International Business Machines Corporation develops enterprise technology across software, consulting, hardware, hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. News from IBM centers on AI platforms and services, including watsonx, IBM Enterprise Advantage, IBM Consulting Advantage, IBM Sovereign Core, watsonx Orchestrate and Red Hat technologies for hybrid and regulated environments.
Recurring updates also cover IBM Consulting client work, industry and cloud collaborations, research milestones in quantum-centric supercomputing, AI-enabled application experiences, and IBM Institute for Business Value studies on enterprise adoption and governance of AI.
IBM (IBM) named LivXP the winner of its Sports Tech Startup Prize Challenge at Web Summit Lisbon, concluding a year-long global initiative. LivXP was one of seven finalists in the invitation-only competition and provides an AI-powered platform for sports fan experiences, auctions and sponsor activities.
The grand prize includes up to $100,000 for an eligible proof-of-concept project with IBM's Sports and Entertainment Partnership Team, subject to separate review and agreement requirements. It also includes up to $20,000 in IBM credits toward services and technology, plus mentorship and evaluation opportunities.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) released its Digital Sovereignty Index, examining how large enterprises demonstrate control over their technology and data. The survey covered 2,003 senior decision-makers across seven countries. Digital sovereignty means retaining and proving control over AI, technology, operations and data, including under pressure.
94% of enterprises surveyed faced at least one sovereignty challenge in the last three years; 81% of those had to provide formal evidence of control. AI-related issues were the most frequently reported individual challenge, at 44%. An average of 82% of respondents were very or extremely confident they could provide evidence of sovereign control, but only 26% of enterprises reached the Index's highest tier. Just 33% regularly or continuously tested their ability to demonstrate sovereignty.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced its next-generation Nighthawk r3 quantum processor and plans to connect two processors into a larger system. IBM plans a 1,040-qubit system in 2027; each r3 processor is designed to support 10,000 quantum operations on 520 programmable qubits. Qubits are the units used to process quantum information.
Clients and partners have executed 34 billion circuits on the current Nighthawk r2. IBM has demonstrated processor connections and linked two cryogenic cooling modules, supporting its modular development approach. Its enhanced Quantum Platform now integrates quantum workflows with classical computing resources. IBM also recently launched a quantum error-correction co-design platform with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and AMD.
IBM (IBM) and Microsoft (MSFT) announced Imagine Enterprise, an AI agent platform designed to support industry-specific business processes.
IBM Consulting contributes more than 6,000 pre-built AI agents and assets, while Microsoft supplies AI, data, cloud and security technologies. The platform is designed to connect with existing enterprise systems and provide controls for managing AI agents. Initial industry frameworks cover financial services, insurance and retail. Engineering support from both companies is available for qualifying engagements. Clients can engage IBM Consulting to deploy and operate the platform or collaborate on enterprise-scale implementations.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) selected four organizations for its Impact Accelerator education and workforce development cohort, providing technology and expertise grants.
InnovateEDU's Pathways Alliance will co-develop a public, open-source AI & Digital Literacy Workforce Dashboard for educator preparation. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade will work with IBM on AI-enabled workforce analytics and access to quantum resources. Ramona Technologies will enhance its job-seeker platform in Mexico and Colombia, with plans to expand into additional Latin American markets. Udhyam Learning Foundation will expand its Youth Opportunities Platform in India and explore AI-supported career guidance.
The grants cover solution design, development and implementation, followed by training and transfer into each organization's long-term IT environment. EY will provide workshops and coaching.
IBM (IBM) announced new AI system connections and expanded Apptio capabilities for tracking AI spending and evaluating business value. The updates cover AI cost forecasting, budgeting, usage analysis and tools that connect investments with business outcomes.
AI system connectors are generally available, with additional sources planned for Q4. Apptio AI Value & ROI and enhancements covering AI spending, total cost of ownership and usage became generally available November 6, 2026. Cloudability financial planning for AI services and Kubecost network cost visibility are also generally available. Driver-Based Planning and AI Scenario Planning are scheduled for Q4.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) unveiled its first Illinois quantum computer, an operational Quantum System Two hosted by the University of Chicago.
The system is initially located at Hyde Park Labs and will move to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park once that site is completed. It will anchor the National Quantum Algorithm Center, where IBM collaborates with academic and industry partners on quantum applications, including molecular simulation and power-grid optimization. Separately, IBM previously announced plans for a FutureNow Chicago center at the park, in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, to bring 750 jobs to the region across several technology fields.
AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) joined IBM and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in launching a platform to study quantum error correction. The first deployment combines IBM quantum computers with ORNL's Umbra high-performance computing system, powered by AMD Instinct MI355X GPUs and 5th Gen AMD EPYC CPUs. AMD hardware supplies classical computing for research into correcting quantum errors, decoding optimization and coordinating software.
The platform supports research aligned with the Department of Energy's Quantum Genesis Mission, whose Q Competition targets 100 logical qubits running 100,000 hard operations by late 2028. That is a research target, not a result achieved by the platform.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the USTA announced a five-year partnership renewal covering the US Open through 2031. IBM will serve as the tournament’s Official AI and Cloud Partner.
The renewal follows more than 270 million total engagements across IBM-powered USOpen.org and the US Open app combined during the 2026 tournament. The collaboration includes hybrid cloud and AI technologies, with USOpen.org launched in 1995 and the mobile app introduced in 2009.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) introduced capabilities for identifying AI agents, controlling their access and evaluating their performance across business systems.
HashiCorp Vault 2.2, Agent Identity and watsonx Orchestrate evaluation capabilities are generally available. Agent Identity records ownership and authority, while Vault supplies short-lived credentials and access controls. Orchestrate adds testing, production monitoring and cost tracking. Its discovery and containment capabilities remain in tech preview, including connections to Amazon Bedrock, Microsoft Foundry and Google Gemini. Secure Hub is in public preview. Agent Identity and Vault also integrate with NVIDIA OpenShell to combine agent identity and credential controls with a protected runtime environment.