GenAI HR Awards 2026 Accepting Entries

The General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA), led by Chairman Satoshi Ibatta and located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, which aims to rebuild industries by implementing generative AI in society, is now accepting entries for the "GenAI HR Awards 2026." This award recognizes excellent case studies in human capital strategy for the realization of a society where humans and generative AI collaborate. Applications will be accepted from July 1, 2026 (Wed) to July 31, 2026 (Fri) for the corporate, education, and public sectors, covering initiatives related to human capital such as human resource development, performance evaluation design, and organizational transformation.

Special Website: https://guga.or.jp/awards/

What is the "GenAI HR Awards 2026"?

The "GenAI HR Awards 2026" is an award that recognizes excellent case studies in human capital strategy for the realization of a society where humans and generative AI collaborate. We broadly solicit initiatives related to human capital, such as human resource development, performance evaluation design, and organizational transformation, from the corporate, education, and public sectors, and honor outstanding examples. Through this award, we aim to further promote the societal implementation of generative AI by sharing knowledge across Japanese society and deriving concrete hints for problem-solving.

Award Categories and Judging Process

The award consists of four categories. Experts knowledgeable in human capital strategy for the generative AI era will gather to fairly judge each case. Finalists selected through the first and second rounds of judging will give presentations on stage at "NexTech Week 2026 [Autumn]," one of Japan's largest AI exhibitions, on November 11, 2026 (Wed). Based on the presentation content, a final judging will be conducted at the venue, and Grand Prizes and Runner-up Prizes will be awarded in each category, along with logos and trophies as proof of award.

※Comparison of exhibitor numbers with similar exhibitions.

1. Corporate Sector (Large Enterprises): Companies with 1,000 or more employees that have implemented and achieved results in initiatives related to employee development and organizational transformation in promoting the utilization of generative AI.

2. Corporate Sector (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises): Companies with 999 or fewer employees that have implemented and achieved results in initiatives related to employee development and organizational transformation in promoting the utilization of generative AI.

3. Education Sector: Educational institutions such as universities and vocational schools that have implemented and achieved results in initiatives related to faculty and staff development and organizational transformation in promoting the utilization of generative AI.

4. Public Sector: Institutions such as national and local governments and public organizations that have implemented and achieved results in initiatives related to the development of public officials and organizational transformation in promoting the utilization of generative AI.

※Only company-specific cases are eligible. Applications from providers of consulting or training services are not eligible.

How to Enter

We are accepting entries from companies, educational institutions, and public organizations that meet the requirements for each category. Please download the entry form from the special website for "GenAI HR Awards 2026," fill in the necessary information, and submit it through the entry form.

<Entry Overview>

Name: GenAI HR Awards 2026

Eligibility: Companies, educational institutions, and public organizations that meet the requirements for each category.

Entry Fee: Free

Entry Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)

Special Website: https://guga.or.jp/awards/

Judges

Yuta Ibaraki | Councilor, General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Kensuke Ozawa | Representative Director, AICX Association

Chisato Kunimoto | Representative Director, Women AI Initiative Japan

Atsushi Oshio | Councilor, General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Hiroaki Sakuma | Executive Director, AI Governance Association

Hideya Suzuki | Councilor, General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Kōtarō Takahashi | Councilor, General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Kai Tsumoto | Standing Councilor, General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Sachiko Nakase | Councilor, General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Kenta Noro | Councilor, General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Noriko Harada | Councilor, General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

※In alphabetical order by position. Judges may be added or changed without prior notice.

※"Venue Judges" responsible for the final judging will be announced sequentially as they are decided.

"GenAI HR Awards 2026" Event Overview

Date and Time: November 11, 2026 (Wed)

Venue: Makuhari Messe (within NexTech Week 2026 [Autumn])

Organizer: General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Special Cooperation: RX Japan Ltd.

Support: Women AI Initiative Japan / AI Governance Association / AICX Association / AI Safety Institute / Open Badge Network / Association for Educational AI Utilization / Financial Data Utilization Promotion Association / Generative AI Japan / Japan Reskilling Initiative / Information-Technology Promotion Agency, Japan / Artificial Intelligence Society of Japan / Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications / Data Scientist Association / Tokyo Employers' Association / Japan Information Processing Development Center (JIPDEC) / People Analytics & HR Technology Association / Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

[About Generative AI Passport]

The Generative AI Passport is Japan's largest qualification exam for preventing generative AI risks. It covers basic knowledge, trends, and utilization methods of 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 qualification, we aim to visualize companies and individuals with the literacy required for the safe utilization 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 qualification exams and certifications announced as of November 2025.

[About the General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)]

GUGA is one of Japan's leading generative AI platforms aiming to rebuild industries through the societal implementation of generative AI. It is involved in providing the "Generative AI Passport," Japan's largest qualification exam for preventing generative AI risks, holding the "GenAI HR Awards 2025" to recognize excellent practical examples of human capital strategy in the generative AI era, and providing a "Generative AI Utilization Case Study Database" that collects examples of generative AI utilization by companies and organizations in Japan. We are promoting the planning and provision of generative AI infrastructure necessary to strengthen Japan's future, together with many stakeholders including government agencies.

Association Overview

Name: General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Generative AI Utilization (GUGA)

Establishment Date: May 10, 2023

Location: THE PORTAL Ningyocho 7F, 2-25-15 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Chairman Satoshi Ibatta

URL: https://guga.or.jp/