GUGA Announces "GenAI HR Awards 2026" to Recognize Advanced Examples of Human Capital Strategies in the Generative AI Era

The Generative AI Use and Diffusion Association (GUGA) (Chairman: Satoshi Ihata, Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo), a general incorporated association aiming to implement generative AI in society and restructure industries, is pleased to announce the holding of the "GenAI HR Awards 2026" to recognize outstanding examples of human capital strategies toward the realization of a society where humans and generative AI collaborate. Continuing from last year, targeting the corporate sector, education sector, and public sector, we will begin accepting entries for initiatives related to human capital, such as human resource development, personnel evaluation design, and organizational transformation, starting Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Special Website: https://guga.or.jp/awards/ ■ Background of Holding "GenAI HR Awards 2026" The evolution of generative AI is accelerating, and in 2026, with the full-scale adoption of AI agents, the phase is shifting from a "convenient tool" to a "workforce that handles practical tasks." Precisely because we are in an era where AI autonomously executes tasks, the perspective of "human capital," which plays the role of converting that potential into true value, is indispensable. Therefore, continuing from last year, we will hold the "GenAI HR Awards 2026" to widely solicit initiatives related to human capital, such as human resource development, personnel evaluation design, and organizational transformation, and recognize outstanding examples. By sharing knowledge across Japanese society as a whole through this award and deriving concrete hints for problem-solving, we aim to further promote the social implementation of generative AI. ■ "GenAI HR Awards 2026" Event Overview Date and Time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Venue: Makuhari Messe (within NexTech Week 2026 [Autumn]) Organizer: Generative AI Use and Diffusion Association (GUGA) Special Cooperation: RX Japan Ltd. Entry Eligibility: Companies, educational institutions, and public institutions that meet the requirements of each category Entry Fee: Free Entry Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Friday, July 31, 2026 Entry Method: Download the entry sheet from the special website, fill in the necessary information, and submit it via the entry form. Special Website: https://guga.or.jp/awards/ *Judges and supporting organizations will be announced sequentially as soon as they are decided. ■ 2025 Archive Page Now Available On the special website, we have published an archive page summarizing the 2025 award results. We have posted the "final presentation materials" and "interview articles" of all 6 companies and organizations selected as finalists, so please take a look. Special Website: https://guga.or.jp/awards/2025/ Grand Prix: SoftBank Corp. Runner-up: Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc. Grand Prix: SALES ROBOTICS Inc. Runner-up: Webstaff Co., Ltd. Grand Prix: Aso Juku Educational Corporation Grand Prix: Minamiawaji City Hall, Hyogo Prefecture *As a result of strict screening, the only winners in the Education Sector and Public Sector were the Grand Prix. [About the Generative AI Passport] The Generative AI Passport is one of Japan's largest certification exams designed to prevent generative AI risks. It covers basic knowledge, trends, and utilization methods regarding generative AI, as well as points of caution such as information leakage and rights infringement, allowing AI beginners to systematically acquire the minimum necessary literacy. Through the provision of this certification, we will visualize companies and human resources who possess the literacy required for the safe use of generative AI, and promote the standardization of AI literacy in Japanese society. https://guga.or.jp/generativeaiexam/ *Based on the number of examinees for generative AI-related certification exams and tests announced as of November 2025. [About the Generative AI Use and Diffusion Association (GUGA)] GUGA is one of Japan's leading generative AI platforms, aiming to restructure industries through the social implementation of generative AI. We are engaged in providing the "Generative AI Passport," one of Japan's largest certification exams to prevent generative AI risks, holding the "GenAI HR Awards 2025" to recognize outstanding practical examples of human capital strategies in the generative AI era, and providing the "Generative AI Use Case Database," which collects examples of generative AI utilization by companies and organizations in Japan. Together with many stakeholders, including government agencies, we are promoting the planning and provision of the generative AI infrastructure necessary to strengthen Japan's future. ■ Association Overview Name: Generative AI Use and Diffusion Association (GUGA) Date of Establishment: May 10, 2023 Location: 3-11-8-403 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Representative: Chairman Satoshi Ihata URL: https://guga.or.jp/