In short: a team of six are given a problem, a client, and 3 months to design and build a working prototype or proof of concept. That prototype can then be launched as a IBM funded start-up via Hyper Blue or be freely implemented by the existing client. Here’s how the creator of the program describes it:
“At large enterprise companies, R&D can sometimes take years to go from theory to application. To disrupt this process, IBM created an internal incubator called Area 631: 6 IBMers working for 3 months to generate 1 breakthrough. IBM gives small, agile teams full control and full-time commitment to their project — with three months to go from a big idea to working prototype.”
—
, Canada Lab Director
In my case, the Area 631 project completed in July of 2021. It then went on to become an IBM owned start-up named Conclude.ai . Unfortunately, pending patents prevent me from speaking about product details (sorry!). Instead, I can share 3 key insights: how to find the right interviewees, tips for working in a remote multidisciplinary team, and how not to be humble.