TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge by Yamaha

Translate this page

Innovate your business
with Sound × Entertainment

Sound has the power to bring people together, move hearts, and create lasting memories.
When combined with the creativity of entertainment, that power can spark entirely new businesses.
TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge is where those possibilities come to life.

Last year marked the inaugural edition of the challenge, held together with 11 partner companies.
314 applications were submitted from 63 countries around the world.
Through collaboration with innovators across the globe, we explored new possibilities for sound and planted the seeds of many future partnerships.

This year, we invite you to take on four challenge themes: Venue, Senior, Game, and Timeless.
Together, we will create new businesses and experiences that have yet to be imagined.
By bringing together Yamaha's and our partners' technologies, expertise, and assets with your bold ideas, we can unlock entirely new experiences and services.
Bring us the ideas that can surprise the world, and the passion to make them real.

Let's shape the future of sound and entertainment together.

What is

TRANSPOSE
Innovation
Challenge

As AI, robotics, and automation continue to transform our world, the value of sound, music, and entertainment is becoming more important than ever. They have the unique power to move people, inspire connection, and create moments of excitement that technology alone cannot replicate.

TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge is a unique cross-industry global business contest dedicated to the future of Sound, Music, and Entertainment. Together with Yamaha, our partner companies, and startups from around the world, we aim to create bold new businesses and ambitious services that redefine what is possible.

Winning teams will gain access to funding support for potential business collaborations, opportunities to leverage Yamaha's and our partners' assets, discussions on fundraising with Yamaha's CVC team, and potential pathways for business co-creation with our partner companies.

We look forward to creating the next generation of inspiring experiences powered by sound, music, and entertainment together with innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world.

THEMES TO TACKLE

Please select one of the four Challenge Themes below and submit your entry.
Each company may submit one entry only.

Venue

Places where people gather, such as arenas, stadiums, and amusement parks, have the power to create excitement, connection, and unforgettable experiences. We are seeking business ideas that leverage technology to enrich these experiences and enable new forms of human connection.

Senior

To help people live richer, more fulfilling lives for longer, we invite business ideas that leverage music and technology to support the health, social connections, and sense of purpose of the senior generation.

Game

Harness the power of games to unlock human potential and extend the possibilities of the real world. We invite business ideas that combine technology and IP to create immersive experiences and drive deeper engagement.

Timeless

The emotional impact of entertainment is often fleeting, existing only in the moment. What new possibilities emerge when those moments are transformed into lasting value that transcends time? We invite business ideas that turn entertainment experiences from memories into enduring assets.

Details

PRIZE & INCENTIVES

Grand Prix Award

For potential collaboration with Yamaha and our partners
・Up to JPY 5M in PoC funding *
・Discussions for asset utilization

Yamaha Award

For potential collaboration with Yamaha
・Up to JPY 2M in PoC funding *
・Discussions for asset utilization

YMI Fund Award

Fundraising discussions with members of
Yamaha Music Innovations Fund (YMI Fund)

*As a condition for receiving the PoC funding,
winners are required to present a PoC plan
—including objectives, use cases, timeline, etc.—
to Yamaha and reach agreement with Yamaha on the plan.

TIMELINE

Application Phase

Sept 1st - Oct 31st

We are seeking ideas from everyone.

1st Screening

Nov 1st - Nov 16th

We will conduct a document screening.

2nd Screening

Dec 1st - Dec 31st

We will conduct pitch reviews online.

Mentoring Phase

Jan 12th - Feb 5th

We will provide mentoring from external experts.

Final Pitch Event

Feb 15th

As the final judging event, we will hold a pitch competition.

Details

Highlights from Last Year

Take a look at last year's Final Pitch Event.

Sound Storytelling

Inspired by the finalists' passion and vision, live musicians performed in the spirit of a jazz session, bringing each idea to life and making its vision more vivid and tangible.
Business Pitch

A dynamic presentation by the finalists who advanced through a highly competitive selection process from 314 applications submitted across 63 countries.
Our Judges

Yamaha Corporation President Yamaura (center), Yamaha Music Innovations President & CEO Sugino (center right), Managing Partner Andrew Kahn (center left), together with other distinguished external judges.
Special Performance

A live performance by jazz musicians following the final judging session.
Finalists & Organizing Team

Connecting with innovative startups from around the world through groundbreaking technologies, products, and services.