The MIDI Innovation Awards 2023 Submissions Are Now Open!
Are you exploring new ways for musicians to interact with digital musical instruments? Have an idea for an original electronic instrument or controller? Trying to raise investment or attract attention for a new product? If you're looking to make waves in music technology, you need to know about The MIDI Innovation Awards.
In 2023, MIDI celebrates its 40th birthday. The universal language of synths, controllers, and electronic instruments, MIDI 1.0 revolutionised music in the 1980s. Now, MIDI 2.0 is poised to unleash a second revolution. Massively extended and reimagined for the computer age, yet fully backwards compatible, MIDI 2.0 opens up endless possibilities for creative developers.
A joint initiative created by Music Hackspace, The MIDI Association, and NAMM, The MIDI Innovation Awards are now in their third year. The Awards showcase products and projects that are using MIDI 1.0 and 2.0 in fresh and original ways, highlighting the role that MIDI technology has to play in enabling musical creativity.
For 2023, The MIDI Innovation Awards are proud to welcome new partners including Sound On Sound, the world's leading music technology magazine, and Music China, who will host the awards ceremony at their Autumn 2023 trade fair in Shanghai.
Musicians and inventors around the world will have a unique opportunity to present their ideas on a global stage, and the winners will gain invaluable help in bringing their products to market. Prizes include an exhibition booth at the 2023 NAMM Show, coverage in Sound On Sound, an opportunity to exhibit at Music China, and significant support from The MIDI Association and Music Hackspace for the development of MIDI 2.0 prototypes.
The MIDI Innovation awards are open to individuals, artists, and companies who work with MIDI to build innovative products or interactive experiences.
The 2023 MIDI Innovation Awards categories are:
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Commercial Hardware Products
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Commercial Software Products
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Prototypes and non-commercial hardware products
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Prototypes and non-commercial software products
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Artistic/Visual Project or Installation
The MIDI Innovation Awards welcomes entries from, but not limited to: MIDI instruments, controllers, software, art installation, MIDI peripherals, I/O boxes, lighting systems, automated systems, and more.
Entries to the competition are open, and applicants are invited to submit their entry via the button below.
A jury is being assembled to represent the wider music industry and its many facets, including artists, engineers, and innovators. Entries will be judged on four attributes: innovation, inspiring and novel qualities, interoperability, and practical / commercial viability.
Here is the detailed MIA 2023 schedule.
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April 26th: Registrations close
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April 27th: Voting starts
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June 24th: Voting closes, jury deliberation starts
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July 28th: Finalists announced
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September 16th: Live show online – winners revealed
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October: Finalists are invited to participate in the Sound on Sound SynthFest in the UK and also in Music China including the User Choice Awards competition
MIDI Innovation Awards 2022 Winners
The 2022 MIDI Innovation Awards featured five distinct categories listed below. The winners were selected by the jury and are displayed in order.
Left- First Prize, Middle- Second Prize, Right- Third Prize
Commercial Hardware Finalists
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
SOMI-1
SOMI-1 is a highly precise sensor technology that measures movement and transforms it into sound in real-time. The Bluetooth® sensors can be worn as wearables on the wrists and ankles, turning the user into an instrument.
WIDI Core
WIDI Core is the smart (BLE) breakout board that makes premium MIDI over Bluetooth Low Energy functionality available for (DIY) developers.
Wind Synthesizer R1
Cyber-like wind controller from future. Responsive RGB light bars. Perform in 2 weeks. Motion control. Bluetooth connectivity. Delicate App experience.
Non-Commercial Hardware Finalists
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
The Digi-Gurdy: A MIDI Hurdy Gurdy
The Digi-Gurdy is a low-cost MIDI Hurdy Gurdy with many tuning options and a detachable playable keybox for maximum portability, allowing practice anywhere.
ProtoZOA
ProtoZOA is a flexible prototyping tool for MIDI 2.0. Open source firmware provides MIDI 2.0 interfaces and functions for developers to use in their own hardware and software products.
KnittedKeyboard
Soft, stretchable, and deformable MIDI-KnittedKeyboard for intimate, organic, and expressive musical composition and performance
Commercial Software Finalists
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Fluid Chords
Fluid Chords is an intelligent chord bending plug-in that allows you to bend from any chord to any chord.
GeoShred 5.9
GeoShred, an award-winning, fluidly expressive musical instrument with a performance surface that uses MIDI/MPE to control expressive physics-based models of musical instruments.
Animoog Z
Animoog Z is an inspiring 16-voice polyphonic synthesizer that invites you to explore new concepts of multidimensional sound design and performance.
Non-Commercial Software Finalists
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
MusiKraken
MusiKraken is a modular MIDI construction kit for mobile devices. You can combine camera, touch, motion sensors and microphone input with effects to make music.
PhotoSynth > InterFACE
Instant Musical Superpowers! The smile powered synthesizer - an augmented reality musical instrument played completely with your face!
DAWn Audio
DAWn Audio allows artists anywhere in the world to work together live, even if they're using different DAWs. With our middleware approach, we've created a "DAW-network" by utilizing MIDI and audio streaming to replicate in person co-creation.
Artistic/Visual Project Finalists
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Tapis Magique: A Choreomusical Interactive Carpet
Tapis Magique is a knitted interactive carpet that generates 3D sensor data based on body locations and gestures and drives an immersive sonic environment in real-time.
Synthesizer Live MIDI Art
An original MIDI Art composition performed and recorded live in the piano roll
Leaf Secrets
Leaf Secrets is an immersive experience that connects people and nature, using plant biodata to trigger sound, light, and imagery.
Meet The MIDI Innovation Award 2022 Judges
John Kao
Helen Leigh
Craig Anderton
Kate Stone
Yuri Suzuki
Michele Darling
Moldover
The MIDI Innovation Awards Founders
The Music Hackspace’s mission is to become the largest platform for learning music technologies. We are passionate about helping musicians develop their programming skills, host workshops led by world experts and enable the community to share knowledge and practices.
Founded in 1901, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music.
The MIDI Association is the non-profit community for both the companies who develop new MIDI specifications and products and the people that create music and art with MIDI. The MIDI.org website is the central repository of information about anything related to MIDI technology, from classic legacy gear to the next- gen MIDI protocols coming soon.
Take a look at the 2022 MIDI Innovation Awards Entries
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Entries are displayed randomly each time you come to the page. Refresh the page to see new entries at the top.
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Click on the See Entry Details button to see more information about a particular entry.
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Click on the blue category text to see just the entries from that category.
KIBBY-A-FREAK drums
KIBBY-A-FREAK drums is made of recycled parts and bamboo framing, making it an affordable and practical environment friendly DIY project for the African market.
Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar
Fully analog, fully digital. The Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar is a 24-fret electric guitar and MPE MIDI controller all-in-one.
DAWn Audio
DAWn Audio allows artists anywhere in the world to work together live, even if they're using different DAWs. With our middleware approach, we've created a "DAW-network" by utilizing MIDI and audio streaming to replicate in person co-creation.
Count-Me-In
Count-Me-In allows the audience of a musical event to use their mobile phones and become part of the show!
Lead Machine
Based on video game controllers, the Lead Machine can be your gateway to playing your digital instrument intuitively and comfortably with complete expressive control.
MidiStrata
MidiStrata is software that sits between a Master keyboard and a network of Midi devices that provides creative real-time control of live performances.
Positronic Recursion Studio
A fractal synthesizer from the future. Recurse your MIDI signals, your CV’s or your grandma's quantum brownies. Innumerable novel HD fractals at your fingertips.
Incredible Instruments 16x16 midi matrix router
An innovative rack mount 16x16 matrix router for the MIDI 2.0 routing needs of the studio and stage.
seqMPEror
Sequencing re-invented | a creative, non-linear polyphonic MPE gestural sequencing exploration. Complex non-repetitive expressive sequences with ease. Augment your musical ideas in a fun way.
Entonal Studio
Entonal Studio is an audio application and plugin that gives musicians the ability to use and create alternative tunings in their music, in any environment.
PhotoSynth > InterFACE
Instant Musical Superpowers! The smile powered synthesizer - an augmented reality musical instrument played completely with your face!
VOGUM
VOGUM is a web application with extensive MIDI controller support for music teachers, learners and performers.
Headphone Mix 4
Headphone Mix 4 is a special effect unit which suitable for those who make their music on headphone monitor system.
Vimana
Vimana Sequencer is a personal interpretation of a Multi-track Midi Step Sequencer with an Open Philosophy regarding the User Interface
Neo Reverb
Neo Reverb is a revolutionary Hybrid Convolution and Algorithm Reverb which combines both advantages of Convolution Reverb and Algorithm Reverb
Drum One
Drum One is a free drum kits plugin utilizing a lite version of Supreme Drums Engine. It is designed to provide a high quality, easy to use drum kits to musicians/producers. By using the latest modelling technology, it has a small size which is around 80M
MetaGlove for Augmented Arts
The Meta Glove for Augmented Art is a low cost MIDI controller glove that allows musicians and artists to augment their digital expressivity resulting in high impact, high publicity and social media attention for them and their sponsors.
Infinitone DMT
Infinitone Dynamic Micro-Tuning plugin empowers musicians with Freedom of Pitch, through opening access to the full harmonic spectrum, a.k.a. the “notes between the notes”.
Leaf Secrets
Leaf Secrets is an immersive experience that connects people and nature, using plant biodata to trigger sound, light, and imagery.
MIDI Proxy
Use a simple MIDI keyboard with pitch-bend to emulate a controller with faders and buttons. And do it from the Web! More features coming.
Midifile markov generator
A website that creates Markov chain remixed MIDI files from MIDI files. It also outputs the MIDI events via webMIDI during the creation.
Nularseq 0.9
Nularseq is a Max for Live MIDI effect designed to play melodic accompaniment synchronised to a live finger drumming performance.
Audiotool
Audiotool’s cloud-based digital audio workstation (DAW) taking advantage of Midi 2.0 in the web to enable real time collaboration
Android Audio Plugin: MidiDeviceService
Import existing synth audio plugins to Android platform and use them as virtual MIDI devices
BC-01
BC01 is a compact 3-in-1 MIDI device that serves as a customizable breath controller, input for expression pedal / knobs, and programmable MIDI buttons.
MidiVolts Desktop
The MidiVolts Desktop is a polyphonic Midi to CV controller, designed to stack voices in order to create polyphonic/ paraphonic functionality using one or more semi-modular synthesizer.
Seaboard RISE 2
Designed for infinite exploration of sound. Featuring an expressive silicone interface, unrivaled software, and a refined design, Seaboard RISE 2 makes MPE creation more accessible than ever before.
Neo Erhu
Neo Erhu is a plugin features an enhanced version of Erhu, aka Chinese Violin. Powered together with Music Domain Synthesis and Hybrid Modeling Technology.
Black BT SusEx Pedal
World's first pedal that combines both footswitch and expression pedal functionalities in a single unified form factor with BLE MIDI capability and auto-mode switching.
Neo Piano
Neo Piano is a dynamic combination of 8 distinguished Grand Pianos. This plugin can be controlled by latest MIDI 2.0.
Big Ear
Empowering the next generation's musical IQ by simplifying music learning and creativity. Solve musical puzzles on your mobile device from your MIDI instrument!
MidiBass
Finally an electric bass guitar to MIDI converter with low-to-no latency, tight enough for live performance.
PTZOptics MIDI Camera Control
PTZOptics is adding configurable MIDI control to our award-winning PTZ cameras. Set and call presets, plus operate pan, tilt, and zoom from any MIDI device.
MIDIPLUS Vboard 25
The Vboard 25 is the world's first original folding MIDI keyboard with standard key width, pads, knobs, and a wealth of features, rechargeable. A variety of connection methods to control the computer, mobile phone, tablet DAW, sound engine and synthesizer
MIDIPLUS Vboard 49
The Vboard 49 is the world's first portable foldable MIDI keyboard. Built-in rechargeable battery, can be connected to DAW, sound engine and mobile phone tablet via USB or Bluetooth, built-in a variety of styles, let the creation go with you.
Elk LIVE
Elk LIVE lets musicians connect online and play music together like they're in the same room, sharing audio and MIDI in real-time from different locations.
The SquishBox
An all-in-one performance synthesizer in a stompbox with 4 USB inputs, infinite instrument splits/layering, effects, arpeggiators, MIDI routing, and more.
airFont380 Final for Steinberg HALion Sonic© series
High-quality multi-timbral GM sound library suitable for first-time users interested in DAW and DTM
Drum MIDIa for PlayStation Controller Interface
KONAMI© drum mania as PlayStation controller transform to portable drum for street live or home use.
Medleyan®
Medleyan® is a collection of flexible MIDI processing software tools for digital music production.
Respoken
Respoken is an interactive light and sound installation that creates an experience from the user´s voice. A stage for self-expression manifesting the spirit in light and sound.
Impact LX Mini
Impact LX Mini is Nektar’s most powerful mini MIDI controller featuring intuitive tactile features, DAW integration & instrument plugin control for most DAWs, 2 arpeggiators and the unique Part Two feature.
Wind Synthesizer R1
Cyber-like wind controller from future. Responsive RGB light bars. Perform in 2 weeks. Motion control. Bluetooth connectivity. Delicate App experience.
Senode - Graph Seqencer
SENODE is an innovative sequencer based on probabilistic finite-state machines, synergizing a graphical composition tool for generative music and an interactive live performance instrument.
Animoog Z
Animoog Z is an inspiring 16-voice polyphonic synthesizer that invites you to explore new concepts of multidimensional sound design and performance.
Pivotuner
Pure intonation on keyboards in real time! Microtonal modulation! Strange and novel sonorities! Welcome to Pivotuner!
MusiKraken
MusiKraken is a modular MIDI construction kit for mobile devices. You can combine camera, touch, motion sensors and microphone input with effects to make music.
PopuPiano Smart Portable Keyboard + PopuMusic APP
A Glowing Keyboard + Chords/Rhythm Pad Controller, that Allows You to Learn & Compose Music by Melody + Chord + Rhythm
MRCC - MIDI Router Control Center
A super deluxe re-invention of the classic MIDI Router is "a game changer" for modern MIDI studios. Featuring one button routing for each physical input and output, and thoughtful design for usability, everything can be easily configured without a PC.
Casio CT-S1000V
The Casiotone CT-S1000V gives your music a brand new voice: Its own. Along with 800 stunning Tones and a wealth of musical tools, the CT-S1000V features new Vocal Synthesis technology that brings your words to life.
The Digi-Gurdy: A MIDI Hurdy Gurdy
The Digi-Gurdy is a low-cost MIDI Hurdy Gurdy with many tuning options and a detachable playable keybox for maximum portability, allowing practice anywhere.
KeyMusician Keyboard
Transform your computer into an 84-key synthesizer, with great sounds, that’s easier to play than a piano. Play hundreds of chords with no memorizing.
Dorico 4
Dorico 4 is the music notation and composition application from Steinberg, with unique flexibility in input and editing, sequencer-style MIDI editing, and DTP-style page layout.
Fluid Chords
Fluid Chords is an intelligent chord bending plug-in that allows you to bend from any chord to any chord.
Hydrasynth Explorer
Hydrasynth Explorer is a highly flexible digital synthesizer. It features the only mid sized polyphonic aftertouch keyboard on the market as well as battery control for use anywhere.
ProtoZOA
ProtoZOA is a flexible prototyping tool for MIDI 2.0. Open source firmware provides MIDI 2.0 interfaces and functions for developers to use in their own hardware and software products.
PalmBand
Meet PalmBand, a smart device that lets you play a variety of instruments, right on your palm!
Synthesizer Live MIDI Art
An original MIDI Art composition performed and recorded live in the piano roll
Unify 1.8
Unify brings the full power of MIDI to software plug-ins: Quick and easy layers, splits and arps, without the wires, live or in a DAW.
midimeister
midimeister tries to carry the procedural possibilities from Eurorack modules into realtime midi note and CC effects to enhance the midi data it’s fed.
FOURCUBE Protake
Dr Jonathan Weinreich had a vision to build a synthesizer with unparalleled expression and articulation, well suited for producers who require a pristine session.
TRON dirigent
KEEP all your MIDI in ONE box. TRON DIRIGENT is a midi LOOPER, CONTROLLER, RECORDER, ORGANIZER, the midi BRAIN
Bome MIDI-CI Initiator + Bome MIDI-CI Responder
Use the MIDI-CI Initiator and the MIDI-CI Responder simulator in your MIDI 2.0 development -- or run them together for learning and teaching.
Striso board
The Striso board is an expressive instrument and MPE MIDI keyboard for creating a deep connection with the music you make.
Caedence
Caedence is a browser-based practice & performance platform that syncs chords, lyrics, MIDI, audio, and video, and delivers just what is needed to each member of your band.
Soundbrenner Core
Soundbrenner Core, the watch for musicians, brings all your essential music tools in a premium wearable. Vibrating metronome, contact tuner, dB meter, all in one.
WIDI Core
WIDI Core is the smart (BLE) breakout board that makes premium MIDI over Bluetooth Low Energy functionality available for (DIY) developers.
MIDI Electronic Wind Instrument EWI-S2
This product has built-in sounds, modulation and chord functions, Bluetooth audio accompaniment and Bluetooth MIDI instrument.
Jammy E
Jammy E is a more affordable MIDI guitar controller that will help guitarists create in any genre playing any virtual instrument they want
Ampero Control
Ampero Control is a compact, sturdy, fully programmable MIDI controller via MIDI port, USB jack and Bluetooth.
GeoShred 5.9
GeoShred, an award-winning, fluidly expressive musical instrument with a performance surface that uses MIDI/MPE to control expressive physics-based models of musical instruments.
SOMI-1
SOMI-1 is a highly precise sensor technology that measures movement and transforms it into sound in real-time. The Bluetooth® sensors can be worn as wearables on the wrists and ankles, turning the user into an instrument.
The Monolith (Monolithic two-dimensional Multitimbral Keyboard)
The Monolith allows a player to perform live all the parts simultaneously of their composition by manual fingering on a two-dimensional plane.
Erae Touch
Erae Touch is a Polyphonic Expressive MIDI Controller. It is born out of a desire to combine both sensitivity and versatility in a seamless object.
1010music nanobox
1010music’s nanobox mini synths add new professional quality synthesizer sounds to your existing MIDI controllers. Use your MIDI device to adjust settings and trigger notes.
Tapis Magique: A Choreomusical Interactive Carpet
Tapis Magique is a knitted interactive carpet that generates 3D sensor data based on body locations and gestures and drives an immersive sonic environment in real-time.
DigitAize Smart Violin
DigitAize is a smart violin, which combines the qualities of acoustic instruments with the possibilities of MIDI connectivity and digital signal processing
Roadie Coach
Coach teaches songs through interactive play, records and stores your play sessions and lets you send Bluetooth MIDI commands DAWs or other audio apps.
MICROCOSMOS
Microcosmos is a small (130X80mm) open-source electronic board aimed at prototyping electronic musical instruments and learning electronics, microcontroller programming, MIDI and audio DSP.
The hybrid expression pedal
A passive expression pedal that can be used also as a fully programmable MIDI expression pedal, ready for on stage performances.
NMSVE (Noise Machine Straight Vibin' Edition)
NMSVE stands for: Noise Machine Straight Vibin' Edition. It's one of the smallest yet functional BLE MIDI controllers out there!
Qwerty Midi Controller
Open source MIDI controller based on a QWERTY keyboard and an Arduino. To control in real time 100s of hidden parameters of the Hardware Synths.
Playano AR Piano 3D Tile App
Playano is the first Google Play app offering a fully integrated approach using unique augmented reality technology to learn and enjoy playing the Piano - Become the next Piano-hero
Midi Stack
The Midi Stack is a modular, stand-alone hardware system for playing and visualizing standard Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) files.
Midronome
Say goodbye to MIDI sync issues with Midronome: easy, reliable and versatile MIDI master clock with built-in metronome. For both live and studio work.
The DAW Collaboration Framework (DCF)
Browser-based middleware that interfaces with shared Cubase projects via virtual MIDI ports, establishing online collaboration with real-time videoconferencing and synchronised audio and MIDI track mixing.
KnittedKeyboard
Soft, stretchable, and deformable MIDI-KnittedKeyboard for intimate, organic, and expressive musical composition and performance
HootBeat
HootBeat: Enhancing music performance with wireless LED wearables that react to MIDI messages.
Brightness Panner
Panning sounds in 3D, based on MIDI (Note) information - from flying arpeggios in Dolby Atmos to subtle movements in stereo
Whirled
Our Whirled tablet app lets digital music makers input notes with intricate, fluid pitch, volume and modulation that’s normally the exclusive domain of master musicians.
WEBMIDI.js
WEBMIDI.js is a free and open source JavaScript library that makes it easy for any website to interact with a visitor’s MIDI devices.
Controlla XYZ - AR XYZ MIDI Controlla
Controlla XYZ turns your phone into a spatial audio input device. Control any 3 parameters in your DAW by moving your phone in 3D space.
Advanced Gtk+ Sequencer
Advanced Gtk+ Sequencer framework allows you to process audio data and provides a gsequencer GTK-3 UI executable.
SendMIDI and ReceiveMIDI
SendMIDI and ReceiveMIDI are multi-platform command-line tools that make it very easy to quickly send, receive and monitor MIDI messages
Orbacam by Artiphon
Orbacam by Artiphon is the first app in the world that lets you create music directly in videos on your iPhone, no instrument required.
