Japan's Start AI school targets middle‑aged learners with low‑cost online program

Start AI is an online generative‑AI school aimed at beginners, especially people in their 50s and older who lack confidence with computers. The two‑month curriculum promises to take learners from zero knowledge to practical use of tools such as ChatGPT, with unlimited individual support for 60 days, a buy‑out model that lets students keep the material permanently, and a conditional full‑refund guarantee. The service is run by Scale AI (株式会社スケールエーアイ), a subsidiary of the TEAM ENERGY group, and its curriculum is overseen by Toshiaki Kurisu, a former researcher turned AI educator.

A related free introductory seminar is being held online on 21 August 2026 by the Saga Prefecture support centre. The 60‑minute session will explain what generative AI is, how it differs from search, practical use cases, and tips for getting good responses, targeting small‑business owners and other beginners who feel AI is out of reach. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of AI’s capabilities and ideas for applying it to their own work.