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The Rise of AI Boosters: Naru Group's Innovative Initiative

In an increasingly competitive landscape, Naru Group, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has embarked on an ambitious initiative to elevate productivity and efficiency through its 'AI Boost Project.' Launched with the vision of nurturing specialized talent known as 'AI Boosters,' this project is more than just a training program; it's a comprehensive approach to streamline internal processes across all departments of the company.

Understanding the Need for the AI Boost Project

The AI market in Japan has seen significant growth, driven by the need for operational efficiency and digital transformation (DX) across various sectors. By 2029, it's expected to surpass 2 trillion yen. However, Japanese companies, including Naru Group, have relatively low rates of AI implementation. Recognizing the urgent need to cultivate in-house expertise and leverage AI for operational efficiencies, Naru Group initiated this project as part of its medium-term plan announced in December 2025, titled 'Change and Growth 2030.' The plan emphasizes 'enhancing human capital' and 'increasing productivity' as key strategies.

Goals of the AI Boost Project

The core objective of the AI Boost Project was to develop 'AI Boosters' over a six-month period, equipping employees with the skills needed to enhance business processes using no-code AI tools. The specific requirements for becoming an AI Booster included:

• - Establishing internal AI experts to provide ongoing support and develop simple yet effective tools for day-to-day problem-solving.
• - Generating 'small AI deliverables' across different departments to accelerate efficiency.
• - Fostering a culture of challenge and innovation within the organization.

By achieving these goals, Naru Group aims to transform into a self-sustaining organization where operational improvements emerge organically from the ground up.

Project Structure and Outcomes

The AI Bootcamp aimed to create AI Boosters through a structured program from November 2025 to April 2026. The program included:

1. Challenge Workshops: Participants identified departmental issues and worked on developing AI tools to address them.
2. One-on-One Coaching: Employees received technical guidance from AI consultants, focusing on improving the quality of their AI tools while keeping track of project progress and maintaining motivation.
3. Final Pitch and Presentation: The culmination of the project featured presentations where participants shared their outcomes. They engaged in a two-minute pitch, with the top five progressing to the final round to compete for various awards.

Achievements of the Boothcamp Participants

Grand Prize Winner

• - Theme: Dramatically resolving finance and accounting department challenges using AI.
• - Summary and Results: Automation of accounting data generation, achieving a reduction of 62.5 hours/month and 750 hours/year in operational time.

Excellence Award

• - Theme: Challenging Recruitment DX—Transforming the Organization with Interviewer Feedback Tools.
• - Summary and Results: An AI flow was established to analyze interview audio, leading to improved interview quality and reducing biases.

Runner-up Award

• - Theme: Transitioning from Partial Optimization to Full Optimization—Deploying Multi-AI Tools at No Cost to Upgrade to a 'Smart Organization.'
• - Summary and Results: A tool was developed for automatically generating optimal visit routes, thereby improving travel efficiency.

From automating inventory checks using AI to streamlining analysis with AI-powered platforms, the participants inflected significant enhancements in their respective areas. The project has successfully transitioned from a training session to actionable strategies that will be further deployed throughout the organization.

Future Directions

The feedback from the project suggests a successful implementation of AI tools and a collective commitment to ongoing improvement. Naru Group plans to expand these initiatives company-wide, ensuring that efficiencies gained are maximized and that productivity continues to rise.

Conclusion

Through the AI Boost Project, Naru Group exemplifies how strategic investments in employee capabilities can yield substantial improvements in operational efficiency. This commitment not only demonstrates the company's dedication to innovation but also its proactive approach towards equipping its workforce for the challenges of the future. As the company moves forward, it aspires to nurture genuine AI Boosters who are equipped to drive its industry forward amidst evolving demands.

Visit Naru Group for more insights and updates on their innovative projects.