AI CROSS Facilitates Groundbreaking Generative AI Hackathon in Kitakyushu

In an exciting development for the integration of artificial intelligence in local governance, AI CROSS Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, is set to take the lead as a facilitator at the "Kitakyushu Generative AI Hackathon" on October 22, 2025. The event will see AI Evangelist Yuji Kikukawa guiding participants through a day of innovation and collaboration as city officials partner with corporate advisors to develop applications using generative AI.

Event Overview

The hackathon is scheduled to run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at BIZIA Kokura, located at 3-5-5 Uomachi, Kokura Kita Ward, Kitakyushu City. Approximately 30 city officials, organized into six teams, will participate alongside IT corporate advisors, leveraging advanced tools such as Dify, ChatGPT Enterprise, and others.

Role of AI Evangelist Yuji Kikukawa

Kikukawa's role during the event will be crucial. He will provide lectures on generative AI, outlining the use of tools like Dify and GPTs to ensure all participants can engage smoothly in their creative endeavors. His experience and knowledge of AI applications will be instrumental in promoting the advancement of AI implementation in government sectors.

Background and Significance

Kitakyushu City officially declared itself an "AI Utilization Promotion City" in July 2025, with a commitment to integrating AI broadly into its administration and the community. The hackathon represents a pioneering initiative where municipal employees will actively create applications using generative AI technologies. This approach not only aims to develop future leaders in digital transformation who can drive administrative progress but also seeks to foster co-creation with businesses to generate new value.

This hackathon is an embodiment of a growing trend—a collaboration of minds aimed to innovate within the realm of public service. By enabling local government officials to engage directly with technology, the event will offer insights into practical applications of AI in addressing community challenges.

The term "hackathon" is a portmanteau of "hack" and "marathon," referring to an intense event where teams collaborate to bring ideas to fruition and showcase their results. In the IT field, these gatherings are not just competitions; they are fertile grounds for creativity and teamwork.

Profile of Yuji Kikukawa

With a master’s degree from Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kikukawa’s career began at NTT West Japan, where he worked on the development of fiber-optic phone services. Later, at NTT Docomo, he became a certified corporate professional, successful in various startup ventures over a decade, particularly in digital market services. Currently, at AI CROSS, he is responsible for formulating and executing corporate strategies and pushing forward AI-driven innovations, including community development initiatives through partnerships with local institutions such as Kyushu Institute of Technology and Kyushu Nutrition Welfare University.

Kikukawa is not just a corporate leader but also engages in the academic sphere by lecturing on new business development theories at the graduate level. His comprehensive understanding of AI and its application in the real world positions him to lead this hackathon to success and contribute significantly to the local technology ecosystem.

About AI CROSS

AI CROSS Corporation delivers messaging services and AI-driven solutions aimed at helping organizations optimize efficiency and enhance communication. Their flagship services include the SMS delivery service "Absolutely Reach! SMS," the RCS delivery platform "Absolutely Reach! RCS," and various data analysis services powered by AI, such as "Deep Predictor." The company strives to bridge gaps between businesses and their customers while driving innovation through technology.

In summary, the upcoming Hackathon in Kitakyushu marks a significant milestone in embracing digital transformation within public service and demonstrates AI CROSS's commitment to facilitating this journey.