Midem, the global music industry conference based in Cannes, France, has named Super Hi-Fi, the AI-powered audio experience company, as the winner of the 2020 Midemlab competition for music tech startups in the Music Distribution and Discovery category.

Based in Los Angeles, California, Super Hi-Fi uses artificial intelligence to improve users’ digital listening experience by filling the gaps between songs with relevant and personalised content. The company’s patented technology can understand ‘the infinite nuances within music’ with the expertise of a human DJ to improve transitions between content. This results in perfectly transitioned streams of music, podcasts, interviews, news, weather, advertisements and other audio content.

Super Hi-fi’s partners include Sonos Radio, iHeart Radio, Peloton, Napster, Universal Music Group, TargetSpot, Elevated Music and The Associated Press.

Past Midemlab winners include Soundcloud, Kickstarter, The Echo Nest, NextBigSound, and Asaii (acquired by Apple). Traditionally announced as part of Midem in Cannes, France, this year’s Midemlab competition was incorporated into the Midem Digital Edition and hosted online.

Xavier Tumminello, Director of Midemlab, said:

‘We have the honour every year of hearing from the most innovative music tech startups in the world, and this year proved again that innovation has no limit in the music sector. Super Hi-Fi stood out to the jury of their category, who felt their service has great potential to fuel a new wave of listening innovation and to add overall value to the music business.’

Zack Zalon, co-founder and CEO of Super Hi-Fi, said:

‘We’re extremely excited to be recognised by Midem. We believe that differentiation will be the primary driver of growth for the streaming music industry in the coming years, and this award is an excellent proof point that our vision is starting to break through.’