TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge 2026

TIMELINE

Application Phase

From September 1st through October 31st, 2026

Participants must first create an account and complete the registration form, then select one of this year's Challenge Themes and submit their application through the participation form. Only one submission per company is permitted. Proposals that were not selected in previous editions may be resubmitted, provided they align with one of this year's Challenge Themes.

The Deliverable must be submitted as a PowerPoint or PDF file and include the content set out below. Participants must also provide their information by completing the participation-related questions available in their user account.

• Company Overview
• Addressed Problem
• Solution Overview and Value Proposition
• Achievements, Track Record, and Relevant Experience
• Target Market and Growth Potential
• Competitive Analysis and Differentiators
• Business Model
• Collaboration Ideas with Yamaha and Partner Companies
  
  

The submission deadline for the Application Phase is October 31, 2026, 23:59 GMT+9 (Japan Standard Time).

1st Screening

From November 1st through 16th, 2026

The initial submissions will be graded by a panel of judges based on document screening, with up to 25 semi-finalists selected for the next phase.
The results of the first screening will be announced on November 17, 2026, regardless of the outcome of your application.

2nd Screening

From December 1st through 31th, 2026

All semi-finalists will be invited to online interviews with the panel of Yamaha judges. This will consist of a 10-minute presentation of the proposal, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session with the judges.

Semi-finalists should submit their presentations for the interviews by November 30th, 2026 23:59 GMT +9. Submission materials should be provided in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF format, consistent with the requirements of the first screening round.

Following the online interviews, up to 15 proposals will be selected as finalists. The results of the second screening will be announced on January 8, 2027, regardless of the outcome of your application.

Mentoring Phase

From January 12th through February 5th, 2027

Finalists will be paired with an external mentor. The purpose of the mentoring is to help finalists refine their proposal and presentation, enhance the overall quality and prepare for a compelling presentation at the final pitch.

The submission deadline for the final presentation is February 7, 2027 at 23:59 GMT+9. Submission materials should be provided in Microsoft PowerPoint (16:9). During the Final Presentation, applicants may include one video of up to one minute in length.

Final Pitch Event

February 15th, 2027

The Final Pitch Event will be held in person in Japan. It will consist of a 6-minute presentation followed by an 8-minute Q&A session with the judging panel, including the President and Representative Executive Officer of Yamaha Corporation. The 6-minute presentation will consist of a 1-minute Sound Storytelling session and a 5-minute business pitch.