And.Dot's Collaboration with Hitachi to Promote AI Education

And.Dot's Collaboration with Hitachi on AI Education

And.Dot Inc., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is dedicated to advancing AI solutions for enterprises. Recently, the company has taken significant steps to support Hitachi Ltd. in establishing a cross-company AI community, colloquially referred to as the AI Café. This initiative aims to create a sustainable environment for continuous learning and fostering organizational change.

The Need for a Sustainable Learning Environment

The AI Café is designed as an expansive internal community focused on promoting the use of generative AI within Hitachi. Initially crafted as a platform for continued learning after workshops targeted towards around 500 leaders, the AI Café quickly gained a reputation within the company. As interest surged, it evolved into a popular program that is now live-streamed to the entire organization, attracting numerous requests to participate.

The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure employees are continuously updated with the latest insights in the rapidly evolving field of AI. The relaxed atmosphere of the AI Café, scheduled during lunchtime, makes it accessible and engaging for participants, further contributing to its success.

And.Dot's Role in Facilitating Knowledge Exchange

And.Dot has wholeheartedly embraced the mission of the AI Café. The company provides a wealth of expertise and a robust network that enriches the initiative’s value. Here’s how And.Dot is making a difference:

Program Development

The content for the AI Café is built around the concept of learning by listening. And.Dot has worked in collaboration with Hitachi to create an engaging program that feels akin to a radio show, where participants can absorb cutting-edge knowledge in an enjoyable format.

Expert Selection and Recruitment

Leveraging its extensive connections within the AI sector, And.Dot identifies and invites leading experts to serve as guests. This direct access allows participants to gain insights and practical knowledge that are grounded in real-world experience, distinguishing this initiative from information commonly found online.

Facilitation of Events

On event days, Yuta Ibaraki from And.Dot takes on the role of facilitator. He effectively delves into the discussions led by the guest speakers, ensuring that conversations are accessible and enlightening for the viewers. Such dialogues have sparked new ideas and encouraged participants to think about how they can apply this knowledge within their own work.

Observed Outcomes: Knowledge Sharing Across the Organization

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many stating that they appreciated the unique opportunity to hear from experts they would not typically have access to. This initiative has also garnered interest from subsidiaries of Hitachi, with requests for similar programs to be launched within their teams.

Following the presentations, many employees have shown initiative by gathering to engage in discussions with the guests, reflecting a spontaneous exchange of ideas facilitated by the AI Café. This community is evolving into an invaluable information hub for the organization.

Voices from the Stakeholders

Yoshikazu Oyama, Chief Planning Expert and AI Ambassador from Hitachi's Digital Systems & Services division, shared his insights:
"Leaders in generative AI must constantly update their knowledge. We aimed to integrate external, objective perspectives into our ongoing learning environment. Thanks to And.Dot’s Ibaraki, we can connect with diverse key figures we might have otherwise struggled to engage. The feedback from survey respondents has been largely positive, confirming we are achieving our goals."

Junya Yoshida, Head of the Generative AI Center and Chief AI Transformation Officer at Hitachi, emphasized the importance of democratizing AI within the organization:
"To accelerate our AI transformation efforts, it’s crucial that every employee takes ownership. The AI Café, supported by And.Dot, exposes our employees to practical expertise from leading professionals, fostering their growth as key drivers in promoting AI utilization. I strongly believe this initiative will cultivate innovation across the organization."

Yuta Ibaraki from And.Dot expressed his excitement about the long-term collaboration with Hitachi:
"Many corporate training programs focus on short-term engagements, so we are honored to assist Hitachi in their long-term organizational transformation. Our vision is to create a society where AI liberates people from mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on more inspiring work. We are committed to making the AI Café a starting point for significant internal reforms and new business initiatives."

Future Prospects

And.Dot aims to strengthen its collaboration with Hitachi, ensuring that the AI Café evolves beyond just an information-sharing platform. They plan to implement mechanisms that encourage even more vibrant interactions among employees and guests. The goal is to nurture an environment where innovative projects emerge from the connections and discussions fostered within the AI Café.

About And.Dot Inc.

- Name: And.Dot Inc. (CEO: Yuta Ibaraki)
- Headquarters: 1-16-6 Dougenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0043, Japan (Guild Building 2F-O1)
- Business Activities: Generative AI-based solutions and related services
- Website: https://and-dot.co.jp/

Media Inquiries Regarding This Release

- Company: And.Dot Inc.
- Address: 1-16-6 Dougenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0043, Japan (Guild Building 2F-O1)
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact Person: Hiroki Higashikawa