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 121 entries are presented below.
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, Finalists announced,
- Judges rank the finalists as First Place, Second Place and Third Place
- September 25th, 2025: 10 am Pacific on Andrew Huang’s Youtube Channel – Winners revealed
The 2025 MIDI Innovation Award Winners
View All The 2025 MIDI Innovation Awards Entries by Category
The 2025 MIDI Innovation Award Judges
Michele Darling
Assistant chair of the Electronic Production and Design Department at Berklee College of Music.
Bian Liunian
Chinese Erhu musician, composer and musical director of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Closing Ceremony and the CCTV New Year’s Gala, one of the most watched television programs in the world.
Moldover
Musician and instrument designer and is widely recognized as the godfather of controllerism.
Lucas Cantor Santiago
Lucas Cantor Santiago is a composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and author.
He finished Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony with Artificial Intelligence, the ‘completed’ symphony is regularly performed around the world.
Michael Strickland
Specialized Faculty in Music Technology at Florida State University and an active member of both the MIDI In Music Education and the Music Accessibility Standard Special Interest Groups of The MIDI Association.
View The 2025 MIDI Innovation Awards Entries by Random Order
Click on the Product title to see the details
Misa Quadwave
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
MIDILLI lets you design your own MIDI controller: custom size, controls, and features. Integrates with all MIDI gear and includes built-in MIDI routing.
MIDIPLUS X MAX
X MAX is the flagship crossover keyboard from MIDIPLUS, combining stage performance and music production capabilities to offer an exceptional experience for musicians.
MIDIPLUS TITAN Q6
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.
MIDIPLUS UP
UP is a controller compatible with popular DAW, expandable up to 32 channels, offering touch-sensitive motorized faders with 10-bit accuracy.
H4MIDI WC
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 3D Physics Synthesizer
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
SPOKE is a simplified way to create capacitive-touch MIDI interfaces using any conductive object or material.
Halbestunde GmbH
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.
M-Brio 4FADE MIDI CC
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.
IMDI
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.
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.
Rhodes Mk8 Midi
Rhodes in association with Dave Starkey and Cyril Lance developed a midi system for the analogue Mk8 tine piano
MidiWrist Unleashed
MidiWrist Unleashed turns your Apple Watch into a standalone MIDI controller that directly connects to any advertised Bluetooth LE MIDI device.
A-88MKII MIDI Keyboard Controller version 2.10
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.
Sonoclast Plastic Pitch MIDI Microtuner
Intuitively microtune any MIDI synth, and experiment with pitch in new ways.
SL88 GT mk2
A new standard for professional stage controllers: top-tier hammer action, advanced MIDI 2.0 integration, deep software connectivity, and a refined user interface.
Music Non Stop – Music Engine (MNS-ME)
MNS-ME is a generative music engine that turns MIDI input into evolving, interactive MIDI output, enabling algorithmic creativity for musicians, producers, and creators.
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.
LC-1X+
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!
Gamma Mini Synth
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
jamcorder is a new transformative way to record your digital piano. truly set & forget, you never need to hit record.
The DogBite MIDI Controller
A MIDI controller based on an innovative, patented key arrangement, to enable real-time playing of very fast melodies and rhythmic patterns.
Kassiopeia
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
Keystage is the first keyboard to adopt the MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange, putting unparalleled integration and control at your fingertips.
SMK-37 Pro
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
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!
TuneTap Music Game Rhythm Machine 音游节奏机
TuneTap is a popular music and rhythm machine for young users. It helps simplify the creative process and allows users to quickly participate in the creation process and feel the joy of music and creation more intuitively.
bento
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
Moon Performance System is a hardware MIDI controller with dual circuit boards, seamlessly integrating drum machine and synthesizer sequencers, featuring a modern, matching design.
Ivory 3 American Concert D
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
Montage M combines several powerful sound generating engines and extensive parameter control, empowering customers to shape a huge variety of sounds.
Verbera
Verbera is a standalone, hardware-based convolution reverb pedal — with Instant IR loading, stunning tweakability, and boundless sonic range.
COSMOLAB
COSMOLAB is a MODULAR DEVELOPER KIT based on the Electrosmith’s DAISY DSP Platform. Is intended for makers, developer, rapid prototyping and educational.
Playtonik
Playtonik is a musical fidget toy built around fun physical interactions with shapes. Relax with ambient soundscapes or inject some chaotic energy
Transkr V2
Turn your guitar into a MIDI controller and master the keyboard as if it were a fretboard
Monotype MIDI
Monotype MIDI is a text to sound program inspired by the binary, punch-hole systems used in early twentieth century type-setting technologies.
MIDI 2.0 Core Specification for Autonomous Systems
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
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 MIDI Foot Controller
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.
Fugue Machine Rubato
Bend time. Automate notes. A single grid as a multi-dimensional musical canvas — for iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
Jamstik MFC1
The MFC1 is a versatile, fully mappable MIDI floor controller that works seamlessly with any standard MIDI device.
Caedence
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.
Clarii Pro
The flagship digital wind instrument with our most advanced DuoEngine™ synthesizers, highly expressive controls and robust built-in speakers.
AI Music Generation Model Explorer
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
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.
Synido TempoPAD C16 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Controller
Wireless Bluetooth and versatile interfaces boost creator productivity.
Piano One
Piano One is a hybird modelled grand piano which supports MIDI 2.0 and MPE, provide the best piano sound
Supreme Drums One Synth
Supreme Drums One Synth is a free hybrid modeling drum kits featuring synthesized drums sound in classic analogue synthesizer.
zefiro
Transform your smartphone in a wind instrument with zefiro, the smallest MIDI USB-C breath controller! For enthusiasts and PROs alike!!
Flufs: An accessible real-time & offline loudness meter
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
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 A Musique
“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
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.
Connect Through MIDI
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
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.
Morpheus
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 5
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.
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.
DigiShow LINK
DigiShow is open-source software for live performances and art installations, offering intuitive control of audio, lighting, robotics, and interactive devices.
Tone Glide
Play like a genius, even if you’re not. Tone Glide’s patented technologies will greatly enhance your unique melodies and basslines.
VirtualKeyboard
VirtualKeyboard is a customizable input/monitor software keyboard empowering touch screens and providing tap-to-play/record functions to play/record at live tempos.
TapeOp Composer
AI-powered MIDI generation Max4Live device for context-aware composition directly within Ableton Live workflows.
EightNote
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.
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.
Grid
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
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.
Neoharp MK1
The Neoharp is the intuitive digital instrument for those who dream of playing. Accompany yourself and impress friends in minutes, not years.
OFFLOOP Web MIDI Sequencer
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
Circle Guitar is an electric guitar fused with a MIDI-programmable sequencer, enabling musicians to create entirely new rhythms, textures, and sounds.
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.
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.
Mugo
Affordable gesture-controlled musical device enabling children with physical disabilities to create and perform music through simple movements, promoting inclusion and musical development.
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.
UniMIDI Hub
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
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.
[VPI] Virtual Piano,the Chord and Scaler Library
Virtual Piano helps you learn chords and scales interactively — the fastest way to understand harmony and improve your musical skills.
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.
MORTRIX
MORTRIX, the game-changing MIDI foot controller, boasts a 7” touchscreen, modern user interface, extensive connectivity, and unparalleled workflow efficiency.
MSC-01 Midi Serial Control (Video Clip Controller)
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
“Tethered by Emotion” is an immersive VR experience where sound controls puppetry, connecting strangers through cultural memory, interactive performance, and emotionally driven digital storytelling.
NUX TRACK KEYBOARD NTK-37, NTK-49, NTK-61
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.
Learn Music Online
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
CineGrand2 is a hybrid modelling piano collection which fully supports MIDI 2.0. Also we built special technology based on MIDI 2.0
Supreme Drums Taiko
Supreme Drums Taiko is a Hybrid Modeling Japanese Taiko Drums VST/AU plugin that Supports MIDI 2.0
WebMIDI Sysex Editor Framework
A framework for building parameter editing interfaces for MIDI devices using sysex over WebMIDI, extending capabilities to browsers without WebMIDI
Cosmo
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 (Ver.3)
Setlist Manager is a macOS Application that augments AVID Pro Tools with advanced MIDI cue automation, originally developed for touring Productions.
Cristalonde
Cristalonde is an intuitive gestural MIDI and CV controller bringing expressive, acoustic-like instrumental gestures into modern electronic music and live performance setups.
M2TM NOTES
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
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
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
Dog Paw combines powerful software capabilities with traditional instruments’ feel and expression.
BeatBuddy 2
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
Autotune for Drummers is a drum stick that corrects the timing of drum hits in real time keeping the drummer always in sync.
Smile Powered Pop Music with PhotoSYNTH @ Royal Society Summer Exhibition 2025
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.
The JAM_BOT
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 AI
Songscription brings cutting-edge AI to music transcription, instantly converting audio into MIDI and MusicXML—saving time and redefining how musicians learn and compose.
* Sympathetic Synthesizer
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 Remote Learning
Arcana Strum integrated in MIDIable to provide a revolutionary remote learning experience
NUX DM-110 Digital Drum Kit
All Mesh Head Portable Digital Drum with a Compact Design, and Unique Sound Module Design With Mobile Device Connectivity.
GeoShred Studio
Unleash your musical creativity with GeoShred Studio, a desktop AUV3 plugin that brings GeoShred’s acclaimed expressive physical modeling instrument to your DAW.
Scalable
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.
Tiniest Violin
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 Digital Harmonica
Tonova is a powerful MIDI Breath Controller & Digital harmonica Packed with 4 harmonica modes, 24 instrument voices, pitch bend , pressure-sensitive & built-in speaker.
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.
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.
Native Instruments Kontakt 8
The latest edition of NI’s revolutionary sampling platform combines a brand-new set of intelligent MIDI tools, redefining how you generate ideas and make music.
Native Instruments Kontrol S-Series MK3
Stay in the flow with our next-generation MIDI keyboard controller. Seamlessly control instruments, effects, and your DAW. Plus, get the benefits of MIDI 2.0.
Arpeggio
A portable arpeggiator, sequencer, and synth with MIDI over DIN, USB, and Bluetooth, CV/Gate, and I/O bridging between wireless, wired, and modular gear.
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).
UniMIDI Hub
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
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.
Midinous
Grid-based non-linear deterministic MIDI sequencer that controls like a game but generates ideas like a jam partner
GEP Contraption
MIDI touchless instrument and controller for performances, education, and physical therapy.
Arcana Strum
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
UniMIDI Hub
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.
Sonification Tools
Unlock new dimensions of musical meaning with Sonification Tools: transform any data into mesmerizing melodies or modulation, seamlessly bridging music, science, and art.
seqMPEror – MPE reimagined
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
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
Partymaker: Accordion Synthesizer is a set of electronics that adds synthesizer capabilities to the traditional acoustic accordion.
Particle Shrine
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.
Morphium
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.
Midinous
Grid-based non-linear deterministic MIDI sequencer that controls like a game but generates ideas like a jam partner
Groove Builders
Groove Builders® revolutionize quantization, offering effortless groove customization inspired by top producers. Say goodbye to robotic beats and hello to unparalleled personal rhythmic diversity.
GEP Contraption
MIDI touchless instrument and controller for performances, education, and physical therapy.
Digital Flex Accordion
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.
Chorda
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.
Arcana Strum
The Arcana Strum: A groundbreaking, inclusively designed music instrument empowering individuals with disabilities to engage in music education and creative expression seamlessly
Alchem-E E-kit
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.