Accelerating Corporate Transformation with AI through 'Courage' and 'Passion' — AI Innovators Forum 2026 to be Held on October 14

ExaWizards Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Makoto Haruta, hereinafter 'ExaWizards') will host the conference 'AI Innovators Forum 2026' (hereinafter 'the conference') on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, for executives and DX promoters. This second edition will feature over 30 top leaders from industry, government, and academia, including Tatsuya Nakashima (Executive President and Group CEO, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.), Takahiro Yasuno (Member of the House of Councillors, AI Engineer), and Tetsuya Ogata (Professor, Waseda University), as well as exclusive on-site networking and consultation sessions. Last year, 4,775 attendees participated, achieving a satisfaction rate of 90.6%.

Official Website for 'AI Innovators Forum 2026' https://event-lp.exawizards.com/hybrid

☑ Event Overview

AI Innovators Forum is ExaWizards' largest conference, bringing together top leaders from industry, government, and academia to explore corporate management in the AI era, organizational transformation, and the latest technological trends. Over 30 speakers will share insights across three venues, from visions of the future shaped by AI to practical strategies for tackling corporate challenges.

The theme of the second edition is 'Courage and Passion.' In an AI era where technological innovation has become routine, a company's fate hinges on the 'courage' of executives to make decisions amid uncertainty and the 'passion' of practitioners to drive transformation on the ground.

The AX (AI Transformation) addressed by this conference is not merely about tool adoption or a rebranding of DX. It is a business transformation in which companies actively adopt, master, and use AI to reshape operations, decision-making, and talent management.

On the day, in addition to keynote sessions, spaces will be provided for dialogue and consultation among speakers and participants, supporting companies striving to leverage AI with their next steps.

☑ Purpose of the Conference

ExaWizards, with the mission of 'realizing a happier society through AI-driven solutions to social issues,' has supported over 2,500 companies in their AX (AI Transformation). Having accompanied numerous transformation initiatives, we believe there is a need for a forum where not only success stories but also the behind-the-scenes trials and errors can be openly discussed. We aim for this conference to become a platform where practical knowledge flows across industry boundaries, broadens the base of companies embracing AI-driven transformation, and contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of Japanese enterprises.

☑ Event Details

・Event Name: AI Innovators Forum 2026

・Theme: 'Courage and Passion'

・Date and Time: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 10:00– (On-site registration: from 9:30) ・Format: Hybrid (in-person + online)

・On-site Venue: Hamamatsucho Convention Hall 5F–6F, Nippon Life Hamamatsucho Claire Tower 2-3-1 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo *3-minute walk from JR 'Hamamatsucho' Station South Exit / Direct connection to Toei Oedo Line and Asakusa Line 'Daimon' Station

・Admission: Free (prior registration required)

・Registration: https://event-lp.exawizards.com/hybrid

☑ Featured Speakers (Names without titles, in no particular order, as scheduled)

Over 30 top leaders and domain experts active across diverse fields are scheduled to speak, delivering a wide range of content from executive-level themes to on-site AI applications.

Tatsuya Nakashima (Executive President and Group CEO, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.)

Takahiro Yasuno (Member of the House of Councillors, Leader of Team Mirai, AI Engineer, Sci-Fi Author)

Tateki Kusuki (Specially Appointed Professor, Hitotsubashi University; Author of 'Competitive Strategy as a Story')

Tetsuya Ogata (Professor, School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University)

Yohichi Asao (Representative Director, President & CEO/CAXO, AlphaDrive Inc.; Author of 'AI Revenue Evolution Theory')

Seita Shimizu (Senior Executive Officer, CDO, Head of Solution Co-Creation Division, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.)

Hajime Yoshida (General Manager, Human Resources Development Department, AEON Co., Ltd.)

Shunsuke Takahashi (Chief Manager, Distribution Group, Osaka North Division, Kansai Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Co., Ltd.)

※ Additionally, ExaWizards' management team, including President and CEO Makoto Haruta, will also speak ※ Speakers and program details will be updated as finalized.

☑ Main Program (Tentative)

Covering strategic perspectives, on-site practical knowledge, and the latest trends across three venues.

【1】Top Leader Session | AI Insights from Industry Leaders Top executives from major corporations and policy makers will discuss management decisions, business strategies, and societal outlooks in the AI era. This session offers insights into the behind-the-scenes decision-making processes, enabling participants to take back actionable 'management decision frameworks' for their own organizations.

【2】Technical Session | Understanding the Cutting Edge of AI and Security Frontline researchers and engineers will explain the latest topics companies must master, including AI agents, physical AI, AI-driven development, and AI governance. This session provides solid decision-making materials for reevaluating your company's technology strategy.

【3】Case Study Session | Learning from the Latest Examples of AI-Driven Companies AI leaders from industries such as finance, energy, railways, manufacturing, and retail will share real-world implementation cases. This session reveals the struggles overcome—internal resistance, data barriers, cost-effectiveness—offering practical AX knowledge to take action from tomorrow.

【4】On-site Exclusive Content | Dialogue and Connections That Can Only Happen Here Networking parties, individual consultations with ExaWizards' AI consultants, and roundtable discussions among executives facing similar challenges will be held. The energy and connections formed in person will spark the next moves for participating companies.

☑ Registration and Details

https://event-lp.exawizards.com/hybrid ※ Speakers and program details will be updated as finalized.

☑ Previous Year's (1st Edition) Results

The inaugural 'AI Innovators Forum 2025' welcomed a total of 4,775 participants (1,105 on-site, 3,670 online), with over half being decision-makers at the manager level or above—truly a gathering of those driving AI transformation. Participant satisfaction reached 90.6%, with feedback such as 'I gained urgency and direction from the executives' talks and felt more motivated' and 'I learned through real cases in one day and truly internalized the insights.'

For detailed reports on last year's 'AI Innovators Forum 2025,' please visit: https://exawizards.com/archives/31188/

※1 Based on number of registrants

【Inquiries regarding this matter】

AI Innovators Forum Secretariat Email: [email protected]