Geekus Project Multiplier Report: Illustrating Supply and Demand Trends in the IT Freelance Market

Geekus Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director CEO: Toshito Sonehara; hereinafter 'Geekus') announces the 'IT Freelance Project Multiplier Report,' which compiles the 'project multiplier' calculated from the number of projects and the number of IT freelancers seeking projects. This data represents supply and demand trends in the IT freelance market. Geekus publishes this report quarterly, and this edition summarizes the project multiplier for January to March 2026. **Trends in Project Multiplier for January-March 2026** From January to March 2026, the project multiplier transitioned as follows: January: 7.03x, February: 5.64x, March: 4.87x, resulting in a quarterly cumulative average of 5.75x. Areas that saw significant growth in project numbers this quarter include generative AI, construction of data analysis platforms, feature additions to in-house SaaS products and development accompanying microservices migration, and the modernization of legacy systems and security enhancements. This quarter, needs have deepened towards practical application and governance, such as maintenance and risk management in AI-driven development, emphasizing greater practicality and governance. With the rapid spread of AI technology, the bar for freelancers has shifted from 'development and implementation' to 'upstream processes.' While demand for skills like 'Python' and 'TypeScript' continues to be strong, companies now require knowledge closer to security consulting, such as measures against outflow risks, governance formulation, and rule-making associated with AI adoption, in addition to the ability to write source code. Because companies lack accumulated know-how in AI utilization and operation, there is high value placed on individuals who can lead from architecture design to risk management as specialists. **Outlook for April-June 2026 Trends** Looking ahead, both projects and freelancers seeking projects are expected to remain flat from April onwards. Due to companies raising their hiring standards, market liquidity will be maintained, but the process leading to contract completion is predicted to become more cautious. For future projects, we anticipate a high number of spot technical support projects that underpin organizational technical foundations, such as LLMOps (responsible for the operational implementation of AI and LLMs), Cloud Architects, and DevSecOps, which highly integrates development and security. Furthermore, with the generalization of AI utilization, needs related to risk management, such as measures against information leakage, verification of output authenticity, and maintenance operations, are expected to expand. Recently, there have been cases where companies use AI to enhance their selection criteria. It is anticipated that demand will increasingly concentrate on PMs and Tech Leads who can propose solutions from a business perspective, rather than just being technicians. 'Willingness to contribute to the team' and 'culture fit' are strongly sought after, equally or even more than technical skills. In the selection process, there is an increasing number of cases where on-site members meticulously check the interview situation, making smooth communication as a team member a critical factor for success. In addition to deepening skill sets in line with the speed of technological innovation, individuals who can flexibly adapt to hybrid work and possess a strong sense of belonging to their client organizations will further enhance their market value. **What is Geekus's 'IT Human Resources Business'?** With the business mission of 'creating a new 'normal' for working styles,' we support the working styles of IT freelancers and develop services that match them with companies. Our IT freelance specialized agent service 'GEECHS JOB' currently has over 24,000 registered members. Through extensive data utilization from over 20 years of support and continuous support from career advisors, we achieve optimal matching that meets corporate needs. IT Freelance Specialized Agent Service 'GEECHS JOB' Talent Search Matching Platform 'GEECHS DIRECT' Freelance Welfare Program 'Furinove'