2022 MIDI Innovation Awards

US Product submissions are now open 29/03/22

Music Hackspace, The MIDI Association, and NAMM have announced that submissions are now open for the 2022 MIDI Innovation Awards, a showcase for music innovation using MIDI. Here's their press release with the full details...

MIDI has been at the center of music technology innovation since 1983, and MIDI 2.0 is poised to repeat MIDI 1.0's global success in the decades to come. To further MIDI's development and artistic impact, the second edition of the MIDI Innovation Awards continues to acknowledge MIDI innovation.

Athan Billias, President of The MIDI Association, remarked, "The first MIDI Innovation Awards in 2021 was an amazing event that exceeded our expectations, and with the continued support of Music Hackspace and NAMM, we are confident the second annual MIA awards will be even more exciting."

Musicians and inventors around the world have a unique opportunity to present their ideas on a global stage, as well as win valuable prizes. The first prize is valued at more than $10,000 and includes passes to The 2022 NAMM Show, an exhibition booth at The 2023 NAMM Show, as well as significant support from The MIDI Association and Music Hackspace for the development of MIDI 2.0 prototypes.

The 2022 NAMM Show will debut a dedicated community environment, The MIDI Showcase, inviting attendees to fully immerse in the products, people, and innovations employing MIDI to continue to shape the future of music and technology.

Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM, said in the announcement of the in-person June 2022 NAMM Show, "I imagine this gathering will have the kind of impact of a Beatles moment or the introduction of MIDI--definitely one you will not want to miss."

The MIDI Innovation awards are open to individuals, artists, and companies who work with MIDI to build innovative products or interactive experiences.

The 2022 MIDI Innovation Awards have been expanded into five unique categories.

Commercial Hardware Products

Commercial Software Products

Prototypes and non-commercial hardware products

Prototypes and non-commercial software products

Artistic/Visual Project or Installation

The intent of the Categories is to make the competition fair by distinguishing products made by established commercial companies/teams from DIY, Open Source, or non-commercial products from companies or individuals with total revenue or funding of less than $250K.

The categories encourage larger MIDI companies to enter the commercial awards while still keeping the spirit of innovation by supporting a broader base of developers.

The MIDI Innovation Awards welcomes entries from, but are 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 entries here.

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.

JB Thiebaut, CEO of Music Hackspace added, "This new edition furthers the bridge between DIY communities and the music industry and establishes a launchpad for new products supporting music creation."

The finalists will pitch their entries during a livestream open to all to watch on Saturday, May 28 at 12 midday PDT (3pm EDT / 8pm GMT / 9pm CET) on MIDI.org.

Then the winners will be announced at the June NAMM Show on June 4, 2022.

Registration for The 2022 NAMM Show is now open at www.namm.org/badges