Startup Summer: Opportunities for Music Tech Innovators

As our industry continues to grow, startups need support from experts and their peer group more than ever. Programs like accelerators, competitions, and build-a-thons are a great resource for those looking to make their way into the spotlight. If you’re looking for a publicity boost, check out our list below and find what’s best for you, this summer and all year. 

Ready for next level recognition? Rock Paper Scissors PR & marketing services support business growth at every phase from startup to corporate.

Music Tectonics Swimming Narwhals Pitch Competition

Focus: International music tech startups

Diving into the shark tank is a daunting task, and you may not get the attention you deserve if you survive the plunge. Swimming with Narwhals is a music tech startup pitch competition, where companies from around the world can share their next big idea. No matter how your swim goes, all applicants get special conference perks, meet investors & advisors, and become part of Music Tectonics’ music innovation community! 

Swimming with Narwhals takes place at the Music Tectonics Conference on November 4-6. Learn more and apply here.

UPDATE: Deadline extended through August 13!

Music Ally SI:X

Focus: International music tech startups

Think your startup is the next exciting innovation in music tech? Music Ally SI:X (Startups, Innovation, eXcellence) puts your company to the test, with a global showcase, contest and mentorship support program for early-stage music startups. All successful applicants and their staff will receive Music Ally’s subscription business information service free for at least one year. Finalists will be profiled in Music Ally’s annual Startups Report. 

Applications are open right now until September 15, 2025. Learn more and apply on their website.

Universal Music Group with Digital Innovation

Focus: International music tech companies 

Everyone knows UMG, but did you know about their Digital Innovation team? Made up of 4 different programs for different needs, they hope to guide the next group of pioneers in the industry with resources, online communities, initiatives, and licenses. 

Find what program works best for you! Look for Digital Innovations startup programs at Music Tech events around the US all year round, from Music Biz to Music Tectonics.

BPI: Grow Music

Focus: UK-based much tech companies

From the prestigious British Phonographic Industry (home of the Mercury Prize and Brit Awards) and a host of UK partners comes the new Grow Music startup - a new hub for music and technology, innovation and growth. Designed to help music tech startups grow, GrowMusic tailors mentoring, industry support, expert led workshops, and a dynamic community of like-minded peers to help you refine your offering. 

The program begins September 1st, and applicants are chosen in late July. Although submissions are closed for this year, if you’re based in the UK and want to follow the page for next year, check out the program here.

Not from the UK? Make sure to check out the BPI Innovation Podcast, highlighting the latest and most interesting developments in the music industry right now.

Center For Creative Entrepreneurship & 2112

Focus: Entertainment, creative, & lifestyle startups and music entrepreneurs in the Midwestern US

The Center For Creative Entrepreneurship empowers creatives at all levels with the skills, knowledge, and relationships necessary for business success. Their workshops, events, and mentorship opportunities are focused on Chicagoland, and they work with international trade missions being creative entrepreneurs to the US.

2112 is Chicago’s innovation community, hosting content creators, filmmakers, musicians and artists. They seek to bridge the gap between many creative industries, putting great minds together under one roof. With access to a physical creative space, events, educational programs, discounts at Fort Knox Studios, and much more, membership at 2112 is a great opportunity to connect and grow.

Watch CCE and 2112 channels for industry events in Chicago and at major conferences around the US!

Wallifornia Music Tech: Accelerator Program

Focus: International music/entertainment tech startup  

Ready to connect, grow, and thrive? Wallifornia’s Accelerator program selects an ambitious group of 10 startups and puts your team through a rigorous, fast-paced bootcamp with high reward for your company.

Applicants are chosen on April 22nd. Although 2025 submissions are closed, make sure to keep an eye on their page for next year, as well as updates on the annual Wallifornia Music Tech Summit.

Reeperbahn Festival: The Sound of Solutions

Focus: German/European music tech startups 

MusicTech Germany, Wavelab and MusicWorx sees how rapidly our industry is growing, and hopes to make another space for startup companies. The Sound of Solutions, a brand new panel at the Reeperbahn Festival in Germany, will be a spotlight for the next innovators of the music tech field. With a star-studded jury, the winner of this session will win over 15,000 Euro worth of prizes, and all participants will receive expert feedback.

The Sound of Solutions takes place live at Reeperbahn Festival on September 18th at 1pm in the Barcadi Lounge at the East Hotel. Submissions closed on July 30th but keep an eye out for future updates and panels on their website.

Music Tech Europe Academy

Focus: European music tech startups, projects, and SMEs

Forging connections and igniting innovation, the Creative Europe Programme of The European Union, the Music Innovation Hub, and other music tech giants created this 7-month accelerator program to help the music industry grow. Anything from budding ideas to somewhat established companies are able to participate, with 10 companies being picked for personal mentorship, mock pitch sessions and many networking opportunities.

The program took applications in September, and has hosted events and programming from November to June. Although submissions are currently closed, check out their website for a detailed list of programming. 

Let The Music Play Games!

Focus: Music tech companies and video game developers

As games like Fortnite and Roblox only continue to soar in popularity, it is more clear than ever how intertwined music and video games are. Let The Music Play Games hopes to help foster this partnership, hosting dialogues and training between musicians/music companies and game developers.

If you would like to get involved, join their Discord, or see what they have been up to recently, visit their website.

About Music Tectonics:

The ground beneath the music industry has shifted. Tech-fueled earthquakes have been shaking the music industry for some time now, creating dramatic new landscapes—and opportunities to serve artists at the intersection of music, technology, and business.

Music Tectonics, brainchild of PR & Marketing firm Rock Paper Scissors, explores this junction with an annual conference, monthly online events, and a weekly podcast. Join the music & tech innovators November 4-6, 2025, in Santa Monica, CA!

About Jade Prieboy

Jade brings years of business development experience to Rock Paper Scissors. He draws on expertise gained working in the start-up world and maintains a focused curiosity about technology, business, and innovation. Jade acts on new business opportunities and seeks to support our clients by connecting them with our team of innovative writers, marketers, and creative problem solvers. Outside of work, his interests range from beat-making, gaming, and motorcycles, to real estate, gardening, and wilderness exploration. Jade enjoys the cultural opportunities and tight-knit community Bloomington offers and lives with his small family and their blue heeler, Leo.