Why Kyoto Shinkin Bank Chose And.Dot for AI Solutions and Education

Introduction

In the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the partnership between Kyoto Shinkin Bank and And.Dot has formed a noteworthy collaboration aimed at solving local challenges through innovative educational initiatives. This article sheds light on the strategic reasons behind this collaboration, featuring insights from Ryotaro Yamaoka, Deputy Director and Community Manager of QUESTION, a co-creation facility operated by Kyoto Shinkin Bank.

Overview of the Generative AI School

The Generative AI School, initiated by And.Dot, operates under the concept of "transforming AI into a corporate asset." It is a hands-on program designed to enhance AI skills among various sectors, particularly targeting small and regional businesses that face a lack of opportunities to learn AI thoroughly. The goal is to leverage generative AI to significantly boost productivity across different industries and job roles.

Key Features of the Program

1. Systematic AI Learning Based on the AI Skills Pyramid:
Participants are encouraged to view AI as a practical tool. The program aims to build their skills from the foundation to advanced applications systematically.

2. Hands-On Learning Approach:
Rather than a one-way information transfer, the course emphasizes interactive, hands-on sessions where participants actively engage, enabling deeper critical thinking about AI applications.

3. Personalized Instruction:
With an emphasis on face-to-face teaching, particularly for companies with lower digital literacy, there is a focus on ensuring that no participant is left behind. The curriculum is adaptable based on participant feedback, allowing for timely updates.

Challenges Faced by QUESTION and the Criteria for Partner Selection

Kyoto Shinkin Bank, through the QUESTION initiative, identified the need for effective AI training to address the resource and personnel shortages faced by its client companies. In a time when efficiency is crucial, these businesses struggle with not having the practical knowledge needed to employ AI effectively, even post the advent of generative AI.

Insights from Ryotaro Yamaoka

Yamaoka articulates the essence of selecting a partner capable of aligning with local SMEs' needs:

"It’s essential to align with the concerns of small businesses, having a partner willing to dive into the gritty details and support companies that may be hesitant about digital transformation."

Why And.Dot? Three Strategic Reasons

After careful evaluation of multiple AI firms, QUESTION identified three critical aspects of And.Dot that highlighted its strategic value:

1. Attentive Engagement with Small Businesses:
Initially perceived as just another school program, the genuine commitment demonstrated through follow-up consultations after seminars flipped the perception, proving to be a decisive factor in And.Dot's selection.

2. Practical Operational Framework:
With a commitment to hands-on, offline mentoring, And.Dot was commended for its flexibility and responsiveness to participant needs, ensuring digital novices were adequately supported throughout the experience.

3. Demonstrated Success:
Remarkable stories emerged from participants who had previously struggled with basic PC operations, successfully leveraging AI for complex tasks like financial statement analysis by the course's conclusion, showcasing And.Dot’s effective instructional techniques.

Future Expectations and Community Messaging

Yamaoka expressed hopes for the future, stating:

"I encourage anyone facing operational efficiency challenges, even if they lack a clear idea of AI’s applications, to join us. We look forward to strengthening the hands-on, practical approach of the AI School, focusing on real task-based efficiency case studies."

He further emphasized the importance of widespread AI adoption among resource-limited local SMEs, urging banks and credit unions to accelerate support for such initiatives.

And.Dot aims to continue providing practical AI solutions tailored to the unique demands of various industries, including financial institutions, while addressing the needs of the regional community efficiently.

About And.Dot Inc.

- Company Name: And.Dot Inc.
- CEO: Yuta Ibaraki
- Headquarters: 1-16-6 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Business Focus: Solutions leveraging generative AI, including associated services
- Website: and-dot.co.jp