Today at the Hyperledger Global Forum 2020, it was announced that eight new members, including Walmart, Conduent and Clear are joining the Hyperledger project.
Hyperledger is an umbrella project of open-source blockchains hosted by the Linux Foundation. It offers a set of solutions, including smart contract engines, client libraries, and blockchain frameworks.
The full list of new general members includes Aiou Technology, Clear, Conduent, Joisto Group, Tangem, Tokenation and Walmart. The Directorate of Information Technology (DIT) of Maharashtra, India, is joining as an associate member.
Additionally, Hyperledger announced six new Hyperledger Certified Service Providers (HCHP) — Beijing Proinsight Technology, Kompitech, LimeChain, Mindtree, Xoaa and Zhigui. These companies will offer technical support and services to companies adopting Hyperledger blockchain. IBM, Accenture and Ant Financial were one of the first to be certified as service providers.
“Adding this great mix of new members and HCSPs is a great opening act for Hyperledger Global Forum,” said Brian Behlendorf, Executive Director, Hyperledger.
Some of the new joiners have previously deployed or trialed blockchain in their industry. Clear Technologies is a settlement and clearing blockchain firm known for its telecoms solutions, and last month raised $13 million in a Series A round. The company calls itself blockchain agnostic.
Clear has worked with Tata Communications, TI Sparkle, PCCW Global, and Colt on a blockchain PoC for on-demand services. A few months ago, the firm released details of several trials it conducted with Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
Meanwhile, U.S.-based retailer Walmart is known for setting a January 2019 deadline for all its fresh leafy green suppliers to join up to IBM Food Trust.
More recently, Walmart formed the Pharmaceutical Utility Network (PhUN) consortium, along with IBM, Merck, and KPMG. The partners had previously worked together on an FDA blockchain interoperability pilot to track and trace pharmaceuticals for DSCSA compliance. The retailer has also participated in pilots initiated by the pharma blockchain network MediLedger.
Additionally, Walmart Canada launched a freight blockchain solution and a payment network. Walmart China is working with VeChain to enable blockchain food traceability in the country.
