IBM is investing $1 billion into the newly formed Watson Group, a business unit dedicated to the development and commercialization of cloud-delivered cognitive innovations. This will include $100 million dedicated for Watson-related venture investments. 

The IBM Watson Group will be led by Michael Rhodin, who most recently served as senior vice president, IBM Software Solutions Group.

Michael Rhodin (Senior vice president, Watson Group, IBM): IBM has transformed Watson from a quiz-show winner, into a commercial cognitive computing breakthrough that is helping businesses engage customers, healthcare organizations personalize patient care, and entrepreneurs build businesses.

The IBM Watson Group will have a new headquarters at 51 Astor Place in New York City’s “Silicon Alley” technology hub, leveraging the talents of approximately 2,000 professionals.

[Image courtesy: IBM]