1. About Competition

International Digital Music Innovation Competition (IDMIC) is hosted by the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI), co-organized by SORODHA、Studio voor Experimentele Muziek (SEM)、Korean Electro-Acoustic Music Society (KEAMS)、SOUND PRESS、Love²Arts and The House Concert. Emphasizing global cooperation, cutting-edge development and talent cultivation in the field of digital music, IDMIC announces an annual theme mid-year, and participants are required to create original digital music works based on the theme.

Guided by the principle of Exploring Frontiers, Empowering Creativity, IDMIC effectively connects global educational and industrial resources in digital music, providing an international and diverse open platform for creators and professionals passionate about digital music. The competition is complemented by academic forums, seminars, workshops, concerts, art exhibitions, training programs, and study tours. Through an international perspective, diverse formats, and multi-platform engagement, IDMIC fosters a global digital music innovation ecosystem integrating industry, academia, and research.

2. Competition Track

IDMIC Competition Theme for 2025

The Sound of Dunhuang

In 2025, IDMIC invites digital music submissions from across the globe under the theme The Sound of Dunhuang*. Empowered by creativity and enhanced by technology, let the world hear the voice of Dunhuang as you imagine it.

*Dunhuang: Dunhuang is a city located in western Gansu province of northwestern China. Situated in an oasis in the Gansu-Xinjiang desert region, it is at the far western limit of traditional Chinese settlement along the Silk Road across Central Asia. Dunhuang was the first trading town reached by foreign merchants entering Chinese-administered territory from the west. The city is the site of the renowned Mogao Caves, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.Empowered by creativity and enhanced by technology, let the world hear the voice of Dunhuang as you imagine it.

Track A: Thematic Song Composition (Songwriting, including arrangement, recording, and post-production)

Requirements:

1. Use digital music tools such as electronic music design, digital audio production, MIDI sequencing, etc.

2. Style is not restricted.

3. No limitations on production techniques.

4. Duration should not exceed 5 minutes.

Submission Materials:

1. Audio file (WAV, 44.1KHz/16Bit, max 100MB).

2. Project file (upload to Baidu Netdisk with a permanent link).

3. Production report (PDF).

Track B: Thematic Music Composition and Video Scoring (Musical composition or video soundtrack based on the video or video material provided)

Requirements:

1. Compose music or video scores based on provided visual or video materials (songs excluded).

2. Use digital music tools such as electronic music design, digital audio production, MIDI sequencing, etc.

3. Style is open including orchestral, electronic, EDM, etc.).

4. Duration should not exceed 8 minutes.

Submission for Music Composition:

1. Project file (upload to Baidu Netdisk with a permanent link).

2. Audio file (WAV, 44.1KHz/16Bit, max 100MB).

3. Production report and sheet music (if available) in PDF format.

Submission for Video Scoring:

1. Video file (MP4, H.264 or H.265, up to 1080p resolution, 60fps, 5Mbps max bitrate, standard color gamut and standard dynamic range).

2. Audio: AAC format, max 48kHz sample rate, 320kbps, stereo.

3. File size must not exceed 200MB.

4. Written production report (including the basic concept, innovation, technical characteristics, artistic expression, etc. of the work).

Track C: Music Technology and New Media Art (Creation of music technology and multimedia artworks based on themes and scenes)

Requirements:

1. Create original multimedia art integrating music technology, such as sound/multimedia installations, new instrument design (software/hardware), music and sound visualization, music AI, and interactive electronic music/multimedia works.

2. Must demonstrate integration of music and technology (e.g., digital audio, computer music, vision, AI, etc.).

Submission Materials:

1. Video file (MP4, H.264 or H.265, up to 1080p resolution, 30fps, 5Mbps max bitrate, standard color gamut and standard dynamic range).

2. Audio: AAC format, max 48kHz sample rate, 320kbps, stereo.

3. File size must not exceed 200MB.

4. Written production report (including innovation points, technical characteristics, artistic expression and application prospects of the work).

*Report Template for all tracks can be downloaded from the page Downloads.

3. Competition Registration

1. Participants shall register and submit their entries via the official competition website. (https://idmic.sjtu.edu.cn/)

2. Participants may log in to the website and complete preliminary registration by fulling in the Personal Information Form from June 1 to August 31, 2025.

3. All participants shall submit their works and complete payment by August 31, 2025 to finalize the preliminary round registration.

4. Participants must upload their works and related documents according to the requirements indicated in the registration system based on the selected competition category.

5. Each account may submit up to three entries. A separate registration fee must be paid for each submission.

6. All competition notifications will be sent via email. Please check your registered email regularly to ensure timely receipt of updates.

7. All official announcements and updates will be published through the official website and WeChat official account.

4. Awards

Grand Prize (ONE participants)

A 10,000 RMB-equivalent prize or bonus.

First Prize (ONE participants from each track)

A 5,000 RMB-equivalent prize or bonus.

Second Prize (TWO participants from each track)

A 2,000 RMB-equivalent prize or bonus.

Third Prize (THREE participants from each track)

A 1,000 RMB-equivalent prize or bonus.

Youth Award (ONE participants from each track)

Exclusive Award Certificate

Merit Award

Exclusive Award Certificate

Finalist Award

Exclusive award certificate

Additional Opportunities for Winners:

1. Incubation, publishing, and commercial release opportunities for winning works (NOTE: For AI-generated compositions, distribution will comply with current AI content regulations).

2. Opportunity to participate in a live showcase in Dunhuang featuring their winning works.

3. Free access to all IDMIC-related events.

4. Featured performances across IDMIC’s partner festivals and exhibitions worldwide.

Unlock Global Opportunities

5. Schedule

Preliminary Round Submission Period May - August, 2025

Preliminary Judging September, 2025

Semi-Finalists Announcement September, 2025

Semi-Final Judging October, 2025

Winners Announcement October, 2025

Awards Ceremony & Digital Music Concert.  Late October, 2025 at Shanghai, China

*NOTE: The actual competition schedule is subject to change based on IDMIC's official announcements.

6. Organization

1. USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI)

USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI) was founded in 2015 by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and is an internationally-oriented school within SJTU. ICCI’s establishment grew from the joint efforts of University of Southern California (USC), Minhang District Government and Shanghai Zizhu High-tech (Group) Co., Ltd. As an important aspect and expression of SJTU’s internationalization strategy, ICCI integrates global world-class resources reflecting demands of the industry’s value chain and the market. ICCI’s distinction is three-fold – internationalization, interdisciplinary focus, and Industry orientation – and takes on the mission to nurture creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship among talents for the cultural and creative industry. ICCI dedicates itself to be a global institution providing premier resources to aspiring students from all over the world.

In July 2022, ICCI was approved to establish the first Digital Cultural Creation and Management interdisciplinary master's degree program among national universities and the first non-catalog major master's degree program at SJTU. This program places emphasis on cultivating innovative talents in digital cultural creation and management, focusing on a five-dimensional teaching system that intertwines Curation and Digital Artifacts and Museum, Film and Digital Media, Digital Music and Management, Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Design and Digital Communication and Brand Management.

Link: https://icci.sjtu.edu.cn/en

2. Co-organization

2.1 SORODHA, Belgium

Founded in 1814, SORODHA is one of the oldest associations in the Antwerp region. It is dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of classical music, regularly hosting classical concerts and organizing prestigious composition competitions. Its competitions cover a range of solo and ensemble categories, including unaccompanied violin, viola, cello, string quartet, marimba, and piano.

Link: https://sorodha.be/about.php

2.2 Studio voor Experimentele Muziek (SEM), Belgium

Studio voor Experimentele Muziek was founded in 1973 by Belgian composer and electronic musician Joris de Laet, with the aim of raising public awareness and popularising avant-garde art and electronic music. The Institute organises monthly concerts in the studios of the Flemish Radio 2 and in the deSingel concert hall, and has invited many famous musicians to perform various forms of avant-garde art.

2.3 Korean Electro-Acoustic Music Society (KEAMS)

Founded in 1993, the Korean Electro-Acoustic Music Society (KEAMS) is dedicated to promoting electronic music, new media music, and multimedia music. The society also actively fosters international exchange with globally recognized performance groups, sound art organizations, and music institutions. Its members include composers, performers, engineers, graphic designers, and other professionals with a strong interest in electronic music. Since 1994, KEAMS has hosted the Seoul International Computer Music Festival (SICMF), one of Asia’s leading electronic music events. To encourage the exchange of new technologies and ideas, KEAMS regularly organizes public workshops and publishes the annual academic journal Emille.

Link: http://keams.org/

2.4 SOUND PRESS, Korea

SOUND PRESS is a Korean digital music distribution and support platform designed for musicians. It offers tailored services for independent artists and small record labels, including AI-driven data analysis, brand registration assistance, and optimized artist development support. The platform enables musicians to easily publish their music on major global streaming services. Beyond simple distribution, SOUND PRESS provides tools for copyright-based revenue analysis, investor engagement, and long-term strategic growth. Its mission is to support sustainable music careers and global expansion for artists.

Link: https://sound-press.com

3. Supporting Organization

3.1 Love²Arts Gallery, Belgium

Founded in 2006, Love²Arts Gallery is dedicated to organizing a wide range of cultural events, including concerts and art exhibitions. The gallery focuses on promoting the works of European artists and art organizations. Currently, it serves as a platform for showcasing and globally promoting the works of renowned European musicians, painters, photographers, and designers.

Link: https://love2arts.com

3.2 The House Concert , Korea

Established in 2002 by composer and pianist PARK Changsoo, The House Concert is a performance planning organization centered on classical music while also embracing Korean traditional music, jazz, and experimental art forms. With over 1,000 concerts held to date, the company is beloved by audiences and continues to present weekly performances in Seoul, as well as concerts across the country. In 2023, tickets for the 1000th commemorative concert sold out in just 11 seconds, demonstrating its remarkable appeal.

Link: https://thehouseconcert.com/main/

7. Judges Panel

Prof. Elizabeth Anderson

Professor of Electroacoustic Composition at the Royal Conservatory of Mons

Prof. Richard Barrett

Professor at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, Netherlands

Prof. Sascha Janko Dragićević

Professor at Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Prof. Joris de Laet

President of Studio voor Experimentele Muziek (SEM) in Belgium

OH Yemin

President of the Korean Electro-Acoustic Music Society (KEAMS)

PARK Changsoo

Artistic Director of The House Concert (Korea)

Prof. Dirk Verelst

President of the Belgian arts association SORODHA

吴基学

Professor and Head of the Composition Department at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music

许志斌

Professor and Head of the Composition Department at the School of Music, Nanjing University of the Arts

YOON Ilsang

K-pop composer and producer

8. Others

For more requirements and detailed information, please visit the official website of the competition or email the competition email for consultation.

Website: https://idmic.sjtu.edu.cn/

Mail: idmic@sjtu.edu.cn

*The competition email is only for event consultation purposes;

**The interpretation of this event belongs to the organizing committee, and all information is subject to official release.