IBM launches $5bn Lightwell to secure open source supply chain

IBM and its subsidiary Red Hat launched "Project Lightwell," a $5 billion initiative aimed at securing open source software in enterprise supply chains. The project establishes an AI-powered "enterprise clearinghouse" to address vulnerabilities in open source code, utilizing 20,000 engineers for active maintenance and development of secure patches. Initial participants include major banks and financial institutions, reflecting the reliance on open source software in modern corporate infrastructure.

IBM emphasizes open source as critical for the digital economy, aiming to increase trust and security in systems that support business and government.