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Think 2026: IBM Makes Digital Sovereignty Operational with General Availability of IBM Sovereign Core

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New capabilities help enterprises, governments, and service providers operationalize digital sovereignty with continuous compliance and control across hybrid environments

BOSTON, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At Think 2026, IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the general availability of IBM Sovereign Core, a new software platform designed to help organizations build and operate AI-ready sovereign environments and verify their control — giving enterprises and governments an end-to-end approach to digital sovereignty.

As AI adoption accelerates, digital sovereignty has become a critical requirement, extending beyond data residency to include control over infrastructure, operations, and AI systems. Organizations must balance maintaining necessary authority with the pace of innovation, while facing increasing scrutiny from regulators, auditors, and boards. Yet most platforms can struggle to provide consistent, auditable answers to these requirements — creating a gap between policy and operational reality.

“AI has made sovereignty a runtime requirement, not a policy statement. With IBM Sovereign Core, organizations don’t have to choose between deploying AI at speed and verifying their control. Sovereignty shouldn’t be a constraint on innovation — with the right software foundation, it’s an enabler of it,” said Dinesh Nirmal, SVP, IBM Software.

Defining Digital Sovereignty for the AI Era
IBM defines digital sovereignty across four pillars:

Operational Sovereignty — Control over how environments are operatedData Sovereignty — Control over data at rest, in use, and in motionTechnology Sovereignty — Open, modular architecture that avoids vendor lock-inAI Sovereignty — Control over where models run and how inference is governed

Together, these pillars form the foundation of IBM’s unified approach to digital sovereignty—bringing control across operations, data, technology, and AI.

A Unified Approach for Digital Sovereignty
IBM Sovereign Core introduces a new model for operational sovereignty, where governance, compliance, and control are built into the system from the start to enable organizations to scale AI while maintaining their sovereignty, trust, and operational independence. IBM Sovereign Core delivers an integrated sovereign software platform that combines control plane, identity, security, compliance, and AI execution functions operate within a single deployment model.

Key capabilities include:

Customer-operated control plane enabling full authority over configuration, operations, and lifecycle managementIn-boundary identity, encryption, and data services, ensuring all access, secrets, keys, logs, and audit evidence remain under customer controlContinuous compliance monitoring and evidence generation, providing real-time audit readinessPreloaded regulatory frameworks to accelerate company defined compliance postures across regions and industriesGoverned AI execution, ensuring models, inference, and agent operations run within defined sovereign boundariesOpen, modular architecture built on open standards, supporting portability and avoiding vendor lock-in

Together, these capabilities establish a sovereign control plane that enables organizations to operate environments and verify their control across data, operations, and AI.

Continuous, Verifiable Compliance
IBM Sovereign Core enables organizations to move from static compliance models to dynamic continuous, verifiable compliance models that are verifiable. Integrated monitoring, drift detection, and automated evidence generation allow organizations to:

Validate compliance in real timeMaintain audit-ready evidence within the sovereign boundaryReduce reliance on manual validation and point-in-time audits

This ensures sovereignty is not only defined, but observable, enforceable, and provable at scale.

AI Governance Within Your Sovereign Boundary
As AI systems become central to enterprise operations, governance must extend beyond data to include models, inference, and agent behavior. IBM Sovereign Core enables organizations to deploy and operate AI models, agents, and inference workloads entirely within the sovereign boundary, ensuring their:

Control over where AI processing occursTraceability of model execution and decisionsGovernance over access, updates, and lifecycle management

This ensures that AI systems operate with accountability, transparency, and control, even in highly regulated environments.

Extensible Ecosystem and Deployment Flexibility

Built on open, enterprise-grade technologies like Red Hat OpenShift and Red Hat AI, IBM Sovereign Core enables organizations to extend existing investments across hybrid and partner environments.

 IBM Sovereign Core includes an extensible catalog that organizations can curate for their own users, with their own applications, or populated with pre-vetted IBM, third-party and open source software and services from an ecosystem of software and infrastructure partners that includes: AMD, ATOS, Cegeka, Cloudera, Dell, Elastic, HCL, Intel, Mistral, MongoDB, and Palo Alto Networks.

CPU, GPU, and AI inference environments can be provisioned using standardized templates and automated configuration profiles, enabling teams to deploy and manage workloads consistently across sovereign regions while maintaining alignment to their compliance and sovereignty requirements.

Designed for Regulated Regions, Enterprises and Governments
IBM Sovereign Core is designed for organizations that require greater control, flexibility, and compliance across sensitive workloads.

Enterprises can run regulated applications and AI workloads within controlled environmentsGovernments and public sector organizations can support sovereign operations for critical servicesService providers and regional cloud operators can deliver sovereign cloud and AI services at scale

Across these use cases, IBM Sovereign Core enables organizations to innovate with AI while maintaining demonstrable authority over their systems, data, and operations. IBM Sovereign Core is now generally available.

Supporting Quotes
“Control and compliance have long been barriers to enterprise AI adoption,” said Marjorie Janiewicz, Chief Revenue Officer at Mistral AI. “IBM Sovereign Core delivers a ready-to-deploy foundation that allows our models to operate within trusted boundaries from day one, enabling organizations to accelerate AI adoption while maintaining full control over their data. We’re pleased to be the first model provider partner for Sovereign Core to certify our frontier models and support enterprise customers globally.”

“AI is reshaping how nations, governments and enterprises operate, making digital sovereignty not just a policy discussion, but a leadership priority,” said Philip Guido, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, AMD. “As organizations deploy AI at scale, control over technology becomes increasingly critical. Together with IBM and Red Hat, we’re enabling clients to exercise greater autonomy and flexibility in their digital sovereignty choices across the full IT stack through an open, secure and transparent approach.”

“As organizations navigate increasingly complex compliance and regulatory requirements, we’re seeing strong demand for digital platforms and software that allows sensitive data to remain within controlled, compliant boundaries,” said Gaetan Willems, VP Cloud & Digital Platforms, Cegeka. “Partnering with IBM to offer a pre-architected solution through our in-country environment enables us to deliver enterprise-ready software to our clients, while allowing them to address local compliance standards.”

“As part of our strategic alliance with IBM, Deloitte is focused on enabling a Sovereign Core technology stack that supports clients in building secure, scalable, and compliant cloud ecosystems. Leveraging IBM’s platform capabilities alongside Deloitte’s deep regulatory and transformation expertise, we help organizations address critical imperatives such as data localization, security, regulatory compliance, and India’s DPDP requirements.”  — Vinay Prabhakar  Chief Commercial Officer Deloitte AP & National Sales & Alliances Leader Deloitte South Asia

“India deserves cloud infrastructure that is sovereign by design. At NxtGen, that has always been our operating principle and our promise to customers: superior performance, lower TCO, and zero trade-offs on compliance. The IBM Sovereign Core collaboration is a direct expression of that commitment, bringing secure, compliant cloud capabilities built for India’s regulatory reality.” — A S Rajgopal, MD & CEO, NxtGen

“The ability to establish—and prove—control over data, models and operations is quickly becoming a differentiator for trust, resilience and innovation in AI adoption,” said Bill Pearson, vice president of data center and AI software, Intel Data Center Group. “Establishing sovereign AI frameworks, spanning open hybrid architectures and transparent governance, requires a foundation built for performance, security, and control. Intel continues to innovate with technologies such as Intel Xeon 6 processors and Intel TDX to provide in‑use protection for data and AI workloads across environments with CPU and GPUs to support sovereign infrastructure initiatives like IBM Sovereign Core.”

Supporting Materials
Blog: IBM Sovereign Core: The new end to end system for Sovereign AI
IBM Sovereign Core Product Page
IBM Sovereign Core Ecosystem Catalog
IBM Sovereign Core Compliance Center
Statement of Direction for IBM Sovereign Core

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media contact:

Kate Lehman
IBM
Kate.Lehman@ibm.com

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SOURCE IBM

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Axera’s ADAS Chip Arrived in Europe with Leapmotor, Advancing Global Expansion

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October 20, 2026

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SHANGHAI, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axera’s intelligent driving chip has entered the European market in Leapmotor’s new global compact electric hatchback, marking a major step in the company’s international automotive expansion. Purpose-built for global markets, the chip brings Axera’s production-proven driver assistance technology to European consumers.

The vehicle is a core offering in Leapmotor’s global lineup, designed to make intelligent driving more accessible and support the automaker’s international growth. Industry data show that Leapmotor delivered over 660,000 vehicles from January to September 2026, including over 150,000 exports. With overseas sales approaching 23% of total deliveries, Leapmotor’s international momentum provides a strong foundation for expanding deployments of Axera’s ADAS chip beyond China.

Designed as a standardized ADAS SoC for global applications, the chip features Axera’s proprietary AXNeutron mixed-precision NPU. It natively supports BEV perception models and dynamic allocation of compute resources across INT4, INT8, and INT16 precision levels. Its proprietary AI-ISP supports 8MP@50fps, enabling reliable detection of pedestrians, non-motor vehicles, and road signs in challenging lighting conditions, including backlit scenes, rainy nights, and tunnels.

The chip first entered mass production in China in April 2026, debuted in a best-selling Leapmotor model. Powered by the chip, the complete driver assistance system was an early adopter of BEV perception models and introduced the industry’s first visual HMI prompts for road markings in its system class. It also meets China’s latest mandatory regulatory requirements, enhancing driving safety and comfort. With Leapmotor’s overseas production rollout, this mature ADAS solution is now reaching European consumers.

Since mass production began, Axera’s ADAS chip has rapidly scaled to more than 50,000 vehicle installations per month. It is now deployed across key models from leading Chinese brands, including Leapmotor, etc., with production ramping up well beyond industry expectations. The European launch is only the beginning of Axera’s global automotive expansion. Combining high integration and performance with low power consumption, and backed by comprehensive functional safety and cybersecurity certifications, the chip serves as a standardized ADAS platform. Multiple international Tier 1 suppliers have incorporated it into their global supply chains, while design wins with overseas automakers continue to advance.

Axera’s ability to deliver its proprietary intelligent driving chip platforms at scale has helped it respond to demand generated by China’s new mandatory regulations and the international expansion of the Chinese automotive supply chain. The company has quickly established itself among China’s leading automotive ADAS chipmakers. According to industry research, Axera’s share of its intelligent driving chip market segment rose from 8.9% in the first half of 2025 to 33.32% in the first half of 2026. It was the only domestic chipmaker in that segment to more than double its market share over the period, reinforcing its growing influence in the automotive chip market.

Automotive SoCs have become a core growth driver for Axera. Its first-half 2026 financial report recorded shipments of 420,000 automotive intelligent SoCs and 24 new design wins. The number of vehicle brands it serves grew to 25, including seven international and joint-venture automakers, reflecting continued growth in both scale and international reach.

Building on its established presence in China, Axera is expanding its role in the global ADAS market. The company will draw on its successful mass-production deployments to secure and bring more domestic and overseas vehicle programs to production, increase automotive chip shipments, and support sustained international growth.

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SOURCE Axera Semiconductor Co., Ltd.

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The Eurovision Effect: Agoda Maps Asia’s Travel Interest Ahead of the Bangkok Grand Final

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October 20, 2026

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has seen a rise in travel interest to Bangkok this November, building towards one of the region’s biggest cultural moments of the year with the inaugural Eurovision Asia Grand Final, happening in the Thai capital on 14 November.

The contest marks a milestone for the region: the first-ever pan-Asian expansion of the 70-year-old Eurovision franchise, bringing finalists from 11 countries to the stage for a potential regional audience of millions. Against this backdrop, Agoda’s insights on travel interest suggest the region is packing its bags in more ways than one.

A Region Watching Bangkok

Travel interest to Bangkok is up 14% year on year for stays around the Grand Final period (9–22 November), based on Agoda accommodation searches from travelers across Asia. The leading markets considering Bangkok stays during this period include Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and India.

Vietnam travel interest to Bangkok more than doubled for the Grand Final period year on year based on accommodation searches, up 105%. India followed with a 43% increase, reflecting Indian travelers’ continued interest in short-haul travel to Southeast Asia, while Malaysia recorded a 4% rise, building on an already well-established travel relationship with Thailand. As host nation, Thailand is also embracing the moment at home: domestic travel interest to Bangkok for the same period is up 30% year on year, as Thai travelers plan to be part of the excitement in their own capital.

Opening Acts: Regional Interest Ahead of the Grand Final

Beyond Bangkok, Agoda search data reveals increasing travel interest amongst some popular travel destinations across Asia that have also had their own National Finals.

South Korea’s national selection show, Korea’s Next Wave, aired on 4 September, and general travel interest to South Korea from across the region rose 18% year on year. Vietnam saw a similar effect, with travel interest in the country rising 5% year on year around its own national selection show on 3 October.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared: “As the Official Travel Partner of Eurovision Song Contest Asia, Agoda is proud to support this cultural milestone and first in the region. We believe that Asia doesn’t just watch moments like these, but travels for them. Whether you’re heading to Bangkok for the Grand Final or inspired to explore the city this November, Agoda makes it easy to find the right stay for every kind of traveler, from Siam’s shopping energy to the culture of the Old Town.”

Where to Stay in Bangkok: A Neighborhood Guide for The Grand Final Season

For travelers planning a trip around the Grand Final, Bangkok offers a distinct experience depending on where you base yourself. Here’s a closer look at four neighborhoods worth considering.

Siam, Bangkok’s commercial heart, is where the city’s retail culture is on full display. Malls like Siam Paragon and Siam Center sit alongside boutiques and department stores, plus some of the city’s most photographed street energy. There is easy access to the BTS Skytrain, with the rest of the city a short ride away. Between shopping runs, visitors can explore Jim Thompson House, a preserved home-turned-museum, or cool off in one of the area’s food courts.

Thonglor and neighboring Ekkamai are Bangkok’s go-to districts for nightlife. Packed with cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, live music venues, and talked-about restaurants, the area draws locals and travelers alike for a livelier evening. It’s a fitting base for anyone attending Grand Final events after dark, with plenty nearby to keep the celebration going.

Sathorn, home to many of Bangkok’s most prestigious hotels and business towers, offers a more refined side of the city. Its riverside setting along the Chao Phraya makes it popular for skyline and sunset views, particularly from the district’s signature rooftop bars, alongside fine dining, dinner cruises, and the ICONSIAM mall across the water.

Bangkok’s Old Town is where the city’s history comes alive, for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Thai culture. Home to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and its Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun’s riverside spire, the area rewards exploration on foot or by longtail boat along the canals. It offers a quieter, more traditional base for balancing Grand Final excitement with a slower side of Bangkok.

— END —

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SOURCE Agoda

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Ingenico Selects Cognizant as Global Strategic Technology Partner

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October 20, 2026

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Five-year agreement will help simplify and modernize Ingenico’s global technology operations

LONDON, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced that it has been chosen by Ingenico, the smart technology powering in-person commerce, as its global strategic technology partner. Under the five-year agreement, Cognizant has been tasked with embedding AI across Ingenico’s infrastructure and operations, security and data to support the modernization of Ingenico’s technology operations, including infrastructure, security, business and corporate applications and data systems, while providing managed services across end-user services, service desk, application support and engineering.

Every day, Ingenico’s smart technology powers millions of interactions worldwide, helping businesses deliver better customer experiences, build loyalty and drive growth. By combining seamless payment acceptance with powerful data and insights, Ingenico enables customers to reduce complexity and get more from every interaction, all backed by the security, reliability and trust the company is known for. To support its next phase of growth and innovation, Ingenico sought a strategic technology partner to simplify and modernize its technology operations and create a scalable foundation for future growth.

Cognizant will support the consolidation and modernization of Ingenico’s IT environment, helping strengthen security, improve operational efficiency and increase agility across the business.

“The payments industry continues to evolve rapidly, with growing demands around security, resilience, operational efficiency and innovation,” said Rohit Gupta, UK&I Managing Director at Cognizant. “We’re proud to have been selected by Ingenico as a strategic partner. Together, we’ll help modernize key operations, strengthen core technology foundations and support Ingenico’s long-term growth ambitions.”

“At Ingenico, we’re constantly evolving our technology and capabilities to help our customers grow, simplify complexity and deliver superior customer experiences,” commented Tim Fulton, CIO at Ingenico. “As we looked for a partner to support the next phase of that journey, Cognizant stood out through its industry expertise, global scale and understanding of our business. Together, we will modernize key IT operations, strengthen the foundations that underpin the trusted solutions our customers rely on, and increase agility across the business to support future growth and innovation.”

About Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is an AI builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

About Ingenico 
Ingenico is the smart technology powering in-person commerce. Every day, its intelligent solutions help businesses turn millions of payment interactions into opportunities to deliver superior customer experiences, build loyalty and increase revenue. 

With more than four decades of innovation and expertise, over 3,000 employees worldwide, and tens of millions of devices deployed across more than 120 countries, Ingenico combines seamless acceptance with powerful data and insights. Its intelligent solutions help businesses reduce complexity, grow faster and get more from every customer interaction, backed by the reliability, security and trust for which Ingenico is known. For more information, visit www.ingenico.com

Media contacts:

U.S.
Alex Dudley
alex.dudley@cognizant.com 

Europe / APAC
Sarah Douglas
sarah.douglas@cognizant.com 

India
Vipin Nair
vipin.nair@cognizant.com 

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SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

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