Shining a Light on the "Secretariat" Supporting In-Company Business Contests: Report on "Bizcon AWARDS 2026" Featuring Practical Knowledge from 21 Companies

Filament Inc. (Chuo-ku, Osaka; CEO Katsu Sumi, hereinafter Filament), a company that supports new business creation for large enterprises, held "Bizcon AWARDS 2026" on June 10, 2026 (Wed.) to recognize the secretariats responsible for operating in-company new business proposal systems (hereinafter, in-company bizcons).

This was the second year for the event, following last year. This year, 158 representatives from the secretariats of in-company bizcons from 71 companies participated. Following system presentations by the final six nominees selected from 24 entries, and four talk sessions on the theme of operating in-company bizcons, a total of 21 companies took the stage.

On the day, companies shared the ingenuity and challenges they had accumulated in the field, from system design and supporting challengers to internal engagement and initiatives for commercialization. This report introduces the discussions, awards results, and messages from the judges, along with photos from the venue.

□ Event Overview Name: Bizcon AWARDS 2026

Date: June 10, 2026 (Wed.)

Venue: Minato City Industry Promotion Center, Hall A

Organizer: Filament Inc.

Partners: ASCII STARTUP, CNET Japan, Shin-jigyo Talks, Biz/Zine, FINDERS URL: https://bizcon-awards.com/2026

□ System Presentations by Nominated Companies

At "Bizcon AWARDS 2026," six companies selected from 24 entries presented their system designs, operational structures, applicant support, and commercialization mechanisms, along with specific figures and trial-and-error experiences.

Casio Computer Co., Ltd. "IBP (Idea Booster Program)"

Utilizing the "10% System" that allows employees discretion, challenges start semi-annually. The secretariat is not specialized, building a sustainable operational structure by having it as a dual role within the organizational development and human resource development departments.

JTB Corp. "JUMP"

A design that circulates "CHALLENGE" and "KNOWLEDGE" under the group-wide innovation creation program "nextender." Multi-layered mechanisms are in place to ensure challengers "do not feel isolated" and "are motivated to submit ideas."

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. "HIRAKU"

Presented a strategy within a "winning field" that thoroughly utilizes core business assets, lowering the application hurdle with a system design that avoids jargon. The importance of mental care for promoters was also addressed.

Chiyoda Corporation "F1 PROJECT"

Addressing the challenge that "challenges cannot be sustained by individual will alone," they designed an "organization where challenges can be established" through three years of practice, from direct appeals to division managers to integration into the performance evaluation system. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "IGNITION"

Implemented screening incorporating a VC (Venture Capital) perspective and support running at the same pace as founding members. Six projects have been commercialized from over 1,300 cumulative applications.

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. "AsuNiHa"

A corporate venture support system where "employees start businesses and employees invest." A mechanism is built where commercialization is not decided solely by management approval, through company-wide crowdfunding.

□ Cross-Talk by Final Nominees "Practical Knowledge of the Secretariat Supporting New Business Proposal Systems"

Representatives from the secretariats of the six final nominees gathered to discuss the background of system design, the role of the secretariat, unique mechanisms, and reproducibility/systematization. The discussions went beyond the presentations to share the underlying philosophies and decision-making processes of each company.

Speakers

- Eishiro Takahashi (Casio Computer Co., Ltd.)

- Masa Yato (JTB Corp.)

- Yuki Endo (Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.)

- Aki Izumi (Chiyoda Corporation)

- Takumi Matsuzawa (Honda Motor Co., Ltd.)

- Ken Ichihashi (Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)

The six final nominees delved into the "role of the secretariat," "unique mechanisms," and "reproducibility/systematization." It became clear that each company optimizes its system according to its own situation, with different priorities placed on business creation, human resource development, cultural promotion, and embodying the company's unique identity. Unique mechanisms introduced included evaluation and reward designs aligned with employee motivations, and systems that integrate with HR and talent development rather than being isolated bizcons. Furthermore, trial-and-error efforts for sustainable operation were shared, such as maintaining operations with dual roles, streamlining idea refinement using AI, and dividing functions between external support and in-house capabilities.

In addition to the cross-talk by the six final nominees, four sessions were held to address challenges faced by secretariats in different phases. The structure allowed participants to take home practical knowledge relevant to their own situations, covering distinct themes of launch, continuation, human resource development, and secretariat structure.

□ Session 1 "Realities of Success and Struggles Seen in First-Time In-Company Bizcon Operations"

Representatives from secretariats in their first to second year of operation shared the process of creating a system from scratch and the on-the-ground realities of engaging the company.

Speakers

- Moemi Kida (Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.)

- Tomotaka Kuroda (RYODEN CO., LTD.)

- Keisuke Yoshida (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): Moderator

The central keyword was "hard work over glamour." It was shared that behind the seemingly glamorous new business initiatives lies diligent outreach and engagement with stakeholders, and the accumulation of these efforts supports the challengers. Regarding key personnel, opinions were raised that both "a message from the president showing the company's seriousness" and the words of "an ordinary person with wide connections" that work at the grassroots level are important. Knowledge practical for those in the launch phase was presented, such as the concept of "the core is the problem, the solution can change," and adjustments to budget allocation as the system matures.

□ Session 2 "Changes and Evolution of In-Company Bizcons Seen After 10 Years of Operation"

Three companies that have continued their new business creation systems for 6 to 11 years discussed changes in objectives, the difficulty of "continuing," and turning points for system evolution.

Speakers

- Kazuki Edagawa (Sumitomo Life Insurance Company)

- Yasutaka Kikuchi (East Japan Railway Company)

- Yuto Yamamoto (Yamaha Corporation)

- Sayaka Kawaguchi (Fujitsu Limited): Moderator

The central keyword was the "crisis in the 3-5 year mark." How each company overcame headwinds such as "why pursue new business when existing business is strong?" and moments where the system's raison d'être was questioned after the first business took off were shared. The discussion also touched upon the realization that "good ideas alone do not lead to business" and the shift in the system's objective from "quantity of ideas" to "discovering talent capable of leading businesses and developing businesses." A virtuous cycle was introduced where former challengers become managers and support the next generation of challengers, demonstrating the value of continuation itself.

□ Session 3 "Does In-Company Bizcon Nurture People? The Forefront of New Business x Human Resource Development"

Three companies emphasizing human resource development discussed how to perceive behavioral changes through challenges and how to balance this with business creation.

Speakers

- TAIYO AKASHI (Panasonic System Design Co., Ltd.)

- Tatsushi Tachibana (NHK Enterprises, Inc.)

- Satoshi Nagataki (Mynavi Corporation)

- Risa Watanabe (Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.): Moderator

The central keyword was "turning overlooked talent into agents of change." The growth of individuals who were less visible in their existing roles was introduced, as they engaged in equal discussions with seniors and managers on themes different from their main jobs and grew through challenges. Regarding reporting results to management, as it is difficult to quantify, ingenuity was shared to visualize behavioral changes themselves, such as "sending unexpected personnel to executive presentations." On the other hand, the dilemma of "if development is emphasized too much, it becomes no different from training" was also discussed, with the focus being on the balance of "business creation on the surface, human resource development underneath."

□ Session 4 "How Are Bizcon Secretariats Created? Rethinking the Role of the Secretariat"

Discussions were held on the role of the secretariat and the type of personnel required, focusing on structure design, support, and in-house operation.

Speakers

- Hikaru Kojima (Sapporo Holdings Limited)

- Ryohei Sekimoto (Tokyu Construction Co., Ltd.)

- Takashi Mizoguchi (TATSUTA ELECTRIC WIRE AND CABLE CO., LTD.)

- Naomi Okamoto (TIS Inc.): Moderator

The central theme was the stance of "the proposer is the protagonist, the secretariat is the backstage crew." Each company's vision of the secretariat was shared, including the attitude of polishing ideas in tandem with the proposer, encouraging employees who hesitate to take on challenges, and engaging as a "co-proposer" rather than a critic. The ideal personnel profile included "people who can hack internal rules," "chameleons who can adapt to the proposer," and "translators for management." Regarding in-house operation, not just cost reduction but also choices for reinvestment into verification costs, and strategies to retain the objectivity and driving force of external support were presented as approaches tailored to objectives.

□ Grand Prize Awarded to JTB's "JUMP"; Awards Ceremony Honoring the Practices of Six Companies

In the judging, the uniqueness and completeness of each of the six final nominees were highly evaluated. In addition to the Grand Prize, two companies were awarded Special Jury Prizes for particularly outstanding initiatives.

Grand Prize

JTB Corp. "JUMP (nextender)"

Highly praised for continuously refining the system itself like a new business, by passing the baton from担当者 (person in charge) and proposers over nine years. Applause was also given for their progress in regeneration and challenges driven by human resources amidst significant impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Jury Prize

Shoei Iriyama Award: Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. "HIRAKU"

Evaluated for its unique evolution, with incentive designs deeply understanding the company's culture and employee competencies, and strategies that thoroughly utilize core business assets.

Noboru Konno Award: Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. "AsuNiHa"

Praised for consistently designing the system with a culture of innovation company at its core, and steadily achieving results.

Judges

Shoei Iriyama (Professor, Waseda University Business School) Noboru Konno (Director, Japan Innovation Network Chairperson)

Katsu Sumi (Representative Director, CEO, Filament Inc.)

Judge Noboru Konno pointed out the importance of positioning the secretariat's activities within the overall scope of management issues and innovation management, and explaining them to management. He further encouraged the secretariat representatives by saying, "This is not a hidden mission, but an overt mission. You are chosen for the company's true aspirations. I want you to assert your activities more."

Judge Shoei Iriyama sent a message stating, "Through today's presentations, I was once again reminded that there is no single type of bizcon. Each company clearly holds its desired future state and positions the bizcon as a means to achieve it. It is truly wonderful that bizcons are maturing thanks to the efforts of the secretariat members."

At the end of the event, Filament CEO Katsu Sumi said, "There is no single correct answer for in-company bizcons. Every company has a different culture, business, and challenges. That is precisely why it is important to take hints from the various practices of other companies and adapt them to your own company's situation. I want to make Bizcon AWARDS more than just an awards ceremony, but a place that leads to the next challenge."

□ Towards a Place Where Secretariats Connect Beyond Company Boundaries

During the networking reception after the event, information exchange and interaction among secretariat representatives continued across industries and company boundaries. In many companies, the secretariat for in-company bizcons is handled by a small team of a few people. It is not always possible to find multiple people within the same company to share concerns with. Therefore, meeting people in the same role at other companies and having frank discussions about both successes and failures holds great significance. Bizcon AWARDS will continue to create a place where secretariat representatives can meet, learn from each other, and bring back practical knowledge to their respective companies.

□ What is Bizcon AWARDS?

Bizcon AWARDS is the only award in Japan that focuses on the initiatives of secretariats responsible for operating in-company business contests (bizcons) and evaluates and recognizes their challenges and achievements. In recent years, in-company business contests have increasingly been used not only for new business creation but also as initiatives to promote human resource development and organizational transformation. Behind their success lies the existence of secretariats responsible for system design, operation, applicant support, and commercialization support.

Bizcon AWARDS aims to create an environment where more companies can easily challenge corporate transformation through bizcons by visualizing the efforts and ingenuity of secretariats and widely sharing their knowledge. By disseminating excellent secretariat initiatives to society, we contribute to the evolution of new business creation mechanisms and the acceleration of sustainable corporate transformation.

□ Company Overview

Company Name: Filament Inc.

Established: April 9, 2015

Representative: Katsu Sumi, Representative Director, CEO

Location: 2F, 2-1-1 Minamihonmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Business Activities: New business creation support and human resource/organizational development URL: https://thefilament.jp