2025 MIDI Innovation Awards Prototype/Noncommercial Hardware
This is for hardware products that are free, are prototypes, or have not yet achieved $250,000 in sales.
This category was designed for startups, non-profits and prototypes so they would not have to compete directly with larger commercial entities.
Click on the entry name for more details
Orbita Color Sequencer
Orbita is a rotating MIDI sequencer that visualizes rhythm and sound through motion, color, and magnets—turning music into a playful, physical, and visual experience.
The Kellycaster
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.
Autotune for Drummers
Autotune for Drummers is a drum stick that corrects the timing of drum hits in real time keeping the drummer always in sync.
Dog Paw
Dog Paw combines powerful software capabilities with traditional instruments’ feel and expression.
Cristalonde
Cristalonde is an intuitive gestural MIDI and CV controller bringing expressive, acoustic-like instrumental gestures into modern electronic music and live performance setups.
Azoteq MIDI 2.0 Full Motion Key Position Sensor Module
Full stroke key position sensors for keyboards, providing greater musical expression for MPE or MIDI 2.0 synthesizers,and accurate emulation of acoustic piano key responses.
The Witchy Woo
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.
AIR
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.
Janko Digital Piano
A fully custom digital piano featuring an isomorphic (Janko) piano layout and grand-piano style action (Hickman’s design) for true realism.
Shetu
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.
MIDIMesh
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.
Mugo
Affordable gesture-controlled musical device enabling children with physical disabilities to create and perform music through simple movements, promoting inclusion and musical development.
MEMLNaut
Bring your sounds to life with MEMLNaut, the first neural symbiotic controller for synths and effects: discover new sounds instantly, live, with any rig.
DataBass
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.
Circle Guitar
Circle Guitar is an electric guitar fused with a MIDI-programmable sequencer, enabling musicians to create entirely new rhythms, textures, and sounds.
Moon Performance System
Moon Performance System is a hardware MIDI controller with dual circuit boards, seamlessly integrating drum machine and synthesizer sequencers, featuring a modern, matching design.
Pipo Interfaces
Pipo Interfaces is an easy to use platform for wireless sensing. It forms a creative playground for audiovisual interactions and performance.
The Expression Orchestra
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.
Morphonium
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.