB-C breath controller! For enthusiasts and PROs alike!!
    MTC-30 is a product for synchronizing MIDI instruments, videos and lights.
    Flufs is a real-time or offline Max for Live loudness meter, accessible to blind and visually impaired users with screen reader and braille display support.
    AirBending transforms your hand gestures into MIDI messages using your Mac’s built-in camera. This allows you to play your instruments with greater expressiveness.
    “La Boîte à Musique” offers powerful online tools for musicians: create, play, and share your sounds with MIDI, virtual amps, effects, and more — instantly
    Seq is a MIDI sequencer different from anything you’ve ever used before. With Seq you remix music elements to make a full, complex song.
    ConnectThroughMIDI is a tool that empowers real-time musical collaboration between people — linking MIDI devices across setups, skills, and abilities for expressive shared creation.
    Werckmeister is a fast, text-based sheet music to MIDI compiler—ideal for composers and developers seeking lightweight, programmable music creation without complex GUI tools.
    This synth offers modular Web Audio synthesis, MIDI learn, intuitive navigation, and voice control—empowering musicians of all abilities to create, explore, and perform uniquely.
    Gig Performer creates a real-time live performance setup on your laptop, letting you control VSTs, MIDI gear, hardware, and other applications from one stable platform.
    A fully custom digital piano featuring an isomorphic (Janko) piano layout and grand-piano style action (Hickman’s design) for true realism.
    DigiShow is open-source software for live performances and art installations, offering intuitive control of audio, lighting, robotics, and interactive devices.
    Play like a genius, even if you’re not. Tone Glide’s patented technologies will greatly enhance your unique melodies and basslines.
    Play hardware synthesizers online and bring your own synthesizer for others to play
    Control Brightness and Color of an LED Stripe Rhythmically via MIDI Clock !
    VirtualKeyboard is a customizable input/monitor software keyboard empowering touch screens and providing tap-to-play/record functions to play/record at live tempos.
    AI-powered MIDI generation Max4Live device for context-aware composition directly within Ableton Live workflows.
    EightNote is a kinetic magnetic MIDI controller that lets users create evolving rhythms and visuals by placing magnetic balls and moving a sliding 8-track panel.
    Cut cables. MIDIMesh wirelessly converts MIDI to precise CV for Eurorack modular synthesizers. MIDI 2.0 compatible, WiFi-enabled, web-configurable with multiple outputs for unlimited creativity.
    Grid is a modular, fully open-source MIDI controller. With customizable software and diverse control elements, you can shape it entirely to match your unique workflow.
    Shetu is an open-source software MIDI 2.0 research demonstrator, written in C using off-the-shelf parts, with individual note pitch bending and sound pressure control.
    The Neoharp is the intuitive digital instrument for those who dream of playing. Accompany yourself and impress friends in minutes, not years.
    Unfold MIDI sequences with constant variation using the loop offset setting. Force all sequences to scale, transpose or tempo map creating song style key changes
    Circle Guitar is an electric guitar fused with a MIDI-programmable sequencer, enabling musicians to create entirely new rhythms, textures, and sounds.
    DataBass is a hybrid upright bass blending acoustic feel with digital power through MIDI control, live sample triggering, looping, and expressive tools for modern bassists.
    Bring your sounds to life with MEMLNaut, the first neural symbiotic controller for synths and effects: discover new sounds instantly, live, with any rig.
    Affordable gesture-controlled musical device enabling children with physical disabilities to create and perform music through simple movements, promoting inclusion and musical development.
    AIR delivers intuitive MIDI and CV control with a simple gesture-based interface—housed in natural wood for a seamless blend of form and function.
    Application enabling anyone to play music using MIDI devices, typing-keyboards, eye-trackers, or touchscreens generating notes, chords, sequences, samples, and sending MIDI to DAWs and instruments.
    The Witchy Woo is a versatile MIDI controller in the form of a witch’s scepter which allows the performer total freedom of movement and expression.
    Virtual Piano helps you learn chords and scales interactively — the fastest way to understand harmony and improve your musical skills.
    Full stroke key position sensors for keyboards, providing greater musical expression for MPE or MIDI 2.0 synthesizers, or accurate emulation of acoustic piano key responses.
    MORTRIX, the game-changing MIDI foot controller, boasts a 7” touchscreen, modern user interface, extensive connectivity, and unparalleled workflow efficiency.
    The MSC-01 converts MIDI Note/PC signals to serial commands, controlling playback of up to 127 videos on MedeaWiz Sprite 4K media players.
    “Tethered by Emotion” is an immersive VR experience where sound controls puppetry, connecting strangers through cultural memory, interactive performance, and emotionally driven digital storytelling.
    The NUX NTK MIDI keyboards are versatile 37/49/61-key USB-powered MIDI controller designed to provide seamless integration with your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and virtual instruments.
    Unlock musical talent with LearnMusicOnline.com.au — 600 fun, structured lessons in performing, composing, publishing, theory, and ear training. Perfect for home or school learning!
    CineGrand2 is a hybrid modelling piano collection which fully supports MIDI 2.0. Also we built special technology based on MIDI 2.0
    Neo Koto is a Koto collection that supports MIDI 2.0
    Supreme Drums Taiko is a Hybrid Modeling Japanese Taiko Drums VST/AU plugin that Supports MIDI 2.0
    A framework for building parameter editing interfaces for MIDI devices using sysex over WebMIDI, extending capabilities to browsers without WebMIDI
    Cosmo transforms inclusive, multi-sensory switches into wireless MIDI controllers, enabling learners of all abilities to create, play, and perform music through interactive, accessible experiences.
    Setlist Manager is a macOS Application that augments AVID Pro Tools with advanced MIDI cue automation, originally developed for touring Productions.
    Cristalonde is an intuitive gestural MIDI and CV controller bringing expressive, acoustic-like instrumental gestures into modern electronic music and live performance setups.
    A powerful MIDI generator for Ableton Live 12, featuring compact notation, scripting, live coding, randomization, two-way integration with AI tools, and more.
    The Demon Box is a triphonic system of 33 inductors transforming spatialized EMF from anything from a magnet to a hairdryer into multiple sonorific channels.
    CHROMOLA is an audio visual synthesis application. It combines MIDI input and output, with computer vision to create a recursive synesthetic creative experience.
    Dog Paw combines powerful software capabilities with traditional instruments’ feel and expression.
    BeatBuddy 2 is the ultimate drum machine in pedal form. Studio-quality sounds, intelligent playback, and velocity control—perfect for players who want real drums, no drummer.
    Autotune for Drummers is a drum stick that corrects the timing of drum hits in real time keeping the drummer always in sync.
    Play hardware synthesizers online and bring your own synthesizer for others to play
    A Smile Powered Musical Instrument installation that grants instant musical-superpowers to people who engage with it, allowing everybody to make music together, regardless of ability.
    JAM_BOT is a system enabling real-time, Human-AI co-created symbolic music improvisation. It also includes a visualization system enabling its integration on the live stage
    Songscription brings cutting-edge AI to music transcription, instantly converting audio into MIDI and MusicXML—saving time and redefining how musicians learn and compose.
    Uses your facial expression to create chords. Smile for happy music, frown for sad music. Play a MIDI note and augment it with your mood.
    Arcana Strum integrated in MIDIable to provide a revolutionary remote learning experience
    A solution for making music production tools accessible
    All Mesh Head Portable Digital Drum with a Compact Design, and Unique Sound Module Design With Mobile Device Connectivity.
    Unleash your musical creativity with GeoShred Studio, a desktop AUV3 plugin that brings GeoShred’s acclaimed expressive physical modeling instrument to your DAW.
    Scalable lets you reshape pitch across your Ableton session — change keys mid-phrase, morph between scales, and script programmable MPE layouts for new performance paradigms.
    The tiniest violin is a 128 pixel actuators in an 8×16 grid covering all midi notes. It is on technicality, the smallest full midi controller.
    Tonova is a powerful MIDI Breath Controller & Digital harmonica Packed with 4 harmonica modes, 24 instrument voices, pitch bend , pressure-sensitive & built-in speaker.
    Reimagining what a guitar can be, the Kellycaster is a symbol of co-design, accessibility, and musical innovation. The sound of inclusion, cranked up to eleven.

    What are the midi innovation awards?

    The awards are open to individuals, artists, and companies working with MIDI to develop innovative products or interactive experiences. Categories include:

    • Commercial Hardware Products
    • Commercial Software Products
    • Prototypes and Non-Commercial Hardware Products
    • Prototypes and Non-Commercial Software Products
    • Artistic/Visual Projects or Installations
    • NEW: Best MIDI 2.0 product (across all categories)

    Winners gain opportunities to present their innovations on a global stage, with prizes such as exhibition spaces at major events like the NAMM Show, and Music China. They also receive support from The MIDI Association for developing MIDI 2.0 prototypes.

    The MIDI Innovation Awards are also proud to work with partners including Sound On Sound, the world’s leading music technology magazine, contributing prizes and press coverage for the competition.

    Timeline
    • March 18th: Registrations opened
    • July 08th, 2025: Registrations closed
    • July 14th, 2025: Voting starts
    • August 04th, 2025: Voting closes, jury deliberation starts
    • August 08th, 2025: Finalists announced
    • September 20th, 2025: Live show online – winners revealed

      watch The 2024 MIDI Innovation Awards Show

      the 2024 MIDI Innovation Award WINNERS


      Here are the winners of the 2024 MIDI Innovation Awards.

      A number of the 2024 winners were focused on music accessibility including UniMIDIHub, GEP Contraption and the Arcana Strum.

      Click on the link below to learn more about The MIDI Association’s Music Accessibility Standard Special Interest group (MASSIG).


      Inclusive MIDI controller that enables music creation using typing-keyboards, MIDI-controllers, game controllers, eye-trackers, empowering diverse abilities with versatile MIDI control in education, therapy, and beyond.
      Particle Shrine is an immersive installation that utilises bespoke technology to transmute live cosmic ray data into a range of kinetic, audio and visual outputs.
      Grid-based non-linear deterministic MIDI sequencer that controls like a game but generates ideas like a jam partner
      MIDI touchless instrument and controller for performances, education, and physical therapy.
      The Arcana Strum: A groundbreaking, inclusively designed music instrument empowering individuals with disabilities to engage in music education and creative expression seamlessly


      The Finalists in the 2024 MIDI Innovation Awards

      Inclusive MIDI controller that enables music creation using typing-keyboards, MIDI-controllers, game controllers, eye-trackers, empowering diverse abilities with versatile MIDI control in education, therapy, and beyond.
      Unlock new dimensions of musical meaning with Sonification Tools: transform any data into mesmerizing melodies or modulation, seamlessly bridging music, science, and art.
      ShowMIDI is a multi-platform GUI application to effortlessly visualize MIDI activity.
      seqMPEror is a polyphonic and fully MPE-compatible creative sequencer. Explore creative, non-linear, non-repetitive, expressive and innovative polyphonic MPE gestural adventure. MPE inclusive for all.
      ppff, acronym for “pianissimo-fortissimo”, is a generative audiovisual installation where a MIDI player piano receives its musical information from an ever-changing rainfall of generative graphics.
      Partymaker: Accordion Synthesizer is a set of electronics that adds synthesizer capabilities to the traditional acoustic accordion.
      Particle Shrine is an immersive installation that utilises bespoke technology to transmute live cosmic ray data into a range of kinetic, audio and visual outputs.
      Discover an innovative Max/MSP ambient music generator that crafts continuously evolving soundscapes with algorithmic modulation, dual synthesizers, and immersive effects for limitless creative potential.
      Grid-based non-linear deterministic MIDI sequencer that controls like a game but generates ideas like a jam partner
      Groove Builders® revolutionize quantization, offering effortless groove customization inspired by top producers. Say goodbye to robotic beats and hello to unparalleled personal rhythmic diversity.
      MIDI touchless instrument and controller for performances, education, and physical therapy.
      Digital Flex Accordion is a compact, lightweight, wireless-enabled digital button accordion with breath controller, velocity sensitive keyboards, and auto-accompaniment for music creation anywhere, anytime.
      Discover Chorda by Artiphon: an expressive MIDI controller that lets you create music by strumming chords, tapping melodies, and creating rhythms with intuitive, touch-sensitive pads.
      The Arcana Strum: A groundbreaking, inclusively designed music instrument empowering individuals with disabilities to engage in music education and creative expression seamlessly
      Zildjian is proud to introduce a series of revolutionary electronic drum kits, featuring groundbreaking cymbal trigger technology. Introducing Zildjian ALCHEM-E… an immersive, elevated, electronic experience.

      The 2024 MIDI Innovation Award Categories

      Click on a category to see all the 2024 entries.