We were honored to issue Japan’s inaugural ISO/IEC 42001 (AI management system, or AIMS) certificate to Godot Inc, proving its commitment to safe and secure artificial intelligence (AI).
What was certified?
Deeptech startup Godot’s personalized optimization system integrates behavioral science and AI. It has developed four proprietary technology groups – annotator, generator, simulator and personalizer – that combine academic, evidence-based behavioral science with advanced AI. These are flexibly tailored to each client’s needs, to deliver highly effective solutions.
Godot’s approach goes beyond surface-level data analysis by uncovering the human intent behind behaviors. Multiple AI agents collaborate to resolve issues arising from a lack of human understanding, providing precise, context-aware interventions.
What were the certification steps?
Motivation for certification
Godot pursued ISO/IEC 42001 certification from us to demonstrate its commitment to responsible AI development. Recognizing the increasing importance of ethical considerations in AI, the company aimed to establish trust and transparency in its AI systems.
Go Suzui, Cofounder and CTO of Godot Inc. commented: “We uphold social technology, transparency and inclusivity as foundational principles of our technological ethos. We focus on building technologies that support human, social and environmental well-being.”
Initial challenges
As ISO/IEC 42001 was a newly established standard at the time, Godot faced challenges due to the lack of existing case studies and limited external expertise. The company began to navigate the certification process with minimal guidance, relying on internal resources and international insights, until our expert auditors became involved.
Preparation
Godot undertook several steps to prepare for certification:
- Designed an AI risk assessment framework applicable to all projects
- Established review criteria and monitoring systems for generative AI outputs
- Conducted numerous AI ethics training sessions for team members
- Developed process documentation and operational rules, aligned with AIMS requirements
Timeline
Following about six months and our rigorous audit process, Godot became the first company in Japan to achieve ISO/IEC 42001 certification, accredited and observed by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
The scope included the design, development, deployment and optimization of AI-driven systems for behavioral analytics and adaptive user engagement. AI systems analyze service and product interactions, identifying engagement patterns, and generating context-aware communication.
Aymeric Riverieulx, Head of Innovation, Mobility and Digital Trust Assurance at SGS, thanked his team for their dedication. He said: “We were thrilled to present Japan’s first ISO/IEC 42001 certificate to Godot.
“ISO/IEC 42001 is the leading AI standard for helping entities and society take advantage of the evolving technology while providing peace of mind that systems are being established and operated sensibly. Certification is a testament to the Godot team’s dedication to robust, safe and secure AI that enhances the user experience.”
What are the benefits of certification?
Go Suzui continued: “Our ISO/IEC 42001 certification serves as third-party validation that our AI system development, operations and management practices – built upon these principles – comply with the internationally recognized AIMS standard.
“We place strong emphasis on values, such as transparency, safety and explainability, in the social implementation of AI technologies. This certification, granted following rigorous assessment by SGS, is a significant milestone that recognizes the daily efforts of each and every member of our team under a global framework.”
Market impact
The certification positions Godot as a leader in ethical AI development and enhances its credibility, potentially opening doors to new markets and partnerships that prioritize responsible AI practices.
Client satisfaction
The certification process has fostered a culture of ethical awareness within Godot. Employees across various teams engaged in discussions about AI ethics, leading to a more cohesive and responsible approach to AI development. This cultural shift is expected to contribute to increased client trust and satisfaction.
What does the future hold for Godot?
Godot plans to enhance its AIMS by integrating autonomous AI agents and refining ethical feedback loops, as well as launching new features that support inclusive service design across healthcare, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In terms of market expansion, Godot is exploring global partnerships, particularly in the US, Europe and Southeast Asia.
To ensure ongoing compliance, the team will conduct regular AI ethics training and internal audits and continually update its ISO/IEC 42001-aligned governance framework.
“Looking ahead, we will remain committed to continuously strengthening and improving our systems, based on the AIMS, to ensure that our clients can continue to use our AI solutions with confidence and peace of mind,” added Go Suzui.
Realize ISO/IEC 42001’s benefits with a trusted partner
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About Godot Inc.
Godot Inc. is a deeptech startup that advances personal and societal growth through empathy augmentation – enhancing human empathy by combining behavioral science with AI and other advanced technologies.
By analyzing and structuring the behavioral roots of social issues, Godot helps organizations design more inclusive services and communication systems. Operating across sectors, including healthcare, sustainability and DEI, the company enables empathy-driven solutions that foster deeper understanding and a more compassionate society.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
