COVID-19 research
Supercomputers added muscle to the vaccine search
As his cousin fought off coronavirus, IBM’s Dario Gil called the White House. The result: colleagues and competitors in industry, academia and government worked together to form the COVID‑19 High Performance Computing Consortium, giving research scientists free access to the world’s fastest supercomputers.
That’s Debatable
AI improved public discourse on a new TV show
Hundreds of participants made their voices heard by submitting arguments to three debate topics for That’s Debatable. The show, which aired on Bloomberg TV, illustrated Watson’s ability to analyze the arguments, identify key points and formulate salient summary narratives.
Forecast: 5 in 5
Medical research got a boost
How do humans outthink and outmaneuver a fast-spreading virus? One of this year’s “5 in 5” predictions highlights the significant role AI, analytics and data will have in accelerating the analysis and identification of potential virus treatments from drugs already in market.
Cloud for financial services
Financial institutions got a cloud of their own
Financial service providers have the highest standards for security and privacy. This year, IBM built them a cloud to match. Now banks can deploy services confidently on a public cloud to deliver new and improved customer experiences while meeting strict compliance regulations for data privacy and security.
Cybersecurity Ops
Games taught us about cybersecurity
There’s been a breach. How would you respond? TERMINAL gamified the ability to protect an airport’s critical network from malicious hackers in real time. Players can appreciate the gravity of cybersecurity ops while white-knuckling their way through a multi-vector threat, brought to life by IBM Security Intelligence.
The quantum look ahead
A roadmap pointed the way to a new industry
Of things that need to be kept incredibly cold, the most extreme might be quantum computers at −459.67°F. In September, IBM laid the groundwork for a quantum industry in the Roadmap to Quantum Advantage, including a unique super-fridge where the most powerful quantum computer ever built will chill out.
Corporate social responsibility
A pledge to stand for racial justice
2020 exposed various forms of systemic racism and IBM responded. In addition to matching donations 1-to-1, sunsetting facial recognition tech and expanding educational opportunities, IBM issued the Emb(race) pledge so IBMers can reaffirm their commitment to racial advocacy.
Think 2020’s virtual success
IBM’s premier event opened up during lockdown
In early May, as we continued to adjust to our surreal new reality, Think met the challenge. Sessions and labs moved online and on demand, hosted by IBM’s new executive lineup. Music maker Imogen Heap scored the event with an ethereal sonic identity based on ambient sounds of systems and science.
Mayflower Autonomous Ship
No captain. No crew. No problem.
The Mayflower Autonomous Ship ushered in a new era of marine exploration. Relying on AI, cloud and edge technologies to self-navigate, the ship is pioneering a cost‑effective and flexible platform for gathering data that will help safeguard the health of the ocean and the industries it supports.
Call for Code
Dev teams solved for our most pressing issues
The tech-for-good competition Call for Code tackled its most ambitious topics yet: COVID‑19, climate change and racial justice. Top solutions such as Agrolly, an app with information tailored to small farmers, and SafeQueue, which holds your place in line virtually, qualified for deployment by IBM.
Neurodiversity
IBM celebrated the power of new perspectives
Autistic and neurodivergent individuals often exhibit skills that make them exceptional employees, yet they can struggle to get through the standard hiring practice. IBM is bringing more of these candidates on board and giving them the tools to reach their potential.
Cloud at the Masters
Golf’s most iconic moment became massively customizable
IBM Cloud and Watson AI empowered viewers to shape the tournament’s coverage around their taste. For the first time, fans could watch the players they care about most, while Watson AI captured the day’s overall top strokes.
See how the IBM Cloud powered the best fan experience in golf
