Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Seattle

DEFINED.AI

ENABLING CREATORS OF THE FUTURE - TRANSFORMING AI TRAINING, ONE DATASET AT A TIME

At Defined.ai, our commitment is to enable the builders of AI with ethically sourced data and deliver conversational AI to digitally low-resourced markets. I had the idea of founding the company when I realized how the Conversational AI market was becoming mainstream, and everyone was building multilingual voice search and...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

TOAST

IS ADDRESSING THE GENDER PAY GAP BY INCREASING THE REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THE TECH SECTOR

We know that women approach job applications differently than men do. They are far less likely to apply for positions that are more senior than the one they’re in currently, whereas men are less concerned by that. Still, recruiters and hiring managers are comfortable accepting “women aren’t applying” as a...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

1863 VENTURES

Unleashing Potential

“We’re excited about the continued progress on our path to creating $100B in new wealth by 2030.” In the heart of innovation, where dreams intertwine with reality, 1836 Ventures stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Born from a modest volunteer project at Georgetown, it has evolved into an...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

INVEST PUERTO RICO

WHY PUERTO RICO?

“ARMED WITH AN AMBITIOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, PUERTO RICO IS GIVING GAME-CHANGERS FROM MYRIAD FIELDS THE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES THEY NEED TO MAKE “IT” HAPPEN.” – ELLA WOGER-NIEVES – CEO, INVEST PUERTO RICO The day began like any other: a morning power-walk along the beach under a rising 7:00 a.m....

INNOVATE® Detroit

TECHTOWN DETROIT

Driving equitable economic development through entrepreneurship

“TechTown is foundational to the entrepreneurship community in and around Detroit and integral to Wayne State’s vision for innovation in the region,” said WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. “In addition to elevating entrepreneurs in our community, TechTown’s community-based programs and services create enriching, impactful opportunities beyond the classroom for...

INNOVATE® Nashville

STUDIO BANK

STUDIO BANK

How Studio Bank is fueling Nashville’s creative economy with creative financial solutions and human connections

A bank for creators…A Studio is a place where creators do their thing. Studio Bank exists to empower creators. Whether you’re designing a company or creating a better life for your family, crafting a song or writing code, orchestrating social change or enhancing the quality of care, we launched Studio...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

SAWAI FRAGRANCES USA

PERFECTING THE ART OF FRAGRANCE SINCE 1965

Born in India in 1965, Sawai Fragrances is a traditional Indian manufacturing business that is changing the way the world sees (or smells) perfume, in its new avatar in New Jersey. Sawai Fragrances was founded by Mr. Sawailal Jain in Kanauj, India – an area that is home to a...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

SC TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM

SOUTH CAROLINA’S TECHNICAL COLLEGES ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE

In a state known for its industrious spirit and manufacturing strength, the South Carolina Technical College System has quietly – and powerfully – become the engine driving economic growth, workforce transformation, and social mobility. With 16 colleges strategically located across the state, this system isn’t just preparing students for jobs...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Denmark Technical College

Reimagining the Rural College Landscape

Since 1947, Denmark Technical College has been a lifeline for education and economic mobility in South Carolina’s rural corridor. Established as a training center for African American veterans returning from World War II, Denmark Tech has grown into a proud HBCU with a legacy of service, resilience and transformation. For...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

THE MUNICIPALITY OF OEIRAS ARTS AND CULTURE

THE MUNICIPALITY OF OEIRAS ARTS AND CULTURE-Oeiras

Oeiras, Facing Its Future

In recent decades, Oeiras has seen some very significant changes. Namely, the housing qualification cycle – Oeiras was the first municipality in the country to eliminate shanties, providing decent housing to all residents. The cycle of attracting business, science and innovation is also worth mentioning; Oeiras is home to the...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Airstream Ventures

Airstream Ventures - Business.Entertainment.Sports

Business.Entertainment.Sports

Memorable moments come in many different shapes and sizes. Airstream Ventures partners with events, companies, and non-profits to create those moments and unique experiences that connect the community on a deeper level. In July of 2018, Alan Verlander and Joel Lamp decided to take a risk and leave their current...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

TINDO SOLAR

TINDO SOLAR-Australian Made and Proud of it

Australian Made and Proud of it

FOUNDING STORYTindo Solar has been making solar PV modules in South Australia since 2011, producing more than 280,000 panels and even exporting to Asia. The company was aptly named with ‘Tindo’ meaning ‘sun’ in the Kaurna language. Australians are now demanding sovereign capability for high-quality, durable panels that are custom-made...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

AGGREKO

AGGREKO- GOING GREEN – MEETING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS WITH CLEAN ENERGY

GOING GREEN – MEETING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS WITH CLEAN ENERGY

South Africa will have to make a distinct shift to embrace the new norms in global climate and energy landscape discussions. Current infrastructure relies heavily on fuels that are not necessarily the most environmentally friendly, and this poses a threat to the country’s role in a global energy sector with...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

INNOVATE™ Alberta

ENVOY

ENVOY- MAKES HIRING AND MANAGING AN INTERNATIONAL WORKFORCE A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE

MAKES HIRING AND MANAGING AN INTERNATIONAL WORKFORCE A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE

Envoy is a global immigration services provider offering the only immigration management platform that makes it seamless for companies to hire and manage an international workforce. We combine expert legal representation and proprietary technology to bring efficiency and transparency to the immigration process for employers and employees.   At Envoy...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ESTONIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

A UNIVERSITY BORN OF A VISION

When Estonia regained independence in the early 1990s, its economy was in flux. The country was moving rapidly from a socialist system into the unpredictable, high-speed world of open markets. At that critical juncture, one man – Ülo Pärnits – saw a gap that urgently needed filling. Estonia had bright...

INNOVATE® Nashville

SwitchPoint Ventures

We build companies around pioneering technologies.

Our journey began a decade ago, here in Nashville – a city known for creativity and reinvention. That same spirit shaped how we approach innovation: with collaboration, grit, and a builder’s mindset. At SwitchPoint Ventures, we build companies around pioneering technologies – particularly in AI, data science, and digital innovation...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

NOVAFAST HOLDINGS

BEYOND PIPE DREAMS

Chev. Charles Figallo OAM OSJ is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian-owned private equity business, Novafast Holdings, and its three subsidiaries: DSA, Novafast, and Basetec Services. Based in Kilkenny, South Australia, Novafast Holdings, through its group of companies, offer project management, engineering, design, construction and maintenance services for the...

INNOVATE® Georgia

SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY WORKS (STW)

AND THEIR FLAGSHIP PRODUCT, ZEUS2Q:

System Technology Works, based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, is a pioneering research and product development company focused on transforming the educational landscape through the development of humanoid robots like the Zeus2Q. Founded by Luis Guzman, STW aims to revolutionize the way we interact with and program artificial intelligence (AI) and...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

TERRACYCLE

ON A MISSION TO ELIMINATE THE IDEA OF WASTE

TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Through collaboration and innovation, we’ve developed the world’s first solutions in everything from recycling to reuse. Businesses, government entities, and consumers work with us globally to keep trash out of...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

BOW VALLEY COLLEGE

TRANSFORMING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Bow Valley College has been an access college since 1965, earning a reputation for fast-paced programs that quickly respond to the practical needs of adult students and our economy. On May 16, 2023, the College launched a new Digital Strategy, which outlines how technology will enhance the student experience, improve...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

JLABS @ WASHINGTON, DC

Accelerating Innovation in the Capital Region

Where the corridors of power intersect with groundbreaking research, JLABS @ Washington DC is a haven of innovation. As part of the global Johnson & Johnson Innovation network, JLABS is more than just a state-of-the-art facility; it’s a thriving ecosystem designed to accelerate life sciences innovation. Since its inception, JLABS...

INNOVATION Quebec

C2MI

THE LARGEST ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE IN CANADA

WE’VE BEEN SHAPING QUEBEC’S DIGITAL LANDSCAPE FOR 10 YEARS.Born from a collaboration between the Université de Sherbrooke, Teledyne DALSA, and IBM Canada, inaugurated in July 2012, the MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre is the largest world-class microelectronics research centre in Canada. THE KEY ROLE OF MARKETDRIVEN RESEARCH AND WORKFORCE TRAININGSimulated research...

INNOVATION Quebec

CTRI

CCTT EN RÉSIDUS INDUSTRIELS

Le Centre technologique des résidus industriels (CTRI) a pour mission de soutenir les entreprises et le milieu socio-économique dans les secteurs minier, forestier et agricole. Le centre participe à l’exploration, l’identification et la proposition de solutions novatrices visantà valoriser les résidus industriels et les ressources naturelles sous-utilisées. L’objectif est d’accélérer...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

PRIME CONTROL

REFERENCE FOR INNOVATION IN SOFTWARE TESTING– A VICTORY CELEBRATED AT PARAGON ISG AWARDS BRASIL 2023

Located in the innovative city of Curitiba, Prime Control stands out as a guardian of quality in software testing. With over 15-years of dedicated service, this company has carved out a unique niche, bringing quality and efficiency in to the digital environment. Its team, comprising more than 270 specialists scattered...

INNOVATE® Seattle

DEFINED.AI

ENABLING CREATORS OF THE FUTURE - TRANSFORMING AI TRAINING, ONE DATASET AT A TIME

At Defined.ai, our commitment is to enable the builders of AI with ethically sourced data and deliver conversational AI to digitally low-resourced markets. I had the idea of founding the company when I realized how the Conversational AI market was becoming mainstream, and everyone was building multilingual voice search and...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

TOAST

IS ADDRESSING THE GENDER PAY GAP BY INCREASING THE REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THE TECH SECTOR

We know that women approach job applications differently than men do. They are far less likely to apply for positions that are more senior than the one they’re in currently, whereas men are less concerned by that. Still, recruiters and hiring managers are comfortable accepting “women aren’t applying” as a...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

1863 VENTURES

Unleashing Potential

“We’re excited about the continued progress on our path to creating $100B in new wealth by 2030.” In the heart of innovation, where dreams intertwine with reality, 1836 Ventures stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Born from a modest volunteer project at Georgetown, it has evolved into an...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

INVEST PUERTO RICO

WHY PUERTO RICO?

“ARMED WITH AN AMBITIOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, PUERTO RICO IS GIVING GAME-CHANGERS FROM MYRIAD FIELDS THE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES THEY NEED TO MAKE “IT” HAPPEN.” – ELLA WOGER-NIEVES – CEO, INVEST PUERTO RICO The day began like any other: a morning power-walk along the beach under a rising 7:00 a.m....

INNOVATE® Detroit

TECHTOWN DETROIT

Driving equitable economic development through entrepreneurship

“TechTown is foundational to the entrepreneurship community in and around Detroit and integral to Wayne State’s vision for innovation in the region,” said WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. “In addition to elevating entrepreneurs in our community, TechTown’s community-based programs and services create enriching, impactful opportunities beyond the classroom for...

INNOVATE® Nashville

STUDIO BANK

STUDIO BANK

How Studio Bank is fueling Nashville’s creative economy with creative financial solutions and human connections

A bank for creators…A Studio is a place where creators do their thing. Studio Bank exists to empower creators. Whether you’re designing a company or creating a better life for your family, crafting a song or writing code, orchestrating social change or enhancing the quality of care, we launched Studio...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

SAWAI FRAGRANCES USA

PERFECTING THE ART OF FRAGRANCE SINCE 1965

Born in India in 1965, Sawai Fragrances is a traditional Indian manufacturing business that is changing the way the world sees (or smells) perfume, in its new avatar in New Jersey. Sawai Fragrances was founded by Mr. Sawailal Jain in Kanauj, India – an area that is home to a...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

SC TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM

SOUTH CAROLINA’S TECHNICAL COLLEGES ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE

In a state known for its industrious spirit and manufacturing strength, the South Carolina Technical College System has quietly – and powerfully – become the engine driving economic growth, workforce transformation, and social mobility. With 16 colleges strategically located across the state, this system isn’t just preparing students for jobs...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Denmark Technical College

Reimagining the Rural College Landscape

Since 1947, Denmark Technical College has been a lifeline for education and economic mobility in South Carolina’s rural corridor. Established as a training center for African American veterans returning from World War II, Denmark Tech has grown into a proud HBCU with a legacy of service, resilience and transformation. For...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

THE MUNICIPALITY OF OEIRAS ARTS AND CULTURE

THE MUNICIPALITY OF OEIRAS ARTS AND CULTURE-Oeiras

Oeiras, Facing Its Future

In recent decades, Oeiras has seen some very significant changes. Namely, the housing qualification cycle – Oeiras was the first municipality in the country to eliminate shanties, providing decent housing to all residents. The cycle of attracting business, science and innovation is also worth mentioning; Oeiras is home to the...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Airstream Ventures

Airstream Ventures - Business.Entertainment.Sports

Business.Entertainment.Sports

Memorable moments come in many different shapes and sizes. Airstream Ventures partners with events, companies, and non-profits to create those moments and unique experiences that connect the community on a deeper level. In July of 2018, Alan Verlander and Joel Lamp decided to take a risk and leave their current...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

TINDO SOLAR

TINDO SOLAR-Australian Made and Proud of it

Australian Made and Proud of it

FOUNDING STORYTindo Solar has been making solar PV modules in South Australia since 2011, producing more than 280,000 panels and even exporting to Asia. The company was aptly named with ‘Tindo’ meaning ‘sun’ in the Kaurna language. Australians are now demanding sovereign capability for high-quality, durable panels that are custom-made...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

AGGREKO

AGGREKO- GOING GREEN – MEETING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS WITH CLEAN ENERGY

GOING GREEN – MEETING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS WITH CLEAN ENERGY

South Africa will have to make a distinct shift to embrace the new norms in global climate and energy landscape discussions. Current infrastructure relies heavily on fuels that are not necessarily the most environmentally friendly, and this poses a threat to the country’s role in a global energy sector with...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

INNOVATE™ Alberta

ENVOY

ENVOY- MAKES HIRING AND MANAGING AN INTERNATIONAL WORKFORCE A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE

MAKES HIRING AND MANAGING AN INTERNATIONAL WORKFORCE A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE

Envoy is a global immigration services provider offering the only immigration management platform that makes it seamless for companies to hire and manage an international workforce. We combine expert legal representation and proprietary technology to bring efficiency and transparency to the immigration process for employers and employees.   At Envoy...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ESTONIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

A UNIVERSITY BORN OF A VISION

When Estonia regained independence in the early 1990s, its economy was in flux. The country was moving rapidly from a socialist system into the unpredictable, high-speed world of open markets. At that critical juncture, one man – Ülo Pärnits – saw a gap that urgently needed filling. Estonia had bright...

INNOVATE® Nashville

SwitchPoint Ventures

We build companies around pioneering technologies.

Our journey began a decade ago, here in Nashville – a city known for creativity and reinvention. That same spirit shaped how we approach innovation: with collaboration, grit, and a builder’s mindset. At SwitchPoint Ventures, we build companies around pioneering technologies – particularly in AI, data science, and digital innovation...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

NOVAFAST HOLDINGS

BEYOND PIPE DREAMS

Chev. Charles Figallo OAM OSJ is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian-owned private equity business, Novafast Holdings, and its three subsidiaries: DSA, Novafast, and Basetec Services. Based in Kilkenny, South Australia, Novafast Holdings, through its group of companies, offer project management, engineering, design, construction and maintenance services for the...

INNOVATE® Georgia

SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY WORKS (STW)

AND THEIR FLAGSHIP PRODUCT, ZEUS2Q:

System Technology Works, based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, is a pioneering research and product development company focused on transforming the educational landscape through the development of humanoid robots like the Zeus2Q. Founded by Luis Guzman, STW aims to revolutionize the way we interact with and program artificial intelligence (AI) and...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

TERRACYCLE

ON A MISSION TO ELIMINATE THE IDEA OF WASTE

TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Through collaboration and innovation, we’ve developed the world’s first solutions in everything from recycling to reuse. Businesses, government entities, and consumers work with us globally to keep trash out of...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

BOW VALLEY COLLEGE

TRANSFORMING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Bow Valley College has been an access college since 1965, earning a reputation for fast-paced programs that quickly respond to the practical needs of adult students and our economy. On May 16, 2023, the College launched a new Digital Strategy, which outlines how technology will enhance the student experience, improve...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

JLABS @ WASHINGTON, DC

Accelerating Innovation in the Capital Region

Where the corridors of power intersect with groundbreaking research, JLABS @ Washington DC is a haven of innovation. As part of the global Johnson & Johnson Innovation network, JLABS is more than just a state-of-the-art facility; it’s a thriving ecosystem designed to accelerate life sciences innovation. Since its inception, JLABS...

INNOVATION Quebec

C2MI

THE LARGEST ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE IN CANADA

WE’VE BEEN SHAPING QUEBEC’S DIGITAL LANDSCAPE FOR 10 YEARS.Born from a collaboration between the Université de Sherbrooke, Teledyne DALSA, and IBM Canada, inaugurated in July 2012, the MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre is the largest world-class microelectronics research centre in Canada. THE KEY ROLE OF MARKETDRIVEN RESEARCH AND WORKFORCE TRAININGSimulated research...

INNOVATION Quebec

CTRI

CCTT EN RÉSIDUS INDUSTRIELS

Le Centre technologique des résidus industriels (CTRI) a pour mission de soutenir les entreprises et le milieu socio-économique dans les secteurs minier, forestier et agricole. Le centre participe à l’exploration, l’identification et la proposition de solutions novatrices visantà valoriser les résidus industriels et les ressources naturelles sous-utilisées. L’objectif est d’accélérer...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

PRIME CONTROL

REFERENCE FOR INNOVATION IN SOFTWARE TESTING– A VICTORY CELEBRATED AT PARAGON ISG AWARDS BRASIL 2023

Located in the innovative city of Curitiba, Prime Control stands out as a guardian of quality in software testing. With over 15-years of dedicated service, this company has carved out a unique niche, bringing quality and efficiency in to the digital environment. Its team, comprising more than 270 specialists scattered...

Ecosystems