Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ Toronto

MERIC S. GERTLER

MERIC S. GERTLER PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ” INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE ” “U of T’s remarkable diversity provides both a springboard to social mobility and a superb environment for education, research and innovation.” – MERIC S. GERTLER, PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO The strength of Toronto’s higher education, research and innovation enterprise...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

DCI MARKETING

CELEBRATING ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2024, DCI MARKETING FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INNOVATION FOCUSED ON SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS FOR FORTUNE 50 COMPANIES, MAJOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS.

As American forces crossed the English Channel to liberate France in June 1944, Milwaukee native Lloyd A. Sauer was thinking forward to a post-war era. Sauer purchased a small company called ColorPrint Products Printing and began producing window signage for shoe stores. But it was Cadillac and Harley-Davidson that propelled...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

THE HYGIENE CO.

Some plastic is visible to consumers and some is hidden… wipes are 25,000,000 kgs!

With innovation at the core of founders Phil Scardigno and Corey White’s approach, they saw the volume of plastic waste in each of their respective manufacturing and importing businesses and knew something needed to change. More plastic = more wasteRight now, volumes of plastics continue to grow in our global...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

STRATUS INDUSTRIES

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA Stratus Industries, established in 2013, is redefining manufacturing by combining traditional strengths with a tech-driven approach. Led by co-founder Lyle Stoflet, the company embodies the motto “Make Manufacturing Cool Again,” aiming to reshape an industry often seen...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

UNISA AND ACCENTURE PARTNER TO PLUG THE DIGITAL SKILLS GAP

THE BACHELOR OF DIGITAL BUSINESS IS TRAINING THE BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE FUTUREDigital innovation is transforming the business world at an unprecedented rate, and while it is an exciting time in many ways, keeping up with that rapid change is a daunting prospect for many people working in the sector....

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

NAKO TIMEPIECES

NAKO TIMEPIECES- A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Born and designed in Gaborone, Botswana Nako Timepieces are merging innovation and luxury watchmaking that is proudly rooted in Botswana. BRAND PERSONALITYAn embodiment of Afrocentrism, Tswana origins, selfdiscovery, character and endurance. Having stepped over the line of classic iconic style and into the realm of simplicity — Nako Timepieces identifies...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Surgo Health

Leading the Charge in Decoding Human Behavior for Healthcare Innovation

Leading the Charge in Decoding Human Behavior for Healthcare Innovation Surgo Health, a behavioral AI company based in Washington, DC, is transforming the healthcare landscape with its innovative approach. The company is driven by a mission to empower the healthcare ecosystem with the deepest understanding of human behavior, utilizing proprietary...

INNOVATION Quebec

Le CERMA

CERMA - at the heart of collaborative research

au cœur de la recherche collaborative

Le Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés de l’Université Laval (CERMA) à Québec se consacre à des études fondamentales et appliquées visant à développer des matériaux pouvant bénéficier à la société québécoise. Son mandat consiste à faire avancer les connaissances fondamentales et appliquées en science des matériaux, former du...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

SKYFIELD MARKETING

SKYFIELD MARKETING-WAS ESTABLISHED TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR EVENT TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITAL EVENT BRANDING. THE COMPANY SERVICES MOSTLY ADVERTISING AGENCIES

WAS ESTABLISHED TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR EVENT TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITAL EVENT BRANDING. THE COMPANY SERVICES MOSTLY ADVERTISING AGENCIES, EVENTS COMPANIES AS WELL AS LARGE CORPORATES

Event WiFi RentalsEvent venues often do not have adequate WiFi to service their visitors and this is where SKYFIELD will assist. At indoor events, the venue may have a fiber line but it is overloaded and slow, exhibitors often need to have fast WiFi to demonstrate their products or do...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

THE WATER COUNCIL

INNOVATING THE FUTURE: THE WATER COUNCIL’S VISIONARY JOURNEY

In the heart of Milwaukee, where the vast expanse of Lake Michigan meets the city’s vibrant streets, a transformation in water technology and stewardship is underway. This isn’t just a story of a city that grew from the rich waters of the Great Lakes; it’s a narrative of revolution, where...

INNOVATE® Nashville

FIRSTBANK

FIRSTBANK-PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW WAVE

PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW WAVE

It’s not often you hear about companies that thrive for over a century, but FirstBank, from its humble start in rural West Tennessee in 1906 continues to evolve and conquer 117 years later. From its original mission of serving a small-town farming community, FirstBank, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee with a...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

MKE TECH HUB

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION DRIVING A FUTURE OF IMPACT

Shaped by a rich industrial legacy, Milwaukee is evolving into a beacon of modern innovation. With biohealth, AI, water, energy technology, smart manufacturing, and financial services leading the way, Milwaukee’s dynamic ecosystem is not only thriving, but attracting attention from investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators worldwide. Here, tradition meets technology, and...

INNOVATE® Nashville

AllianceBernstein

Focused on Expanding our Talent Pipeline through Strategic Relationship

AllianceBernstein (AB) is a leading global investment management firm, offering diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals, and private wealth clients in major world markets. In 2018, AB announced its relocation from Midtown Manhattan to Nashville, Tennessee, creating 1,000 high-paying jobs. During that process, AB recognized the strength of the...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

FOXTRAIL CANADA

(RE)DISCOVERING VANCOUVER WITH THE CLEVER FOX

What if you were challenged to go outside to solve puzzles, find and play with hidden objects, and enjoy sightseeing and off-the-beaten-path gems in beautiful Vancouver? Yes, we know you’d say yes. Foxtrail is a popular outdoor self-guided team-building adventure that combines scavenger hunts, escape games, and sightseeing. Founded 21...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

POTATO IMPROVER

ENGINEERING RESILIENCE IN THE AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

In a world of rapidly rising temperatures and unstable growing conditions, Potato Improver is reshaping the future of agriculture by empowering one of the world’s most essential food crops—potatoes—to thrive in heat-stressed environments. Founded with a singular mission to safeguard global food security, this Swedish biotech startup has developed a...

INNOVATION Quebec

ZONE AGTECH

STIMULATING THE EMERGENCE AND PROPELLING INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES IN QUEBEC

Since 2020, Quebec has been a pioneer in innovative agricultural technologies and plant bioproducts thanks to the development of Zone Agtech, a localized innovation ecosystem near the city of Montreal in the MRC of L’Assomption. Its mission? It is to intensify the development of clean, efficient and viable innovative technologies...

INNOVATE® Nashville

TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY-Was the first university in Nashville to offer weekend and evening formats for adults who are balancing school

Was the first university in Nashville to offer weekend and evening formats for adults who are balancing school, work and family life

Located in the heart of Nashville, Trevecca offers students an exciting, fulfilling college experience as they pursue a personal calling in a thriving city. A Christian liberal arts university, Trevecca’s diverse, supportive community is a safe haven for spiritual and personal growth, vocational discernment and opportunities for service.   Growth...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

METTĀ CREATIVE

GATHERING INTENTIONALLY IN THE PRESENT TO CO-CREATE A BETTER FUTURE

Born out of a desire for an alternative to unfulfilling college night-life, Mettā Creative has existed on the fringes of DMV culture since November 2016. Mettā, which means “loving-kindness” in Sanskrit, is a bonding agent, a glue between people, their community, and the public good. In the early days, Creative...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

THE SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

NANCY VERMEULEN TRAINS ASPIRING ASTRONAUTS IN HER SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

People who see space as a playground for the super-rich fail to see the most crucial characteristic: space is a huge source of innovation....

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ROOFIT.SOLAR

INNOVATING FOR A COOLER PLANET

A Global Mission for Sustainability Roofit.Solar, an Estonia-based company, is transforming the global energy landscape with its mission: “For a cooler planet.” Founded on the principles of sustainability and innovation, Roofit.Solar seamlessly combines cutting-edge solar technology with high-quality metal roofing to offer a visually appealing and energy-efficient solution. Global Reach...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

TPR @ UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP

Your partner for research and training on transport and regional economics

TPR was founded as a research group within the University of Antwerp in the mid-1990s. It is committed to being an international center of excellence for fundamental and applied academic training, research, and service provision in transport economics, logistics, and regional economics. Its mission is to enhance transport and logistics...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

EBANX

LEADING PAYMENTS PARTNER FOR GLOBAL COMPANIES IN RISING MARKETS

EBANX is a global technology company that offers payment solutions to connect clients from rising markets and global companies, promoting access to their products and services. Through technology and a proprietary platform, EBANX enables global companies to offer local payment methods from countries in the fastest-growing regions: Latin America, Africa...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

MAUNGO CRAFT

MAUNGO CRAFT - RE-INTEGRATING ORPHAN CROPS BACK INTO THE FOOD SYSTEM

RE-INTEGRATING ORPHAN CROPS BACK INTO THE FOOD SYSTEM, ONE FLAVOR AT A TIME

Morula also known as Marula is one such Orphan Crop. We are a food manufacturer that has formed symbiotic relationships with Morula oil companies and local farmers. We upcycle the fruit pulp that is typically underutilized, the processors press the seed to get seed oil and then they sell the...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

TECHSTARS TORONTO ACCELERATOR

TECHSTARS TORONTO ACCELERATOR- Is The Worldwide Network That Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed

Is The Worldwide Network That Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed

For the past 15 years, Techstars has been running 3-month tech accelerators across the world. Names such as SendGrid, Digital Ocean, Latch, Classpass, Remitly and Kepler Aerospace are some of the 3000 alumni companies to have graduated from a Techstars program.   For 5 years Techstars has operated in Toronto....

INNOVATE™ Toronto

MERIC S. GERTLER

MERIC S. GERTLER PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ” INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE ” “U of T’s remarkable diversity provides both a springboard to social mobility and a superb environment for education, research and innovation.” – MERIC S. GERTLER, PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO The strength of Toronto’s higher education, research and innovation enterprise...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

DCI MARKETING

CELEBRATING ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2024, DCI MARKETING FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INNOVATION FOCUSED ON SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS FOR FORTUNE 50 COMPANIES, MAJOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS.

As American forces crossed the English Channel to liberate France in June 1944, Milwaukee native Lloyd A. Sauer was thinking forward to a post-war era. Sauer purchased a small company called ColorPrint Products Printing and began producing window signage for shoe stores. But it was Cadillac and Harley-Davidson that propelled...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

THE HYGIENE CO.

Some plastic is visible to consumers and some is hidden… wipes are 25,000,000 kgs!

With innovation at the core of founders Phil Scardigno and Corey White’s approach, they saw the volume of plastic waste in each of their respective manufacturing and importing businesses and knew something needed to change. More plastic = more wasteRight now, volumes of plastics continue to grow in our global...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

STRATUS INDUSTRIES

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA Stratus Industries, established in 2013, is redefining manufacturing by combining traditional strengths with a tech-driven approach. Led by co-founder Lyle Stoflet, the company embodies the motto “Make Manufacturing Cool Again,” aiming to reshape an industry often seen...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

UNISA AND ACCENTURE PARTNER TO PLUG THE DIGITAL SKILLS GAP

THE BACHELOR OF DIGITAL BUSINESS IS TRAINING THE BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE FUTUREDigital innovation is transforming the business world at an unprecedented rate, and while it is an exciting time in many ways, keeping up with that rapid change is a daunting prospect for many people working in the sector....

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

NAKO TIMEPIECES

NAKO TIMEPIECES- A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Born and designed in Gaborone, Botswana Nako Timepieces are merging innovation and luxury watchmaking that is proudly rooted in Botswana. BRAND PERSONALITYAn embodiment of Afrocentrism, Tswana origins, selfdiscovery, character and endurance. Having stepped over the line of classic iconic style and into the realm of simplicity — Nako Timepieces identifies...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Surgo Health

Leading the Charge in Decoding Human Behavior for Healthcare Innovation

Leading the Charge in Decoding Human Behavior for Healthcare Innovation Surgo Health, a behavioral AI company based in Washington, DC, is transforming the healthcare landscape with its innovative approach. The company is driven by a mission to empower the healthcare ecosystem with the deepest understanding of human behavior, utilizing proprietary...

INNOVATION Quebec

Le CERMA

CERMA - at the heart of collaborative research

au cœur de la recherche collaborative

Le Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés de l’Université Laval (CERMA) à Québec se consacre à des études fondamentales et appliquées visant à développer des matériaux pouvant bénéficier à la société québécoise. Son mandat consiste à faire avancer les connaissances fondamentales et appliquées en science des matériaux, former du...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

SKYFIELD MARKETING

SKYFIELD MARKETING-WAS ESTABLISHED TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR EVENT TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITAL EVENT BRANDING. THE COMPANY SERVICES MOSTLY ADVERTISING AGENCIES

WAS ESTABLISHED TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR EVENT TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITAL EVENT BRANDING. THE COMPANY SERVICES MOSTLY ADVERTISING AGENCIES, EVENTS COMPANIES AS WELL AS LARGE CORPORATES

Event WiFi RentalsEvent venues often do not have adequate WiFi to service their visitors and this is where SKYFIELD will assist. At indoor events, the venue may have a fiber line but it is overloaded and slow, exhibitors often need to have fast WiFi to demonstrate their products or do...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

THE WATER COUNCIL

INNOVATING THE FUTURE: THE WATER COUNCIL’S VISIONARY JOURNEY

In the heart of Milwaukee, where the vast expanse of Lake Michigan meets the city’s vibrant streets, a transformation in water technology and stewardship is underway. This isn’t just a story of a city that grew from the rich waters of the Great Lakes; it’s a narrative of revolution, where...

INNOVATE® Nashville

FIRSTBANK

FIRSTBANK-PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW WAVE

PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW WAVE

It’s not often you hear about companies that thrive for over a century, but FirstBank, from its humble start in rural West Tennessee in 1906 continues to evolve and conquer 117 years later. From its original mission of serving a small-town farming community, FirstBank, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee with a...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

MKE TECH HUB

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION DRIVING A FUTURE OF IMPACT

Shaped by a rich industrial legacy, Milwaukee is evolving into a beacon of modern innovation. With biohealth, AI, water, energy technology, smart manufacturing, and financial services leading the way, Milwaukee’s dynamic ecosystem is not only thriving, but attracting attention from investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators worldwide. Here, tradition meets technology, and...

INNOVATE® Nashville

AllianceBernstein

Focused on Expanding our Talent Pipeline through Strategic Relationship

AllianceBernstein (AB) is a leading global investment management firm, offering diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals, and private wealth clients in major world markets. In 2018, AB announced its relocation from Midtown Manhattan to Nashville, Tennessee, creating 1,000 high-paying jobs. During that process, AB recognized the strength of the...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

FOXTRAIL CANADA

(RE)DISCOVERING VANCOUVER WITH THE CLEVER FOX

What if you were challenged to go outside to solve puzzles, find and play with hidden objects, and enjoy sightseeing and off-the-beaten-path gems in beautiful Vancouver? Yes, we know you’d say yes. Foxtrail is a popular outdoor self-guided team-building adventure that combines scavenger hunts, escape games, and sightseeing. Founded 21...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

POTATO IMPROVER

ENGINEERING RESILIENCE IN THE AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

In a world of rapidly rising temperatures and unstable growing conditions, Potato Improver is reshaping the future of agriculture by empowering one of the world’s most essential food crops—potatoes—to thrive in heat-stressed environments. Founded with a singular mission to safeguard global food security, this Swedish biotech startup has developed a...

INNOVATION Quebec

ZONE AGTECH

STIMULATING THE EMERGENCE AND PROPELLING INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES IN QUEBEC

Since 2020, Quebec has been a pioneer in innovative agricultural technologies and plant bioproducts thanks to the development of Zone Agtech, a localized innovation ecosystem near the city of Montreal in the MRC of L’Assomption. Its mission? It is to intensify the development of clean, efficient and viable innovative technologies...

INNOVATE® Nashville

TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY-Was the first university in Nashville to offer weekend and evening formats for adults who are balancing school

Was the first university in Nashville to offer weekend and evening formats for adults who are balancing school, work and family life

Located in the heart of Nashville, Trevecca offers students an exciting, fulfilling college experience as they pursue a personal calling in a thriving city. A Christian liberal arts university, Trevecca’s diverse, supportive community is a safe haven for spiritual and personal growth, vocational discernment and opportunities for service.   Growth...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

METTĀ CREATIVE

GATHERING INTENTIONALLY IN THE PRESENT TO CO-CREATE A BETTER FUTURE

Born out of a desire for an alternative to unfulfilling college night-life, Mettā Creative has existed on the fringes of DMV culture since November 2016. Mettā, which means “loving-kindness” in Sanskrit, is a bonding agent, a glue between people, their community, and the public good. In the early days, Creative...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

THE SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

NANCY VERMEULEN TRAINS ASPIRING ASTRONAUTS IN HER SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

People who see space as a playground for the super-rich fail to see the most crucial characteristic: space is a huge source of innovation....

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ROOFIT.SOLAR

INNOVATING FOR A COOLER PLANET

A Global Mission for Sustainability Roofit.Solar, an Estonia-based company, is transforming the global energy landscape with its mission: “For a cooler planet.” Founded on the principles of sustainability and innovation, Roofit.Solar seamlessly combines cutting-edge solar technology with high-quality metal roofing to offer a visually appealing and energy-efficient solution. Global Reach...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

TPR @ UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP

Your partner for research and training on transport and regional economics

TPR was founded as a research group within the University of Antwerp in the mid-1990s. It is committed to being an international center of excellence for fundamental and applied academic training, research, and service provision in transport economics, logistics, and regional economics. Its mission is to enhance transport and logistics...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

EBANX

LEADING PAYMENTS PARTNER FOR GLOBAL COMPANIES IN RISING MARKETS

EBANX is a global technology company that offers payment solutions to connect clients from rising markets and global companies, promoting access to their products and services. Through technology and a proprietary platform, EBANX enables global companies to offer local payment methods from countries in the fastest-growing regions: Latin America, Africa...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

MAUNGO CRAFT

MAUNGO CRAFT - RE-INTEGRATING ORPHAN CROPS BACK INTO THE FOOD SYSTEM

RE-INTEGRATING ORPHAN CROPS BACK INTO THE FOOD SYSTEM, ONE FLAVOR AT A TIME

Morula also known as Marula is one such Orphan Crop. We are a food manufacturer that has formed symbiotic relationships with Morula oil companies and local farmers. We upcycle the fruit pulp that is typically underutilized, the processors press the seed to get seed oil and then they sell the...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

TECHSTARS TORONTO ACCELERATOR

TECHSTARS TORONTO ACCELERATOR- Is The Worldwide Network That Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed

Is The Worldwide Network That Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed

For the past 15 years, Techstars has been running 3-month tech accelerators across the world. Names such as SendGrid, Digital Ocean, Latch, Classpass, Remitly and Kepler Aerospace are some of the 3000 alumni companies to have graduated from a Techstars program.   For 5 years Techstars has operated in Toronto....

Ecosystems