Hello from the AICU media editorial team.
We are honored that the Digital Content Association of Japan (DCAJ) has agreed to support the International AI Creator Award 2026, organized by AICU.
DCAJ organizes DCEXPO, one of Japan's largest digital content exhibitions, and has long worked to advance the content industry. With DCAJ's support, the award ceremony and reception will be held during INTER BEE IGNITION × DCEXPO 2026 at Makuhari Messe, November 18–20, 2026.
Taking creators to the world stage
The International AI Creator Award 2026 invites works made with generative AI in ten fields and recognizes them internationally. The first round is a free public vote open to everyone, selecting 3 to 10 finalists per field. In the final round, Award Supporters (individual backers) vote with a comment and a written critique.
That stage is INTER BEE IGNITION × DCEXPO, where the broadcast, film and digital content industries gather. Inter BEE 2025 drew 34,072 visitors and 1,079 exhibitors (figures for the whole exhibition). Finalist works will be screened within this flow of visitors.
With DCAJ's support, we will pursue the following collaboration.
- Introducing the award to DCEXPO and Inter BEE exhibitors, with a path to enter
- A stage slot for the award ceremony and reception during the show
- Announcements to DCAJ member companies and its international network
What the award promises
When applying for DCAJ's support, we pledged the following. These become, as they stand, the principles by which the award is run.
- Public interest: entries and voting stay open to everyone.
- Industry development: recognition and publicity serve the growth of Japan's content industry.
- Non-profit: the event itself is not run for profit. Sponsorship and membership fees cover operating costs — review, venue, archival storage, translation and publicity.
- No financial burden on DCAJ. Prizes, supplementary awards, operating costs and venue costs are all borne by AICU.
Not a prize race, but an award that leaves winners with work opportunities and recognition. Every winner receives a verifiable certificate on cert.aicu.ai, turning the award into conversations about commissions, collaboration, licensing, speaking, employment and investment.
Supported by
We are currently supported by:
- Supported by: Digital Content Association of Japan (DCAJ)
- Technology partners: OpenAI, ElevenLabs Grants
Companies, INTER BEE IGNITION × DCEXPO exhibitors, institutions, media and individuals can all help build the award. The partner application deadline is October 5, 2026; applications by September 15 qualify for the early benefit. → Partnership guide / Official deck
For media partners
If you are registered as a media partner, the Sponsor Portal gives you ready-to-use announcement text, the award logos (SVG and high-resolution PNG) and the placement rules. Please also follow the portal's guidance for the wording “Supported by the Digital Content Association of Japan” and the handling of the DCAJ logo.
Press and media not yet registered: please write to award@aicu.ai. The media partner slots and terms are in the partnership guide.
Take part
- Enter your work → Entry (opens September 11; first deadline September 24)
- Become a partner → Partnership guide (application deadline October 5)
- Vote for the nominees → Vote (October 26 – November 15)
A world stage for talent without borders. See you at Makuhari Messe in November.
Follow the news by email
Entries opening, deadlines, nominee announcements, the start of voting, the ceremony — every milestone of the award is announced in the AICU newsletter. Free to join, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
→ Subscribe to Weekly AICU (Japanese, free) / English: Weekly AICU
International AI Creator Award 2026 Organizer: AICU Inc. (Delaware) / Operated by AICU Japan K.K. Supported by: Digital Content Association of Japan (DCAJ) Official site: https://aicu.ai/award/2026/ Contact: award@aicu.ai