Startups and business entities worldwide can apply for the TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge 2026, a global business contest organised by Yamaha Corporation for innovative ideas in sound, music and entertainment.

Applications are open until October 31, 2026, with participants required to submit an idea under one of four themes: Venue, Senior, Game or Timeless.

The 2026 edition is the second run of the challenge. Its inaugural edition attracted 314 applications from 63 countries, while Yamaha has continued discussions with some winning companies over potential collaboration and commercialisation.

The challenge is designed to identify startups and innovative businesses that could work with Yamaha and its partner companies to develop new products, services and business opportunities.

Applicants must select one of the four themes.

Venue focuses on places where people gather, including arenas, stadiums and amusement parks. Yamaha is seeking technology-driven ideas that can improve experiences at these locations and create new forms of human connection.

Senior explores how music and technology can help older people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Proposed solutions may address health, social connection and a sense of purpose among the senior generation.

Game examines opportunities to combine games, technology and intellectual property to create immersive experiences and expand human potential.

Timeless focuses on transforming entertainment experiences and memories into lasting value beyond the original moment.

Eligibility and awards

The competition 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 themes.

Each company may submit only one entry. Applicants may also be required to provide company registration documents or other evidence confirming their business entity before prizes are awarded.

Participation is free, with no purchase or payment obligation.

The Grand Prix Award offers up to JPY 5 million in Proof of Concept (PoC) funding, discussions on the use of Yamaha and partner-company assets, and potential collaboration with Yamaha and its partners.

The Yamaha Award provides up to JPY 2 million in PoC funding, discussions on asset utilisation and potential collaboration with Yamaha.

PoC funding is subject to the winner presenting a PoC plan to Yamaha and reaching agreement on the plan. The funding is intended to support potential business collaboration rather than serve as a general unrestricted cash grant.

The SEGA SAMMY Award provides potential collaboration opportunities with SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS. These include free use of TUNNEL TOKYO’s event space once between March and August 2027, as well as commercial or promotional video placement on TUNNEL TOKYO’s LED display during the same period.

The YMI Fund Award offers fundraising discussions with members of Yamaha Music Innovations Fund.

Application requirements

Applicants must first create an account on the challenge platform and complete the registration process.

Their submission should include:

• 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

Applications can be submitted as a PowerPoint or PDF file.

Yamaha will assess entries based on the specificity of the customer problem, product-market fit, market growth potential, competitive advantage, business model, and team capability and experience.

The evaluation will therefore consider not only the proposed idea but also evidence of customer need, the strength of the business model and the team’s ability to develop and grow the business.

Competition timeline

The application period runs from September 1 to October 31, 2026.

The first screening will take place from November 1–16, 2026, with up to 25 semi-finalists selected.

The second screening is scheduled for December 1–31, 2026. Semi-finalists will participate in online interviews featuring a 10-minute presentation and 15-minute Q&A.

Up to 15 finalists will be announced on January 8, 2027.

From January 12 to February 5, 2027, finalists will receive mentoring to refine their proposals and prepare for the final pitch.

The final pitch will take place on February 15, 2027, in person in Japan. Finalists will deliver a six-minute presentation comprising a one-minute Sound Storytelling session and a five-minute business pitch, followed by an eight-minute Q&A.

The application deadline is October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Japan Standard Time (JST/GMT+9), which is 3:59 PM Nigerian time on October 31, 2026.

Interested startups can create an account and submit their proposals through the official TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge platform.

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

How to Apply: TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge 2026 application platform