2025 MIDI Innovations Awards Prototype/Noncommercial Software
This is for software 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.
MIDI2 Monitor MK2
MIDI2 Monitor MK2 decodes MIDI 1.0/2.0 traffic into plain English in real time, with spoken narration for hands-free monitoring.
MIDIWeb
MIDIWeb enables browser based music making via WebMIDI on iOS, visionOS and macOS. A music-focused browser for hardware synths, controllers, utilities and education.
Modulix
Modulix is a live Audio Unit host for Mac, blending the immediate workflow of a stage keyboard with the deep MIDI routing of a workstation.
REFLECT
REFLECT is an evidence-based serious game that transforms arm and hand movements into accessible music creation and engaging physical rehabilitation in virtual reality.
Tonalign
You’re only ever a half step from the right note. Tonalign makes that correction for live MIDI, following harmony wherever it moves in real time.
MidiStickers Pro
MidiStickers simplifies learning classical and jazz theory through real-time interactive exercises and modular widget-based MIDI visualization and analysis tools designed for music educators and students.
Ensemble Jammer
Anyone can improvise together in under a minute. A suite of touch instruments shares one evolving harmony, so no note can ever be wrong.
midi2.diy: A Portable MIDI 2.0 Stack for Embedded Systems
A portable MIDI 2.0 stack for embedded systems: zero-allocation C99 core, C++17 wrapper, 29 recipes. From DIY to professional, build your own instruments. midi2.diy
FretMorpher
A virtual Fretboard with moveable frets and tuneable strings that combines the MIDI and Analog streams of a MIDI string instrument for Realtime exploration.
vguitar 2.9
Virtual Guitar – Play guitar in any linux terminal.
Human friendly, input, and readable. Distributed via GNU copyleft license.
TONAVA
TONAVA unites harmonic visualization, microtonal performance, synthesis, sampling, and global tuning in one integrated educational and creative MIDI software workstation for music creators and educators.
Alien Instruments Studio
Alien Instruments Studio makes music creation accessible, combining adaptable sequencing, intelligent composition tools, keyboard navigation, screen-reader support, customisable interface, clear feedback that empowers creative workflows.
LumaDeck Web
LumaDeck Web turns a supported browser into a live visual instrument controlled by MIDI, separating performer controls from clean audience output without installing an application.
Phylo
A “concept DAW” for the creation of music as code for the web, with generative features and MIDI2.0.
XPI – Gamepad MIDI Input
Transform standard game controllers into expressive, low-latency polyphonic MPE instruments and intelligent harmony workstations for macOS.
Gimbal
Gimbal turns MIDI 2.0’s billions of steps into a drawable surface: sketch pitch, volume and modulation paths as pure math, no instrumental technique required
SampleConductor
SampleConductor is a generative sampling instrument that transforms any sample into inspiring chopped progressions, helping producers find ideas fast and turn creative blocks into momentum.
Sleight
Sleight turns MIDI 1.0 keyboard into a per-note MIDI 2.0 expressive controller using a webcam, bend, vibrato and timbre on individual notes, no new hardware.
Drumcheck
Impossible drums? DRUMCHECK analyzes a MIDI drum part and shows what a drummer can’t play.
Midilo – Flow-based, MIDI-first looping
Midilo is the world’s first looper with MPE support: capture expressive performances, transform them into new loops in real time, and perform evolving arrangements live.
MIDI Piano & Guitar Chords
Free, open-source music theory suite. Connect any MIDI keyboard to detect chords, visualize intervals, and explore the circle of fifths.
Midi Command Studio
MIDI Command Studio transforms MIDI controllers into powerful Windows control surfaces, controlling applications, shortcuts, macros and audio while supporting hardware feedback on compatible devices.
GrooveConductor
GrooveConductor is a gesture-driven generative MIDI instrument that lets you shape drums and bass from one expressive surface in real time.
ESP-NOW MIDI & enomik (ESP-NOW MIDI Kit)
Wireless MIDI without Bluetooth pain. Build your own MIDI device with our zero-programming editor, fully SysEx-configurable, with library and optional dev boards.
Trencadís App
Trencadis is an app that turns the camera feed into music by picking up the colors of the image and translating them into musical notes.
Conductor
Conductor is a MIDI 2.0 plug-in host built on our patented divisi process. Play and mix an entire virtual orchestra at once, in real time.
MNS Music Engine
MNS Music Engine transforms adaptive behaviour into original, generative music in real time, making sophisticated music creation and interaction accessible through MIDI.
LiteWebSynth
LiteWebSynth is a WordPress GM/GS/XG synthesizer featuring a Timbre Editor (GM mode), SoundFonts Editor (GS/XG mode), and a built-in sequencer.
Quill
Quill is an eyedropper for sound: capture an instrument’s tone and playing style in seconds, then play it on your MIDI keyboard, slides and all.
MusicNote Haven MIDI Manager
MusicNote Haven MIDI Manager helps keyboard players and MIDI collectors index, search, listen to, organize and preserve large MIDI/KAR archives safely.
Bastion Citoyen — Kukulkan Warrior
Bastion Citoyen turns MIDI 2.0 controllers into a civic operating surface connecting people, lighting, sound, maps, identity, and regenerative action through Kukulkan Warrior in real-time.