Mechanical Orchard ignites major shift in enterprise IT transformation with launch of end-to-end mainframe modernization platform “Imogen” and announces first partnership with Thoughtworks

• The approach helps organizations modernize simply and continually with reduced risk and no disruption to operations - the future cost of change is significantly reduced
• The platform uses real-time data flows to rapidly validate code generated by AI so that it’s accurate, well-factored and ready to deploy to the cloud
• Thoughtworks partnership accelerates and scales Imogen-powered client engagements, on a global basis 
• Marks a major milestone for Mechanical Orchard after securing over $84m in funding from investors including GV and Emergence Capital

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Thursday April 3, 2025, San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL - Applied AI pioneer Mechanical Orchard is today announcing the launch of Imogen, an end-to-end mainframe modernization platform, and its first partnership with global technology consultancy, Thoughtworks. Large organizations can now dramatically reduce the cost of change through a fresh approach to mainframe modernization, which radically improves quality, accelerates pace and unlocks competitive advantage.

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Unveiling Imogen: Removing risk, opacity and disruption from modernization

The platform rewrites mainframe applications safely and quickly by focusing on the behavior of the system as represented by data flows, rather than on translating code. This approach, encapsulated in the platform, signals the end of opaque, risky and uncertain mainframe transformation projects, resets the technical debt meter and restores control to IT teams through rewriting systems into clean, modern code.

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Using data capture agents, an incremental approach and a patented method of creating deterministic outcomes from generative AI, Imogen helps organizations create a fresh technology foundation that is easy to change and forward-compatible. Organizations now also have the flexibility to decide what to update and when without fear of disrupting current operations, in contrast to traditional, “big-bang” approaches.

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Commenting on the launch, Rob Mee, CEO, Mechanical Orchard said “Many of the world’s largest organizations are battling a perfect storm. The cost of maintaining legacy systems is increasing, those maintaining old code are retiring and the pressure to evolve with changing market conditions is growing. It’s a mess that gets more complex and riskier the longer it’s left unsolved. So, it was time for a fresh approach to an old problem: Imogen brings transparency, speed and simplicity to mainframe modernization. I’m immensely proud of our talented team who brought the vision to life and we look forward to a prosperous partnership with Thoughtworks.”

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Leading the charge: Thoughtworks is Mechanical Orchard’s inaugural partner

The partnership with Thoughtworks is a natural fit. The joint offering, AI-Accelerated Mainframe Modernization with Mechanical Orchard, takes a holistic approach to legacy modernization, focusing on system behavior rather than just code, so clients can modernize what matters. The joint offering uses Thoughtworks CodeConcise Legacy Assistant for rapid system comprehension and Mechanical Orchard’s Imogen to rewrite mainframe applications with unprecedented speed while delivering high-quality, maintainable code that’s easy to evolve.

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As pioneers in agile software delivery and modern engineering, Thoughtworks will orchestrate a progressive, seamless migration away from the constraints of legacy systems, enabling clients to immediately realize the transformative benefits of enterprise modernization. With deep engineering expertise, proven practices and visionary digital strategy, Throughtworks helps enterprises modernize legacy technology and build future-ready applications.

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Gene Reznik, Chief Strategy Officer and Global Head of Service Lines, Thoughtworks said “The partnership with Mechanical Orchard offers our clients an AI-powered, accelerated and lower-risk approach to mainframe modernization. As a technology consultancy, every day we see first-hand how technical debt plagues the world’s largest organizations. The iterative, modular approach - underpinned by the Imogen platform - transforms the modernization process. This incremental rewrite of old, legacy systems is a game-changer for our clients.”

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Join Mechanical Orchard at Google Cloud Next where Founder and CEO Rob Mee will be presenting in the breakout session, “Supercharge your mainframe modernization with AI-powered tools” on Thursday, April 10 at 4:00 p.m. PT. Check out the “Mainframe Modernization Offering Showcase” on April 9 from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. PT in the Thoughtworks hospitality suite and register for additional networking or thought leadership events here or by visiting Thoughtworks at booth 1601.

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Supporting resources:

1. Read more about Mechanical Orchard’s end-to-end mainframe modernization platform Imogen
2. Learn more about the Mechanical Orchard and Thoughtworks partnership.
3. Connect with Mechanical Orchard news by visiting the company’s website and follow us on LinkedIn.
4. Keep up with Thoughtworks news by visiting the company’s website and follow us on X, LinkedIn and YouTube.