Yamaha to Host Global Business Contest, TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge 2026
Co-creating new value with startups worldwide through sound, music and entertainment

− Entries open September 1, 2026 −

HAMAMATSU, Japan ― Yamaha Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Yamaha”) will host the TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge 2026, a global business contest aimed at creating new value through sound, music, and entertainment. From September 1 to October 31, Yamaha is seeking new ideas from startups around the world that expand the value of sound, music, and entertainment, based on four challenge themes. Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition, Yamaha is launching the second TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge to further expand co-creation opportunities with startups worldwide.

“Last year’s contest attracted 314 entries from 63 countries, highlighting the great potential of the sound, music and entertainment domain,” said Masamitsu Kitase, executive officer and senior general manager of New Business Development Division. “We are continuing to explore collaboration with the award-winning companies. By co-creating with startups around the world, we aim to turn innovative ideas into social value and business growth. We look forward to discovering new ideas and challenges that will help shape the future.”

Under Yamaha’s new business creation initiative TRANSPOSE, the company is working to create new value through co-creation with diverse partners. Through this contest, Yamaha aims to connect with startups and companies offering innovative technologies and services to explore the new possibilities for sound, music and entertainment together.

Winners selected at the Final Pitch, the final screening event, in February 2027 will have access to a wide range of opportunities, including financial support and discussions on asset utilization for potential collaboration with Yamaha and its partner companies; and fundraising discussions with members of Yamaha Music Innovations Fund I, LP, a corporate venture capital fund operated by Yamaha’s U.S. subsidiary.

The TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge is a cross-industry global business contest focused on sound, music and entertainment. Under the concept “Innovate Your Business with Sound × Entertainment,” Yamaha aims to create new businesses and ambitious services together with its partner companies and startups.

At the final screening of the TRANSPOSE Innovation Challenge 2025, 10 startups from around the world and one team selected through Yamaha’s internal call for entries took the stage. The finalists delivered one-minute “Sound Storytelling” sessions expressing their ideas and passion, followed by five-minute presentations aligned with the challenge themes and Q&A sessions. Following a comprehensive judging process, Yamaha is currently working with the winners, including Grand Prix winner Moodsonic (UK), toward commercialization and collaboration.

https://www.yamaha.com/en/news_release/2026/26030401/