Supporters' GiiQ Project Awarded Excellence at HR Challenge
The GiiQ Project, developed by Supporters Inc., a subsidiary of CARTA HOLDINGS based in Tokyo, has recently been honored with the prestigious Excellence in Recruitment Services Award at the 14th Japan HR Challenge Award. This commendation celebrates its contributions to alleviating Japan's IT talent shortage and enhancing recruitment efficiency.
Understanding the GiiQ Project
The GiiQ Project serves as a community-driven recruitment service that invites IT engineering students from various educational backgrounds, offering skill enhancement opportunities from beginner to advanced levels. Amidst the pressing societal issues of Japan's sluggish digital transformation and acute IT talent deficit, the project emphasizes fostering the next generation of engineers rather than solely relying on existing recruitment channels.
Thanks to financial and human resources from sponsoring companies, the GiiQ Project organizes over 150 diverse events annually, including the country’s largest tech conferences, hackathons, and study sessions led by active engineers, all provided free of charge. To date, more than 55,000 students have participated, leading to the creation of over 2,000 applications and projects.
Participating companies benefit from engaging with the engineering student community, enhancing their brand visibility, and establishing early relationships with students. This approach allows companies to build appeal not only for the current job-seeking students but also for those looking for employment a year or two down the line. Instead of focusing solely on short-term hiring, the project fosters continuous mutual understanding involving current engineers, achieving meaningful recruitment outcomes.
For more in-depth information about the GiiQ Project’s features and background, visit our detailed pages that discuss the initiative aimed at 'Nurturing Engineers'.
Award Justification
According to the Japan HR Challenge Award judging panel, the GiiQ Project successfully supports long-term relationship building between companies and students through its community-oriented recruitment services. Conducting more than 150 events each year, this structure allows students to take part in free programs, while companies gain valuable connections leading to enhanced brand awareness and future hiring opportunities. With over 55,000 student participants to date, many companies have reported a substantial increase in student recognition and employment intent—rising by 30-40 points and 10 points, respectively. The project's significant contribution to solving the IT talent shortage and improving recruitment efficiency has garnered high praise.
Statement from the Award Recipient
Toshiyasu Kuwahara, Executive Officer and GiiQ Project Manager at Supporters Inc., expressed his gratitude for receiving the esteemed HR Challenge Award in the Recruitment Services category. He acknowledged the support of over 55,000 students and more than 100 sponsoring companies, highlighting that many participants have gone on to establish student organizations to mentor juniors, and others have returned to companies as employees. This demonstrates a developing cycle of nurturing and recruiting talent for the future.
This award signifies the recognition of our commitment, and we feel a renewed sense of responsibility. Moving forward, we aim to continue 'tilling the field, planting seeds, and watering them' to nurture the next generation of engineers, contributing to the shared creation of Japan's future.
About the Japan HR Challenge Award
The Japan HR Challenge Award is backed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and HR Research Institute (ProFuture Inc.), recognizing companies actively engaging in outstanding new practices in human resources (focused on HR departments and service sectors). The awards encourage corporate innovation by assessing candidates based on five criteria: innovativeness, employee benefits, management contribution, strategic approach, and societal impact.
Learn More
For further details on the Japan HR Challenge Award, visit
Japan HR Challenge Award.
About Supporters Inc.
Founded in April 2012 as a subsidiary of VOYAGE GROUP (now CARTA HOLDINGS), Supporters aims to 'Increase Cool Adults' with its vision. The company has provided recruitment support for approximately 1,000 companies hiring new graduate engineers and career guidance for around 70,000 student engineers. With one of the largest registrations of engineering students in Japan, Supporters conducts over 200 events each year.
Company Overview
- - Company Name: Supporters Inc.
- - Representative: Hiroaki Kaede
- - Location: 36F, Toranomon Hills Station Tower, 2-6-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- - Founded: April 2012
- - Business: Recruitment services, information processing services, advertising, event planning, and management
- - Website: Supporters Inc.