CellPromote Launches AI System Development Training Service 'AI GYM' for SMEs

CellPromote Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Ryohta Hayashi; Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), a company that promotes corporate growth through system development and digital transformation (DX) support, will begin offering a new AI system development training service for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) called 'AI GYM (AI Gym, hereinafter 'AI GYM') starting June 16, 2026.

■ Social Background

Recently, the rapid advancement of generative AI has significantly impacted the economy and industries. With the emergence of code-generation AI tools like 'Claude Code' and task automation agents such as 'Claude Cowork,' it is now possible to build systems and applications using natural language, even without programming knowledge. This enables companies to leverage generative AI in-house to develop internal systems and improve productivity and operational efficiency through task automation—without the high costs traditionally associated with outsourcing system development.

However, AI adoption and utilization among SMEs still lags significantly. According to a March 2026 survey by the Japan Organization for Small and Medium Enterprise Development (J-OSMED) (*), the AI adoption rate among SMEs stands at only 20.4%, meaning approximately 80% of SMEs are unable to effectively utilize generative AI.

The primary reason for this slow adoption, according to the survey, is the lack of information on success stories and practical use cases—83.3% of companies cited this as a major barrier. Without sufficient knowledge or insights, businesses struggle to envision how AI can be practically applied to their specific operations, creating a significant obstacle to seizing opportunities.

(*) 'Survey on the Actual Status of AI Utilization by Small and Medium Enterprises'

■ Background of Service Launch

To overcome this barrier, we at CellPromote believe it is crucial that on-site personnel become capable of using AI to build business systems.

Through our DX consulting business, we have supported numerous SMEs and government agencies with DX initiatives and generative AI-powered system development. During these engagements, we frequently heard challenges such as 'outsourced systems failed to fit actual workflows and were abandoned,' 'lack of in-house DX or AI talent,' and 'AI training did not translate into practical application.'

A common thread among these issues is that the staff who best understand day-to-day operations lack the means to use AI for business improvement or system development.

Therefore, we have developed 'AI GYM,' a hands-on training service that goes beyond merely teaching AI usage. Participants work on real business challenges from their own companies, building actual operational systems under the guidance of our trainers. Inspired by the results-driven nature of a 'training gym,' we provide end-to-end support from system design to completion and operation, aiming to equip participants with the ability to independently improve and expand their systems after graduation. Through this service, we aim to help SMEs cultivate in-house AI talent and create an environment conducive to continuous business improvement.

■ About 'AI GYM'

'AI GYM' differs from conventional 'lecture-only' AI training services. It is an AI training program designed for participants to complete a functional business system within approximately two months, using their own company's business challenges as the theme and under the guidance of CellPromote trainers. The curriculum spans 12 sessions totaling 24 hours, offering practical learning from AI tool usage to system development and security knowledge.

【Service Features】

- No programming experience required; build custom business applications using generative AI
- Aim to enable participants to modify and expand their completed systems independently after graduation; system ownership remains with the participating company
- Dedicated trainers provide end-to-end support from system design tailored to each company's unique challenges, including training on security design so participants can handle it themselves

【Target Companies and Participants】

- Companies lacking in-house DX or AI talent
- Companies whose existing business systems do not align well with their operations
- On-site staff without programming knowledge but capable of articulating their business challenges

■ AI GYM Service Page

https://aigym.cellpromote.biz/

■ Comment from Akio Taniuchi, COO and Director

'AI's evolution is fundamentally changing the norms of system development. Until now, SMEs pursuing DX had only two options: expensive outsourced system development or adopting off-the-shelf SaaS packages. But now, an era is emerging where on-site staff can build their own systems using AI—even without programming knowledge.

If we can cultivate AI-proficient talent within the SME sector, which makes up 99.7% of Japanese businesses, each company's earning power will grow, revitalizing the entire Japanese economy. Rather than fearing the wave of AI, we aim to empower as many SMEs as possible to harness it as their own strength.'

(Akio Taniuchi, COO and Director, CellPromote Co., Ltd.)

■ Future Outlook

Through the 'AI GYM' service, we aim to onboard 50 companies in the first year. Through web advertising and promotional activities, we will expand our reach beyond the metropolitan area to SMEs across regional Japan. To address the current reality where many SMEs face challenges in AI adoption, we will continue to provide support that closely aligns with on-site needs.

● About CellPromote

CellPromote aims to deliver diverse value to society through a unique approach centered on 'IT' and 'talent,' differentiating itself from other companies. We foster an environment that welcomes challenges and proactively anticipates societal changes, pioneering a new era where IT professionals take center stage. Discovering and promoting talented individuals and companies with untapped potential is essential for sustainable social development and growth. CellPromote will continue walking alongside the next generation to build a new era and contribute to societal advancement.