Open Inc. to Showcase Innovations at SoftBank World 2026 Online Event

Open Inc., a subsidiary of Open Group based in Minato, Tokyo, is set to participate in SoftBank World 2026 Online, an event running from July 14 to August 31, 2026. This highly anticipated online conference, organized by SoftBank Corporation, will feature a series of sessions aimed at corporate leaders and professionals across various industries.

One of the highlights of the event will be a presentation by Shunsuke Mutou, who heads the New Business Development and AI Integration divisions at Open Inc. Mutou's talk, titled “The Reality of Organizations Co-Creating with Agentic AI”, aims to introduce the organization's innovative approach to Japan's Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) initiative, alongside relevant case studies showcasing successful applications of AI in diverse environments.

The SoftBank World 2026 event is regarded as SoftBank's largest corporate-centric occasion, featuring keynotes from influential figures in the business world, such as Masayoshi Son and Junichi Miyakawa. Under the theme of “AX for Japan,” the event will explore how to harness the power of AI as a driving force for business transformation and broader societal implementation.

In his lecture, Mutou aims to challenge the conventional understanding of AI utilization, emphasizing that simply enhancing individual efficiency is inadequate. Instead, he will illustrate the prerequisites for transforming organizational capabilities. By sharing extensive examples from the retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, he will demonstrate how effective support for implementation and operation can stimulate collaboration between agentic AI and human efforts, resulting in exceptional outcomes.

Mutou's presentation will genuinely address common obstacles in digital transformation (DX) efforts, such as stalling during proof of concept phases or failing to embed solutions in operational settings. He intends to outline a concrete process attained within a three-month timeline for transforming into a collaborative organization capable of thriving in a competitive landscape.

Additionally, the online exhibition will spotlight Open Inc.’s FDE initiative, which includes hands-on involvement in design, development, enhancement, and operational continuity. This project aims to support organizations in deriving tangible results from AI applications by fostering a close understanding of front-line realities and deploying necessary products and services effectively.

Event Overview

- Event Name: SoftBank World 2026 Online
- Broadcast Period: July 14, 2026 - August 31, 2026
- Organizer: SoftBank Corporation
- Broadcast Page: SoftBank World

Lecture Overview

About Open Inc.'s FDE (Forward Deployed Engineer)

Open Inc. defines its FDE concept as engineers deployed on-site to engage directly with challenges, from technical selection and system development to implementing RPA and AI solutions. Their mission is to bridge gaps between management and the workforce, as well as between IT and business operations, focusing on three core elements:

1. Understanding Front-Line Needs:
- Engineers remain on-site to grasp practical workflows and revisit business processes with a readiness for RPA and AI considerations.
2. Rapid Prototyping and Improvement:
- Building prototypes in the field to minimize misalignment with requirements and conducting iterative testing and refinements.
3. Support until Adoption:
- Providing hands-on assistance until the target organization can operate independently, effectively closing the last mile gap in implementation.

For more details about Open Inc.'s services, visit Open FDE.

Company Overview

Open Inc.

- Location: 3-3-1 KDX Nishishinbashi Building 3rd Floor, Nishishinbashi, Minato, Tokyo
- Established: July 2013
- CEO: Gaku Ishii, Executive Officer
- Capital: 30 million JPY
- Business Focus: Information processing services using smart robots (RPA and AI), consulting, outsourcing, digital marketing, and online advertising.