Tech Challenge Party 2026: Empowering Engineers Through Community and Innovation

Tech Challenge Party 2026: An Event for Engineers

The Software Association Japan (SAJ) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Tech Challenge Party 2026, scheduled for February 4, 2026. This exciting event aims to foster community connections among engineers while exploring both established technologies and the latest trends.

Event Overview

Event Name: Tech Challenge Party 2026 (abbreviated as TCP)
Theme: Sharing the Joy of Engineering through Community and Curiosity
Organizer: Software Association Japan (SAJ)
Operation: TCP Executive Committee and NanoOpt Media
Supported by: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (application pending), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (application pending), Digital Agency (application pending)
Date: February 4, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Venue: JP Tower Hall & Conference, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 4th and 5th floors
Expected Attendance: 1,000 participants
Official Registration Website: Tech Challenge Party 2026

Keynote Speeches

The event will feature two exciting keynote speeches that promise to deliver invaluable insights into the rapidly evolving world of technology and the engineer's role within it.

Keynote Speech 1:

Title: The Value of Existence: How Should Engineers Adapt in the Age of Generative AI?
Overview: In an era where generative AI may render coding less essential, engineers must consider their roles and actions. This session will take a deep dive into how engineers can focus on their core value—solving problems. Join discussions led by industry leaders, including Tadao Nagasaki from OpenAI Japan and Yoshihisa Aono from Cybozu, as they explore the future skills engineers must cultivate in response to these innovations.

Speakers:

- Tadao Nagasaki, CEO of OpenAI Japan
- Yoshihisa Aono, CEO of Cybozu

Facilitator: Kunihiro Tanaka, CEO of Sakura Internet

Keynote Speech 2:

Title: More Than Just Technical Skills: The Life-Changing Impact of Community Participation
Overview: For those skeptical about communities, this session offers a fresh perspective. Participate in a discussion with active members of four major communities: JAWS-UG, kintone Café, Jagu’e’r, and CoderDojo. Discover how community involvement has transformed their careers and lives, and why investing time in these spaces is beneficial.

Speakers:

- Yuma Sugimura, CTO of Jagu’e’r
- Ei Saito, CEO of kintone Café
- Dorakei from CoderDojo
- Hiromi Itoh, AWS Community Hero of JAWS-UG

Facilitator: Hideki Kojima, President of the Community Marketing Promotion Association

Diverse Learning Experiences for Engineers

The Tech Challenge Party 2026 is not just about listening; it's about engaging. With sessions exploring AI, no-code, career advancement, and more, attendees can find topics that resonate with their interests.

Highlights Include:

- Workshop: Experience a “Skill Party” and engage in hands-on group workshops focusing on various technologies.
- Sessions on AI Agent: Explore why your AI agent might not be gaining traction.
- Digital Transformation in Businesses: Learn about supporting digital transitions in engineering careers.

In addition to keynote speeches and workshops, numerous activities will encourage network building among engineers. Attendees can benefit from discussions, peer support, and collaborations that extend beyond the conference.

Target Audience

The event welcomes all engineers, whether from manufacturing, SaaS companies, system integrators, or those simply interested in the theme. Business leaders looking to provide growth opportunities for their engineering teams are also encouraged to participate.

About the Software Association Japan (SAJ)

The SAJ envisions a digital society powered by software and commits to supporting all organizations tied to software development. Established in 1985, SAJ will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 and is actively promoting its initiatives.