Tech giant IBM announced that it is working with a Singapore startup FreshTurf in the IBM Bluemix Garage to create and deploy a network of storage lockers for shipping and parcel delivery throughout Singapore with blockchain and cloud.

The release stated that locker ledger network is designed to enhance "last mile" of delivery services for customers and businesses. Both IBM and FreshTurf is intended to build a blockchain platform prototype, fueled and built on Bluemix, IBM's cloud platform that is designed exclusively to manage commercial transactions between merchants, logistic vendors, locker companies and consumers.

"As a startup, we wanted a partner and mentor who would guide us through the journey of adopting blockchain and building a cloud, while also helping us to grow. During the Design Thinking workshop, we had access to technical expertise, consulting and guidance through working with the IBM Bluemix Garage which allowed us to quickly build our concept. The IBM Bluemix Garage's methods of Design Thinking, use of cloud and agile development practices served as the foundation of our startup," Jarryl Hong, Co-Founder, FreshTurf said.

The Singapore Bluemix Garage is one of the latest in IBM’s global network and serves as a hub where developers, product managers, and designers can come together to build on Bluemix. Leveraging on blockchain will help in tracking parcel and delivery status at ease and it can help stakeholders to conduct shipping transactions in a highly secure and trusted environment. The application of blockchain technology combined with the power and agility of IBM Cloud shows that it has the potential to disrupt and transform industries outside the financial sector as well.

"IBM is working closely with startups and larger enterprises alike to accelerate the design and development of blockchain applications," said Alan Lim, Practice Lead, IBM Blockchain & Bluemix Garage, ASEAN. "Blockchain represents a very exciting and vital part of IBM's business. Organizations large and small have the potential to disrupt and fundamentally rewrite existing business models, processes, and systems and emerge as leaders in their chosen industry."

The Singaporean startup FreshTurf intends to use the IBM blockchain service on Bluemix for tracking the shipment of goods and the service is built on the Hyperledger project.