[Saitama Prefecture] Call for Applications for the 4th 'Saitama DX Award' & 'Saitama DX First Step Company' 2026
Saitama Prefecture has launched the call for applications for the 4th 'Saitama DX Award' to recognize outstanding digital transformation (DX) initiatives by local SMEs. Applications are open from May 26 to August 7, 2026. The program aims to promote DX by showcasing success stories in productivity and operational efficiency.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 27, 2026 at 06:06 (15h 34m after Collected)
## Overview: 4th 'Saitama DX Award' & 'Saitama DX First Step Company' 2026
Saitama Prefecture is conducting the 4th 'Saitama DX Award' and 'Saitama DX First Step Company' program to promote excellent DX initiatives among SMEs within the prefecture.
Past award winners have reported that participating in and winning the award led to improved internal motivation, accelerated DX efforts, and enhanced trust from stakeholders, including business partners.
### 1. Saitama DX Award Overview
This award recognizes outstanding DX initiatives by SMEs in the prefecture to promote such activities broadly.
**Categories:**
- **Saitama DX Award:** For SMEs or sole proprietors with offices in the prefecture. Must demonstrate results such as productivity improvement or new product development via digitization (ideally with comparative numerical data).
- **Infrastructure DX Special Award:** For SMEs or sole proprietors with headquarters in the prefecture. Must demonstrate results of digitization in construction or infrastructure service contracts.
**Awards:** Grand Prize (1), Excellence Award (1-2), Encouragement Award (a few), Infrastructure DX Special Award (1-2). An award ceremony is scheduled for January 2027.
### 2. Saitama DX First Step Company Overview
This recognizes companies implementing excellent initiatives as their first step toward DX.
**Eligibility:** SMEs or sole proprietors with offices in the prefecture. Must have begun using digital tools for the first time within the past two years, demonstrating or expecting clear results.
### 3. Application Process
**Application Period:** May 26 (Tue) – August 7 (Fri), 2026, 17:00 JST.
**How to Apply:** Submit via the application forms on the [official website](https://www.saitamadx.com/dxaward/entry/) with an entry sheet attached.
**Organizer:** Saitama Prefecture, Saitama DX Promotion Support Network.
Saitama Prefecture is conducting the 4th 'Saitama DX Award' and 'Saitama DX First Step Company' program to promote excellent DX initiatives among SMEs within the prefecture.
Past award winners have reported that participating in and winning the award led to improved internal motivation, accelerated DX efforts, and enhanced trust from stakeholders, including business partners.
### 1. Saitama DX Award Overview
This award recognizes outstanding DX initiatives by SMEs in the prefecture to promote such activities broadly.
**Categories:**
- **Saitama DX Award:** For SMEs or sole proprietors with offices in the prefecture. Must demonstrate results such as productivity improvement or new product development via digitization (ideally with comparative numerical data).
- **Infrastructure DX Special Award:** For SMEs or sole proprietors with headquarters in the prefecture. Must demonstrate results of digitization in construction or infrastructure service contracts.
**Awards:** Grand Prize (1), Excellence Award (1-2), Encouragement Award (a few), Infrastructure DX Special Award (1-2). An award ceremony is scheduled for January 2027.
### 2. Saitama DX First Step Company Overview
This recognizes companies implementing excellent initiatives as their first step toward DX.
**Eligibility:** SMEs or sole proprietors with offices in the prefecture. Must have begun using digital tools for the first time within the past two years, demonstrating or expecting clear results.
### 3. Application Process
**Application Period:** May 26 (Tue) – August 7 (Fri), 2026, 17:00 JST.
**How to Apply:** Submit via the application forms on the [official website](https://www.saitamadx.com/dxaward/entry/) with an entry sheet attached.
**Organizer:** Saitama Prefecture, Saitama DX Promotion Support Network.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
SMEs and sole proprietors with offices in Saitama Prefecture are eligible. Please check the official website for specific requirements for each category.
What are the benefits of winning?
Winners receive certificates, awards, and the right to use the logo mark. Their efforts will also be publicized, boosting credibility and marketing potential.
Can I apply without expert DX knowledge?
Yes. The 'Saitama DX First Step Company' category focuses on evaluating creative efforts by companies that have just taken their first steps in DX.