This book presents reports and methods that demonstrate the ease with which cognitive applications can be built using IBM Watson application program interfaces (APIs). It includes application reports from two IBM Watson API-based competitions – Hackathon (24 hours) and a Challenge task (~3 months). It also features a selection of papers presented at I-CARE 2016, the IBM Collaborative Academia Research Exchange event, from the areas of “Theory and Cognitive Computing”, “Data Platforms and Systems,” and “Societal Applications.” IBM has a long tradition of research collaboration with colleagues in academia, and I-CARE is an annual event initiated in 2009 to promote collaborative innovation and learning, and explore new ways of fostering a culture of innovation. I-CARE’s main goal is to “amalgamate” the thought leadership in Indian academia with that in industry, and foster a symbiotic environment for establishing a rich research culture in India. The 8th edition of I-CARE presents a collection of thought-provoking ideas and novel Indian research projects related to three crucial areas: cognitive computing, systems and platforms that support large-scale data processing and practical systems that are designed for the public good.