Sony Group has launched a global blockchain incubation program to support startups and creators building new entertainment services on its Soneium network.
Summary
- Sony has launched a global incubation program for entertainment startups and creators building on its Soneium blockchain, with applications focused on digital content, fan communities and new revenue opportunities.
- Selected projects will receive technical infrastructure, business development and marketing support, alongside opportunities to collaborate with Sony Group companies and connect with potential investors.
- Sony has supported 43 projects through two previous incubation programs since 2024, while the latest initiative will focus specifically on developing commercial entertainment services.
- The new program follows Soneium’s recent plans for tokenized entertainment products involving music, anime and gaming, including a proposed native token and new tools for creator funding.
According to an October 29 announcement, the initiative, called the Sony Onchain Entertainment Incubation Program, will provide selected projects with technical resources, business development assistance, marketing support, and opportunities to work with companies across Sony Group.
The program is open to creators worldwide who want to develop entertainment products using blockchain technology. Sony is particularly interested in projects that bring digital content, fan communities, and digital assets together to create new business models.
Selected participants will receive access to Soneium’s infrastructure and opportunities to connect with potential investors. Sony said the support would help developers turn their early ideas into commercial products that people can use.
The company has been working on blockchain initiatives since 2024 and has already supported 43 projects through two previous incubation programs. Its latest initiative will concentrate specifically on entertainment, including new ways for fans to support creators, participate in communities, and interact with digital content.
Sony’s Soneium program targets commercial entertainment projects
Under the new program, Sony is looking for startups and individual creators developing services that use blockchain technology to support entertainment activities.
Projects may involve digital content ownership, community participation, or new ways for creators to generate revenue from their work. Sony has not restricted the initiative to a particular entertainment category, leaving room for different applications built around the Soneium network.
For selected developers, the company plans to provide access to technical infrastructure alongside business and marketing assistance. Participants may work with Sony Group companies on joint projects and receive support in reaching potential customers and communities.
Fundraising opportunities are another part of the program, although the announcement does not specify a fixed investment amount or guarantee direct funding for every participant.
Sony said its focus is on helping projects progress beyond technical development and establish services that offer practical value to users.
The company has already been involved in similar efforts through Soneium, including its earlier gaming incubation program introduced in June 2025.
Known as Soneium For All, the initiative offered developers technical resources, financial support opportunities, and assistance with attracting users. It was designed to help blockchain projects address challenges around launching products, gaining visibility, and reaching customers.
Soneium expands into tokenized entertainment and creator funding
Sony’s latest incubation program follows several developments involving Soneium’s entertainment ecosystem.
Earlier this week, the Sony-backed network announced plans for SONEIUM, a proposed native token intended to connect creators, developers, intellectual property owners, fans, and investors.
As previously reported by crypto.news, the October 26 announcement included plans for tokenized entertainment products linked to music, anime, gaming, and other creative works.
Soneium is developing a Tokenized IP initiative that would allow entertainment companies and creators to issue digital assets associated with individual properties. Depending on their structure, the assets could support fan participation, digital collectibles, or revenue arrangements tied to commercial activity.
The network plans to introduce its first project with Moriusa, a character owned by Japanese entertainment company Super State Holdings. The proposed initiative would support activities involving merchandise, animated content, and licensing.
Soneium is preparing a dedicated portal where users could discover entertainment projects and participate in their financing. Planned features include primary token sales, fan engagement tools, and royalty distribution.
The proposed SONEIUM token has not been issued, and the network has yet to announce its launch date, supply, or distribution arrangements.
Sony’s blockchain network develops entertainment partnerships
Soneium has already established partnerships with entertainment companies exploring blockchain-based ownership and financing models.
In September, the network partnered with DayOneDream, a South Korean entertainment company, to develop tokenized intellectual property products through its WAVIST platform.
The partnership includes plans to bring K-pop entertainment assets and concert-related royalties onto Soneium. WAVIST previously completed the issuance, redemption, and burning of a tokenized intellectual property bond in May.
Soneium has been developing the technical infrastructure needed to support such applications.
In another September development, the network adopted OP Enterprise services from OP Labs to support blockchain operations, including monitoring, upgrades, and incident response.
The agreement includes a 99.9% monthly uptime target, while Soneium retains control over its technology development and product decisions.
Sony Group and Startale Group developed Soneium as an Ethereum layer 2 blockchain. Its mainnet launched in January 2025, and the network has since attracted applications involving digital collectibles, entertainment, and consumer blockchain services.
Sony Ventures invested $13 million in Startale Group in January 2026 through the Sony Innovation Fund. At the time, Startale said Soneium had processed more than 500 million transactions and supported over 250 applications.
Sony’s investment activities have included entertainment startups using the network. In March, Sony Innovation Fund announced an investment in YOAKE entertainment, which develops the IRC APP on Soneium to support fan engagement and community experiences.
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