#Japan #AI Hackathon #Shibuya #AndDot #Metaps

Empowering Engineers Through Practical AI Hackathons

Metaps Holdings, a company based in Shibuya, led by CEO Yuichiro Yamazaki, is partnering with AndDot, represented by CEO Yuta Ibaraki, to launch a unique hackathon titled "Solve Social Issues - Create AI Products with Your Team!". This event is targeted at engineers looking to gain practical experience in leveraging generative AI technologies and will take place from September 27 to October 5, 2025. The hackathon provides a platform where participants can develop and present AI-driven products within a week, facilitating the transformation of theoretical skills into tangible outcomes.

Background of the Event

The increasing integration of AI technology in corporate operations is not merely optional but is progressively becoming a foundational aspect. However, many companies encounter significant obstacles in implementing and managing AI, ranging from the creation of evaluation systems to security risks and structural complexities. While numerous engineers are actively engaged in continuous learning, opportunities to translate this knowledge into practical applications remain limited. This gap essentially hinders the growth of professionals skilled in AI applications.

Recognizing this challenge, the upcoming hackathon aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. With the support of three companies actively integrating AI into their business operations, participants will have the chance to utilize their learned technologies for product development, benefiting from direct feedback from industry professionals. This concentrated effort will support engineers in taking their next steps after a week of intensive development and presentations.

Event Details

Target Audience

• - Engineers with over three years of practical experience.
• - Individuals who have been learning AI technologies but lack practical opportunities.
• - Those wanting to challenge themselves by taking on AI technologies while receiving real-world insights from businesses.
• - Teams wanting to embark on AI development projects together.

Judges of the Hackathon

• - Kousuke Takanesawa, CTO of AndDot, has extensive experience as a Fullstack Engineer, EM, and PdM in various companies since 2011. He has conducted research and development on AI services incorporating natural language processing.

• - Koichi Fujimoto, CTO of B-by-C, has developed innovative services utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as Felica and AR, leading significant projects globally, including the development of AI-driven products within the beauty tech sector.

• - Naoya Murakami, CEO of Patentfield, has extensive experience in AI applications for patent retrieval and analysis, aiming for the realization of a society where patents are effectively utilized.

Registration Overview

Interested participants can find detailed information and register through the registration site.

• - Date: September 27, 2025 (14:00 Online) to October 5, 2025 (14:00 Offline)
• - Location: Part of the event is conducted online, culminating in an offline presentation ceremony and networking event in the Shibuya area.
• - Cost: Free for participants.
• - Expected attendance: Approximately 30 participants.

Organizing Companies

AndDot, led by Yuta Ibaraki, has been pivotal in supporting new business development across various industries since its inception in 2023, focusing on R&D and commercialization of advanced technologies.
Metaps Holdings aims to support diverse work styles through their platform "re:shine," connecting freelancers and companies, fostering stable income, and creating tailored work environments.

Conclusion

With the continuous evolution of AI technologies, Metaps Holdings and AndDot's collaborative hackathon serves as an essential opportunity for engineers to enhance their skills in real-world applications. By creating a bridge between learning and practical experiences, they aim to cultivate the next generation of AI professionals ready to tackle modern challenges. For more details on the hackathon or inquiries, please contact Metaps Holdings at [email protected].