German software giant SAP has announced that its blockchain co-innovation initiative has grown to 27 members.

The SAP Leonardo Blockchain Co-Innovation program offers SAP customers and partners the opportunity to explore blockchain. It aims to integrate the digital ledger system into Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturing and digital supply-chain solutions using the SAP Cloud Platform Blockchain service.

In September, SAP announced the initial companies participating in the initiative, which includes Capgemini, Deloitte, and HCL Technologies, among others. The participating companies come from diverse backgrounds including consumer products, telecom, retail, pharmaceuticals, logistics, agriculture, high-tech, aerospace and defense, industrial machinery, energy and utilities, and public services industries.

"Our customers and partners are eager to join SAP in embracing blockchain as a distributed ledger that can increase transparency and collaboration. We are equally eager to co-innovate with the world's leading companies to reimagine a future where blockchain is woven into the fabric of the digital value chain,” Dr. Tanja Rueckert, president of IoT & Digital Supply Chain, SAP, said.

In addition, SAP announced that it will join Spain's Alastria Consortium and the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance (BiTA) to expand the adoption of blockchain to customers in a wide range of industries and geographies.

“Participation in Alastria, which brings together banks, telecom providers, energy companies, universities, smart-city organizations and developers, will allow SAP to strengthen its blockchain ecosystem and network in Europe,” SAP said in its official release. “As a member of BiTA, an organization promoting the development of blockchain standards and education, SAP will expand its reach in freight and transportation management.”