#Japan #Osaka #New Business #Filament Inc. #BizCon Awards

Announcing the Finalists for BizCon Awards 2026

Filament Inc., based in Osaka, Japan, has officially advanced six companies to the final round of its prestigious event, BizCon Awards 2026. This award recognizes the essential role of support offices that facilitate new business proposals within large corporations. Over 24 companies submitted their innovative efforts, but only six have made it through to the final selection, underscoring the competitive nature of this initiative.

Background of the BizCon Awards

In recent years, many enterprises have adopted business proposal systems (BizCon) to transform employee ideas into actionable projects. These systems are not only about fostering new businesses, but they are also seen as a means to cultivate talent that drives corporate transformation and to nurture an organizational culture that encourages challenges. BizCon Awards were founded to celebrate and highlight the support offices that drive these initiatives, leading to greater visibility of best practices and encouraging other organizations to venture into new business development.

The Final Nominees

The six companies that have successfully advanced to the final round were chosen based on various criteria, including system design, organizational framework, applicant support, and business promotion. Here are the finalists:

1. Casio Computer Co., Ltd. - IBP (Idea Booster Program)
2. JTB Corporation - JUMP
3. Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. - HIRAKU
4. Chiyoda Corporation - F1 PROJECT
5. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - IGNITION
6. Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. - Asu ni wa

Cross-Talk Session with Finalists

During the upcoming event, representatives from the final nominees will participate in a cross-talk session focusing on the practical know-how of running a successful business proposal system. The discussion will delve into the background of system design, operational policies, and the thought processes behind applicant support and business promotion. This session will offer an in-depth look at the philosophies and practical insights that drive the decision-making processes within these organizations, revealing aspects that may not be visible through standard presentations.

Judging Panel

The judging panel for this year includes notable figures:

• - Akira Iriguchi, Professor at Waseda University Business School
• - Noboru Kondo, Chairperson of the Japan Innovation Network
• - Masaru Sumi, CEO of Filament Inc.

Judging criteria will focus on creativity and uniqueness in planning and operations, the effectiveness of applicant support, the impact on internal organizational transformation, the structure and achievements towards business realization, and the sustainability and potential for development of the system.

Event Details

BizCon Awards 2026

• - Date: June 10, 2026 (Wednesday)
• - Venue: Minato Ward Industrial Promotion Center Hall Large

- Address: 5-36-4 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

• - Hosted by: Filament Inc.
• - Partners: ASCII STARTUP, CNET Japan, Shin Business Talks, Biz/Zine, FINDERS

Schedule (Tentative)

• - 12:30 Registration begins
• - 13:00 Opening remarks
• - 13:10 Presentations & cross-talk from finalist companies
• - 14:25 Session 1: Real Insights from First-Time BizCon Operators
• - 15:20 Session 2: Lessons Learned from 10 Years of BizCon
• - 16:15 Session 3: Does BizCon Foster Talent? New Business & Talent Development
• - 17:10 Session 4: Re-evaluating the Role of BizCon Offices
• - 18:05 Announcement of results & awards
• - 18:30 Networking session
• - 20:00 Closing remarks

Invitation for Support Office Representatives

The finalists' presentation event will include an invitation for representatives from other support offices. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the finalist companies' real-life systems and practices. Each company may have up to two guests register. This initiative is open to those currently preparing or considering starting a business proposal system.

For registration details, please visit BizCon Awards 2026.

Company Overview

Company Name: Filament Inc.
Established: April 9, 2015
CEO: Masaru Sumi
Location: 2F, 2-1-1 Namba-Honmachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Business Focus: Support for new business development and organizational training
Website: thefilament.jp