Startups around the world can apply for the TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge 2026, a global business contest organised by Yamaha Corporation for businesses developing new ideas around sound, music and entertainment.
The challenge is seeking startups with solutions that can create new businesses, services and experiences across four areas: Venue, Senior, Game and Timeless.
Applications are open until October 31, 2026.
What is the TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge?
The TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge is a cross-industry global business contest focused on the future of sound, music and entertainment.
Yamaha is using the challenge to identify startups and innovative companies that could work with Yamaha and its partner companies to develop new products, services and business opportunities.
The 2026 edition is the second edition of the challenge. The inaugural edition received 314 applications from 63 countries, with Yamaha continuing discussions with some of the winning companies on potential collaboration and commercialisation.
Challenge Themes
Applicants must choose one of the four themes when submitting their idea.
1. Venue
This theme focuses on places where people gather, including arenas, stadiums and amusement parks.
Yamaha is looking for technology-driven business ideas that can improve experiences at these venues and create new forms of human connection.
2. Senior
This theme focuses on using music and technology to help older people live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Ideas may address areas such as health, social connection and a sense of purpose among the senior generation.
3. Game
This theme explores how games, technology and intellectual property can be combined to create immersive experiences and expand human potential.
4. Timeless
This theme looks at ways entertainment experiences and memories can be transformed into lasting value beyond the original moment.
Who Can Apply?
The challenge is open to startups and business entities from around the world, regardless of their business area, provided their solutions align with one of the four challenge themes.
Companies can submit only one entry.
Applicants may be asked to provide documents confirming their company registration or other evidence of their business entity before prizes are awarded.
Participation is free, with no purchase or payment obligation.
What Can Winners Receive?
The challenge offers several awards and potential business collaboration opportunities.
Grand Prix Award
The Grand Prix winner can receive:
Up to JPY 5 million in Proof of Concept (PoC) funding
Discussions on the use of Yamaha and partner-company assets
Potential collaboration with Yamaha and its partners
Yamaha Award
The Yamaha Award offers:
Up to JPY 2 million in PoC funding
Discussions on asset utilisation
Potential collaboration with Yamaha
The PoC funding is subject to the winner presenting a PoC plan to Yamaha and reaching agreement on the plan. It is intended to support potential business collaboration rather than being a general unrestricted cash grant.
SEGA SAMMY Award
The winner receives opportunities for potential collaboration with SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS, including:
Free use of TUNNEL TOKYO’s event space once between March and August 2027
Commercial or promotional video placement on TUNNEL TOKYO’s LED display during the same period
YMI Fund Award
The YMI Fund Award provides fundraising discussions with members of Yamaha Music Innovations Fund.
What Do Applicants Need to Submit?
Applicants first need to create an account on the challenge platform and complete the registration process.
The application submission should cover:
Company overview
Problem being addressed
Solution overview and value proposition
Achievements, track record and relevant experience
Target market and growth potential
Competitive analysis and differentiators
Business model
Proposed collaboration ideas with Yamaha and its partner companies
The submission can be provided as a PowerPoint or PDF file.
How Will Applications Be Evaluated?
Yamaha’s evaluation criteria include:
Specificity of the customer problem
Product-market fit
Market growth potential
Competitive advantage
Business model
Team capability and experience
The organisers will be looking beyond the idea itself, including evidence that customers need the solution, the strength of the business model and the team’s ability to develop and grow the business.
Application Timeline
Application: September 1 – October 31, 2026
First screening: November 1–16, 2026
Up to 25 semi-finalists will be selected.
Second screening: December 1–31, 2026
Semi-finalists will participate in online interviews involving a 10-minute presentation and 15-minute Q&A.
Finalists announced: January 8, 2027
Up to 15 proposals will advance to the final stage.
Mentoring: January 12 – February 5, 2027
Finalists will receive mentoring to refine their proposals and prepare for the final pitch.
Final pitch: February 15, 2027
The final pitch event will be held in person in Japan. Finalists will deliver a six-minute presentation consisting of a one-minute Sound Storytelling session and a five-minute business pitch, followed by an eight-minute Q&A.
Deadline
The deadline to submit an application is October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Japan Standard Time (JST/GMT+9). This is 3:59 PM Nigerian time on October 31, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested startups can create an account and submit their application through the official TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge platform.
Apply for the TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge 2026
Organiser: Yamaha Corporation
Eligibility: Startups/business entities worldwide
Application fee: Free
Application deadline: October 31, 2026
Final pitch: February 15, 2027, Japan
Top PoC support: Up to JPY 5 million