Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Nashville

CATWALK CONSULTING

GROUNDED IN RESEARCH, EXPERIENCE AND CULTURAL FLUENCY

Catwalk Consulting Group is a strategic marketing and communications firm specializing in the entertainment industry. We are known for innovative, future-focused approaches to positioning artists, executives, brands and organizations for what’s next. Our work centers on customized positioning and intentional audience development designed to elevate visibility, relevance and long-term impact....

INNOVATE™ South Africa

KOLISI FOUNDATION

KOLISI FOUNDATION- REMEMBER THE ONE

REMEMBER THE ONE, ONE BY ONE.

Rachel and Siya Kolisi founded the Kolisi Foundation with this belief in mind: it is through the power of listening that positive change can happen in South Africa. We need to listen to what people dealing with challenging circumstances really need. We need to listen to the people already working...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S

THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S -WE ARE PROUD TO COUNT OURSELVES ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST LOVED EXPORTS

WE ARE PROUD TO COUNT OURSELVES ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST LOVED EXPORTS

The story of Nando’s is well-known to South Africans who grew up alongside us in our relatively new democracy. In 1987 two friends shared a meal at a humble Portuguese eatery in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. Here they were inspired by the taste of the African Bird’s Eye Chilli, a spice that...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAY COLLECTIVE

REDEFINING THE CREATIVE MARKET

In a world where creative talent often struggles to meet commerce, Cay Collective is shaping a new path. Founded in 2023 by Johanna Gauffin and Natalie Navia, the Stockholm-based platform serves as a marketplace for independent artists, fashion designers, and lifestyle creators offering more than just a digital storefront. Cay...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK (GPRIN)

INVESTING IN INNOVATION

GPRIN is the Innovation Network serving northwestern Alberta innovators and entrepreneurs. We offer resources, knowledge, and connections to develop, validate, manufacture, market and launch innovations into the marketplace. The innovation ecosystem in Alberta is expansive and GPRIN has access to resources and expertise in a wide variety of areas, in...

INNOVATE® Nashville

BOON LEGAL

BOON LEGAL-MAKE MORE MISTAKES AND FAIL EARLY AND OFTEN IN SERVICE OF DISCOVERY

MAKE MORE MISTAKES AND FAIL EARLY AND OFTEN IN SERVICE OF DISCOVERY

It’s all too easy to get swept up in the fervor of “innovation.” In the polished, produced world of prime-time, venture capitalists drop seven figures into start-ups while founders celebrate exits. Like most things that reach a level of celebrity status in our world of “reality” entertainment, the true story...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

BRASS CITY GAMERS

BRASS CITY GAMERS-WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY PERSON

WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY PERSON, REGARDLESS OF AGE OR SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, CAN LEARN ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE AND DIGITAL MEDIA SKILLS

Brass City Gamers Tournament’s mission is to educate our local community in STEM learning including digital media, gaming, coding, and information technology, our aim is to foster strong computer competency skills to prepare for the developing new-collar jobs of the 21st Century. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

SHROOMWELL

HOW SHROOMWELL IS REDEFINING GLOBAL HEALTH AND FORESTRY THROUGH MYCOTECHNOLOGY

Operating out of Estonia, a nation known for its deep connection to nature and a rapidly developing technology sector, Shroomwell stands as a pioneer in the global mycotechnology landscape. The company’s core mission transcends the production of traditional supplements; it aims to bring greater health to both people and the...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

SPRO

End-to-end solutions for agribusiness

It is well known that agribusiness is one of the sectors responsible for sustaining Brazil’s trade balance and feeding the world. Its importance ranges from small rural producers to the agro-industries, with a turnover of 640 billion dollars in 2023. A pioneer in the development of end-to-end technological solutions for...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

JELLYVISION

JELLYVISION-CELEBRATING THREE DECADES IN CHICAGO TECH

CELEBRATING THREE DECADES IN CHICAGO TECH

WHO IS JELLYVISION?Jellyvision is the benefits engagement platform trusted by companies large and small, including many of the Fortune 500. We’re committed to reinventing how employees choose and use benefits, and our sophisticated technology delights and guides employees to make better decisions — leading them and our customers to more...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

TFTAK

PIONEERING FOOD INNOVATION

The Center of Food and Fermentation Technologies (TFTAK), a multidisciplinary CRO based in Estonia, has been a driving force in the advancement of food science and biotechnology since its establishment in 2004. With a mission to support companies in refining bio processes and developing groundbreaking food products, TFTAK has established...

INNOVATION Quebec

CONSEIL DE L’INNOVATION DU QUÉBEC

THE INNOVATION REVOLUTION FOR QUÉBEC’S FUTURE

The mission of the Conseil de l’innovation du Québec is to boost innovation within Québec’s businesses and society. Its team takes action to develop the innovation ecosystem and build a stronger culture of innovation all around the province. From social innovation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development to business prosperity, it’s...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

Imagine Chaleur

Driving Innovation in the Chaleur Region

Something exciting is happening in northeastern New Brunswick. A new wave of economic development is taking shape, blending the region’s traditional strengths with fresh, forward-thinking initiatives. At the heart of this transformation is Imagine Chaleur, the regional economic development agency for the Chaleur Region, working to create a thriving business...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

BIKE TO THE BEACH+ADD IMPACT NETWORK

IS A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INITIATIVE THAT AIMS TO EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS

The foundation of our mission lies in the collective capacity building of local non-profits, and the engagement of community members through events like Bike to the Beach, a renowned national cycling series that raises funds for autism and disabilities. This initiative began as a small gathering of friends who shared...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HIRSCH’S

HIRSCH’S - FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

Hirsch’s has become a name synonymous with service and brand excellence over the years. They have grown into one of the most well-respected and trusted appliance and electronics retailers in the industry in South Africa, and it’s interesting to see how they got there. Allan and Margaret set up their first...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

Bank Zero

A SIMPLE YET ADVANCED DIGITAL BANK, FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS

Bank Zero is a unique and powerful App-based bank with Zero fees and a patented secure card. It caters for both individuals and businesses. Digital, social and financial connectedness is a reality and it’s also a very human trait. Bank Zero supports this directly in its innovative design. By friending...

INNOVATE® Miami

Crowd Capital

Crowd Capital - We make investors happy by keeping families in their homes

We make investors happy by keeping families in their homes

Crowd Capital is a game changing social impact fintech operating at the intersection of crowd financing, investment platforms, and real estate. We help defaulting borrowers secure their homes while delivering above market average financial returns to our customers in a frictionless and transparent way. By leveraging machine learning and mobile...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

intoGo - Find Fun Faster

intoGo - Find Fun Faster

Find Fun Faster with intoGo! The app showcases everything fun to do in our region by tapping simple categories such as Brunch, Cool Date Ideas, Family Fun, and Local Events. intoGo is our cities easiest and most detailed mobile resource for where to go and what’s going on. ,  ...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

HALO

HALO-Impact Before Profit: Halo’s Mission to Transform the World of Investing

Impact Before Profit: Halo’s Mission to Transform the World of Investing

Halo Investing has built the first global marketplace for protective investments, empowering. Through the Halo platform, advisors and investors can easily access structured notes, buffered ETFs, annuities, and a whole suit of tools allowing them to customize, analyze, and manage protective investments tailored to their unique portfolio needs. Halo’s mission...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE

HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE - THROUGHOUT WESTERN EUROPE FOOD PRODUCTION IS KNOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A WHOLE LOT OF GHG-EMISSIONS. HOWEVER

THROUGHOUT WESTERN EUROPE FOOD PRODUCTION IS KNOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A WHOLE LOT OF GHG-EMISSIONS. HOWEVER, THE HOLISTIC APPROACH OF FOOD PRODUCTION SHOWN AT THE INNOVATIVE FARM OF HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE, AIMS TO REDUCE CO2 BY EVERY SINGLE INITIATIVE TAKEN

If you think that every farm in the world which has dairy cattle puts pressure on the climate, it is clear you have never visited Temse! Kris and Ginny Heirbaut are overflowing with circularity and are determined to close all their cycles. Kris’ grandfather used to have a mixed farm...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

INTERFLEXION

DELIVERS AI-POWERED ROLE-PLAY THAT HELPS ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE THEIR CONVERSATION SKILLS

INTERFLEXION WAS FOUNDED TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE COMMUNICATIONS.Interflexion’s co-founders, successful fintech entrepreneur John Muldoon & tech innovator John Hack, had worked together during the dotcom era and bonded over their interest in emerging technologies and organizational performance. In 2019, we were returning from a meeting with a VR expert when we...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

Optical Academy

Has been pioneering the change in the delivery of eye care

Optical Academy- Has been pioneering the change in the delivery of eye care by making eye care the most convenient, affordable, and accessible it has ever been. The company came to life 14 years ago after CEO, Abby Ayoub, crossed paths with a 15-year-old girl who was desperate for an...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Why Casinos Analyzer Is the Bridge Between Players and Trusted Platforms

The online casino world can feel overwhelming for new and experienced players alike. With thousands of platforms offering bonuses, games, and rewards, it is difficult to distinguish trustworthy casinos from risky operators. CasinosAnalyzer acts as a bridge, connecting players to platforms that are not only reliable but also transparent in...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

CODE on the beach

CODE on the beach - North Florida’s premier software development conference

North Florida’s premier software development conference

Founded in 2013 as a non-profit organization, Code on the Beach continues to be North Florida’s premier software development conference. Over the course of 7 years, we have featured hundreds of speakers from around the globe. We have covered everything from programming languages to product management to UI/UX design principles...

INNOVATE® Nashville

CATWALK CONSULTING

GROUNDED IN RESEARCH, EXPERIENCE AND CULTURAL FLUENCY

Catwalk Consulting Group is a strategic marketing and communications firm specializing in the entertainment industry. We are known for innovative, future-focused approaches to positioning artists, executives, brands and organizations for what’s next. Our work centers on customized positioning and intentional audience development designed to elevate visibility, relevance and long-term impact....

INNOVATE™ South Africa

KOLISI FOUNDATION

KOLISI FOUNDATION- REMEMBER THE ONE

REMEMBER THE ONE, ONE BY ONE.

Rachel and Siya Kolisi founded the Kolisi Foundation with this belief in mind: it is through the power of listening that positive change can happen in South Africa. We need to listen to what people dealing with challenging circumstances really need. We need to listen to the people already working...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S

THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S -WE ARE PROUD TO COUNT OURSELVES ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST LOVED EXPORTS

WE ARE PROUD TO COUNT OURSELVES ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST LOVED EXPORTS

The story of Nando’s is well-known to South Africans who grew up alongside us in our relatively new democracy. In 1987 two friends shared a meal at a humble Portuguese eatery in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. Here they were inspired by the taste of the African Bird’s Eye Chilli, a spice that...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAY COLLECTIVE

REDEFINING THE CREATIVE MARKET

In a world where creative talent often struggles to meet commerce, Cay Collective is shaping a new path. Founded in 2023 by Johanna Gauffin and Natalie Navia, the Stockholm-based platform serves as a marketplace for independent artists, fashion designers, and lifestyle creators offering more than just a digital storefront. Cay...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK (GPRIN)

INVESTING IN INNOVATION

GPRIN is the Innovation Network serving northwestern Alberta innovators and entrepreneurs. We offer resources, knowledge, and connections to develop, validate, manufacture, market and launch innovations into the marketplace. The innovation ecosystem in Alberta is expansive and GPRIN has access to resources and expertise in a wide variety of areas, in...

INNOVATE® Nashville

BOON LEGAL

BOON LEGAL-MAKE MORE MISTAKES AND FAIL EARLY AND OFTEN IN SERVICE OF DISCOVERY

MAKE MORE MISTAKES AND FAIL EARLY AND OFTEN IN SERVICE OF DISCOVERY

It’s all too easy to get swept up in the fervor of “innovation.” In the polished, produced world of prime-time, venture capitalists drop seven figures into start-ups while founders celebrate exits. Like most things that reach a level of celebrity status in our world of “reality” entertainment, the true story...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

BRASS CITY GAMERS

BRASS CITY GAMERS-WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY PERSON

WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY PERSON, REGARDLESS OF AGE OR SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, CAN LEARN ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE AND DIGITAL MEDIA SKILLS

Brass City Gamers Tournament’s mission is to educate our local community in STEM learning including digital media, gaming, coding, and information technology, our aim is to foster strong computer competency skills to prepare for the developing new-collar jobs of the 21st Century. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

SHROOMWELL

HOW SHROOMWELL IS REDEFINING GLOBAL HEALTH AND FORESTRY THROUGH MYCOTECHNOLOGY

Operating out of Estonia, a nation known for its deep connection to nature and a rapidly developing technology sector, Shroomwell stands as a pioneer in the global mycotechnology landscape. The company’s core mission transcends the production of traditional supplements; it aims to bring greater health to both people and the...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

SPRO

End-to-end solutions for agribusiness

It is well known that agribusiness is one of the sectors responsible for sustaining Brazil’s trade balance and feeding the world. Its importance ranges from small rural producers to the agro-industries, with a turnover of 640 billion dollars in 2023. A pioneer in the development of end-to-end technological solutions for...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

JELLYVISION

JELLYVISION-CELEBRATING THREE DECADES IN CHICAGO TECH

CELEBRATING THREE DECADES IN CHICAGO TECH

WHO IS JELLYVISION?Jellyvision is the benefits engagement platform trusted by companies large and small, including many of the Fortune 500. We’re committed to reinventing how employees choose and use benefits, and our sophisticated technology delights and guides employees to make better decisions — leading them and our customers to more...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

TFTAK

PIONEERING FOOD INNOVATION

The Center of Food and Fermentation Technologies (TFTAK), a multidisciplinary CRO based in Estonia, has been a driving force in the advancement of food science and biotechnology since its establishment in 2004. With a mission to support companies in refining bio processes and developing groundbreaking food products, TFTAK has established...

INNOVATION Quebec

CONSEIL DE L’INNOVATION DU QUÉBEC

THE INNOVATION REVOLUTION FOR QUÉBEC’S FUTURE

The mission of the Conseil de l’innovation du Québec is to boost innovation within Québec’s businesses and society. Its team takes action to develop the innovation ecosystem and build a stronger culture of innovation all around the province. From social innovation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development to business prosperity, it’s...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

Imagine Chaleur

Driving Innovation in the Chaleur Region

Something exciting is happening in northeastern New Brunswick. A new wave of economic development is taking shape, blending the region’s traditional strengths with fresh, forward-thinking initiatives. At the heart of this transformation is Imagine Chaleur, the regional economic development agency for the Chaleur Region, working to create a thriving business...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

BIKE TO THE BEACH+ADD IMPACT NETWORK

IS A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INITIATIVE THAT AIMS TO EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS

The foundation of our mission lies in the collective capacity building of local non-profits, and the engagement of community members through events like Bike to the Beach, a renowned national cycling series that raises funds for autism and disabilities. This initiative began as a small gathering of friends who shared...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HIRSCH’S

HIRSCH’S - FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

Hirsch’s has become a name synonymous with service and brand excellence over the years. They have grown into one of the most well-respected and trusted appliance and electronics retailers in the industry in South Africa, and it’s interesting to see how they got there. Allan and Margaret set up their first...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

Bank Zero

A SIMPLE YET ADVANCED DIGITAL BANK, FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS

Bank Zero is a unique and powerful App-based bank with Zero fees and a patented secure card. It caters for both individuals and businesses. Digital, social and financial connectedness is a reality and it’s also a very human trait. Bank Zero supports this directly in its innovative design. By friending...

INNOVATE® Miami

Crowd Capital

Crowd Capital - We make investors happy by keeping families in their homes

We make investors happy by keeping families in their homes

Crowd Capital is a game changing social impact fintech operating at the intersection of crowd financing, investment platforms, and real estate. We help defaulting borrowers secure their homes while delivering above market average financial returns to our customers in a frictionless and transparent way. By leveraging machine learning and mobile...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

intoGo - Find Fun Faster

intoGo - Find Fun Faster

Find Fun Faster with intoGo! The app showcases everything fun to do in our region by tapping simple categories such as Brunch, Cool Date Ideas, Family Fun, and Local Events. intoGo is our cities easiest and most detailed mobile resource for where to go and what’s going on. ,  ...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

HALO

HALO-Impact Before Profit: Halo’s Mission to Transform the World of Investing

Impact Before Profit: Halo’s Mission to Transform the World of Investing

Halo Investing has built the first global marketplace for protective investments, empowering. Through the Halo platform, advisors and investors can easily access structured notes, buffered ETFs, annuities, and a whole suit of tools allowing them to customize, analyze, and manage protective investments tailored to their unique portfolio needs. Halo’s mission...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE

HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE - THROUGHOUT WESTERN EUROPE FOOD PRODUCTION IS KNOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A WHOLE LOT OF GHG-EMISSIONS. HOWEVER

THROUGHOUT WESTERN EUROPE FOOD PRODUCTION IS KNOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A WHOLE LOT OF GHG-EMISSIONS. HOWEVER, THE HOLISTIC APPROACH OF FOOD PRODUCTION SHOWN AT THE INNOVATIVE FARM OF HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE, AIMS TO REDUCE CO2 BY EVERY SINGLE INITIATIVE TAKEN

If you think that every farm in the world which has dairy cattle puts pressure on the climate, it is clear you have never visited Temse! Kris and Ginny Heirbaut are overflowing with circularity and are determined to close all their cycles. Kris’ grandfather used to have a mixed farm...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

INTERFLEXION

DELIVERS AI-POWERED ROLE-PLAY THAT HELPS ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE THEIR CONVERSATION SKILLS

INTERFLEXION WAS FOUNDED TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE COMMUNICATIONS.Interflexion’s co-founders, successful fintech entrepreneur John Muldoon & tech innovator John Hack, had worked together during the dotcom era and bonded over their interest in emerging technologies and organizational performance. In 2019, we were returning from a meeting with a VR expert when we...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

Optical Academy

Has been pioneering the change in the delivery of eye care

Optical Academy- Has been pioneering the change in the delivery of eye care by making eye care the most convenient, affordable, and accessible it has ever been. The company came to life 14 years ago after CEO, Abby Ayoub, crossed paths with a 15-year-old girl who was desperate for an...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Why Casinos Analyzer Is the Bridge Between Players and Trusted Platforms

The online casino world can feel overwhelming for new and experienced players alike. With thousands of platforms offering bonuses, games, and rewards, it is difficult to distinguish trustworthy casinos from risky operators. CasinosAnalyzer acts as a bridge, connecting players to platforms that are not only reliable but also transparent in...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

CODE on the beach

CODE on the beach - North Florida’s premier software development conference

North Florida’s premier software development conference

Founded in 2013 as a non-profit organization, Code on the Beach continues to be North Florida’s premier software development conference. Over the course of 7 years, we have featured hundreds of speakers from around the globe. We have covered everything from programming languages to product management to UI/UX design principles...

Ecosystems