A new training scheme for music-tech innovators, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs across Europe has been announced and is currently seeking applications.

The Music Tech Europe Academy seven-month programme includes eight weeks of online mentoring with experts in music technology and innovation; industry meetups with founders of music-tech companies and business managers; and a three-day event in Milan at which companies can pitch potential investors and obtain feedback.

Applications are now open and the deadline for applying is 15 March. The Academy is seeking ten companies and the results will be announced on 1 April.

Innovators and start-ups
Music Tech Europe Academy is specifically seeking applications from music-tech innovators, entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs who are using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, VR, AR, 3D audio or metadata in order to create scalable businesses for the music sector. 

The programme is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the EU and coordinated by Music Innovation Hub in Milan and the Berlin-based investor network Media Deals. 

Commenting on the announcement, Anna Zò, project manager at Music Innovation Hub, said: 

Our goal is to further develop the music tech ecosystem in Europe and create a level playing field between tech-savvy entrepreneurs, artists, music industry players and investors, to allow joint innovation efforts for the future music sector.

Thierry Baujard, CEO of Media Deals, added: 

As a European network of investors for the creative industries, we hope this initiative will offer scalable projects that could fit our investors’ expectations and thus strengthen the growth of the music sector across Europe. 

The tech and business mentors participating in the scheme that have been announced so far include Baujard of Media Deals, Turo Pekari (senior advisor, Teosto), Matteo Tambussi (blockchain investor and developer), Yvan Boudillet, (founder, TheLynk), Juliane Schulze (board member, Media Deals), Georgia Taglietti (Head of Communication, Sónar Festival), Claudia Schwarz and Matthias Strobel (founders, Music Tech Germany), Thomas Lidy (Chief Innovation Officer, MusiMap), Gerome Vanherf (COO and Program Director, LeanSquare), and Thomas Philips (Head of Business Development, Steertone Solutions).

For further details on applying, download the PDF below and visit www.musictecheuropeacademy.eu.