Announcement: KANSAI DX AWARD 2026 and Call for Events during Kansai Digital Month

The Kansai Headquarters of the SME Support Japan (Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN) is hosting the 'KANSAI DX AWARD' in co-sponsorship with the Kansai Digital Month Executive Committee to promote DX among SMEs in the Kansai region. We are also calling for related events to be held during the Kansai Digital Month.

The Kansai Digital Month Executive Committee (Secretariat: Kansai Economic Federation) established 'Kansai Digital Month' to foster momentum for DX promotion in the Kansai region, implementing various public-private collaborative initiatives every October.

As part of this, we are holding the 'KANSAI DX AWARD' again this year to recognize advanced DX cases in Kansai. This year, we are expanding the eligibility from just companies to educational/research institutions and local governments to gather a broader range of advanced cases. The SME Support Japan's Kansai Headquarters is participating to boost DX promotion by recognizing companies' efforts and sharing these successes to foster momentum across Kansai. Furthermore, through the selection and publication of excellent cases, we aim to promote horizontal deployment within regions and industries in Kansai, thereby activating inter-corporate exchanges and advancing regional initiatives. As with last year, applications will be judged by an examination committee chaired by Professor Hiroaki Miyata of the Keio University School of Medicine.

1. Overview of KANSAI DX AWARD 2026

Eligibility: Companies, educational/research institutions, and local governments (self-nominated or nominated by others) with headquarters or offices in Fukui, Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, or Tokushima.
Award Categories: Grand Prix, Gold Prize (Large Enterprise), Gold Prize (SME), Director-General of the Kinki Bureau of Telecommunications Award, Director-General of the Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, Special Award.
Examination Committee Chair: Professor Hiroaki Miyata, Keio University School of Medicine.
Application Period: May 20, 2026 (Wed) – July 21, 2026 (Tue) [Must arrive by].
Application Method: https://www.kankeiren.or.jp/kansai-dx/award/

The 'Kansai DX Summit' (Venue: TBD in Osaka City) is scheduled for October 29, 2026 (Thu), where the award ceremony and case presentations will be held.

2. Call for Events during Kansai Digital Month

We are soliciting DX and digital-related events hosted by various organizations and will provide publicity support on the Kansai Digital Month website.
Call for Events Start: May 20, 2026 (Wed)
Registration Method: https://www.kankeiren.or.jp/kansai-dx/digital-month/