One-day pro bono event with donations plus extras launched. First event is an accessible book production consultation using AI.

Saison Technology Co., Ltd. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Makoto Hayama; hereinafter referred to as "Saison Technology") will launch a new one-day pro bono program based on the voices of donation recipients, starting with a "Consultation Session on Accessible Book Production Using AI" for the Japan Braille Library, a social welfare corporation (Head office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Eiji Nagaoka; hereinafter referred to as "Japan Braille Library"), to be held on November 21, 2024.

Since 2020, Saison Technology has donated the equivalent of 1% of its operating profit for the previous fiscal year to 32 organizations and 35 programs. In order to accelerate sustainability management, in 2023 we expanded our donation target to non-profit organizations that carry out activities related to our mission and materiality (important issues). Since then, we have viewed these recipients as experts with knowledge of our priority issues, and strive to further understand the issues and build relationships of trust through ongoing communication. Among these organizations, we have recognized that many lack IT human resources, and that core business initiatives and business support are just as effective in resolving these issues as financial support.

Based on the mutual understanding we have built up over the years, this program is not intended to connect the donations to our business, but rather to be completed in one day, reducing the burden and risk on both sides. It also aims to accelerate business development using the recipients' technologies and the development of products and services based on the knowledge of our experts.

The Japan Braille Library, our first partner, is concerned about the impact of a decline in volunteers and an aging population on the production of books for the visually impaired. To address this issue, they are considering utilizing AI and other technologies, but they do not have a dedicated IT staff member, making it difficult to make concrete progress. At this consultation, our employees, who are involved in AI, new system development, accessibility, legal affairs, etc., will provide objective advice on the feasibility of the plan and points to bear in mind.

Based on the knowledge and feedback gained through this program, we will continue to raise the resolution of social issues and strengthen our contributions through our business.