Stories of Innovation

The South Carolina Research Authority has the distinct honor and responsibility to fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy. In 2024, it contributed over $1.33 billion to the state’s economy and supported 6624 South Carolina-based jobs. The average annual salary of these jobs was almost $92,000, 71% higher than the statewide average....

As a state filled with brilliant minds, access to world-class laboratories and researchers, and high-ranking universities, it only makes sense for Maryland to lead efforts to support the innovation derived from these assets to the commercial market. At the center of this vision stands TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation); founded...

Layla’s mission is to empower Canadians to take control of their mental health....

Albert Bengtson, Birgitte Stjärne, and Roland Williams bring a dynamic blend of expertise and proven strategies that drive transformative innovation in the corporate world. As seasoned leaders in business development, creative strategy, and innovation management, they provide powerful insights tailored to today’s complex and competitive landscape. Their approach empowers organizations...

Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately-owned company, has been a trusted name in South Carolina’s business community since its founding in 1950. Established in Columbia by W.T. Cassels, Sr., the company began with 14 trucks, 20 associates, and a $5,000 loan. From the very beginning, Cassels emphasized a simple yet powerful...

EMPOWERING SEA CHANGE MAKERS & GROWING SOUTH FLORIDA’S BLUE ECONOMY Seaworthy Collective is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports current, aspiring, and underrepresented entrepreneurs driving innovation for ocean and climate impact (AKA BlueTech). Our mission is to make BlueTech accessible and inclusive; bringing all hands on deck via programs to co-create...

Founded nearly four decades ago, the ISACA Atlanta Chapter has evolved significantly over the years while steadfastly adhering to its mission of serving its members, partners, and communities. With nearly 3,000 members across the state, this mission has only gained importance, prompting the current board to innovate and reinforce the...

Blythedale Coastal Estate is a catalytic development with a makeup of near 5,000 residential opportunities including 350 retirement opportunities, Mega Retail and Mega Beach Resort Hotel and Entertainment Developments. The Development is on prime real estate on the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal and will boast schools, sports and more...

ANTHOR IS A CURITIBA BASED STARTUP THAT IS CREATING THE FUTURE OF WORK, REVOLUTIONIZING COMPANIES STAFFING, & CONNECTING GIG WORKERS AND COMPANIES FOR EFFICIENT WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS AND SERVICE LEVELS. Anthor is transforming the retail staffing landscapeLet’s start with a statement: “When you request an Uber, it doesn’t take you three...

Foresight is elevating the sales profession by arming reps with their buyer’s unique needs and pain points so they can have more effective meetings. In the information age, buyers want consultants (not sales reps) to guide them through the process. We make that vision a reality. Freshly baked sourdough and heirloom...

Boomplaats has been in the same family for over a century, nestled in the Maluti Mountains in the south-eastern Free State. This is South Africa’s only certified organic cattle, sheep, and pasture-raised pig farm. Regenerative farming isn’t a new agricultural method. This was the traditional farming way in previous centuries...

Few ready-to-drink beverage brands have captivated the market like Surfside. Since its 2022 launch, Surfside has taken off like a rocket ship, becoming the fastest-growing brand within the entire alcoholic beverage sector. At the close of 2025, Surfside achieved 11.1 million case sales, growing an astounding 6.2 million cases from...

Stockholm has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most dynamic innovation and technology hubs. Known for its thriving startup ecosystem, cutting-edge research, and a strong culture of collaboration, the Swedish capital consistently ranks among the top cities for entrepreneurship and technological advancement. With a highly educated workforce, a...

Yet behind every breakthrough founder, there is a backbone of early believers – angels who provide not only capital, but experience, networks, and confidence at the most fragile stage of company building. For too long, this backbone has been fragmented. Individual angels operate in isolation, limiting their influence. Nordic Angels...

Under the leadership of eight Quebec academic institutions, the Smart-Digital-Green Innovation™ Network (SDG Innov), a first in Canada, was created on January 16, 2019, with a view to meeting industrial needs requiring inter-university collaboration in research and development (R&D), as well as the training of highly qualified personnel to accompany...

Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) are a demanding environment for reliable interconnects and component attachment on the Printed Electronics world. FHE is typically comprised of the combination of simple printed circuitry made with conductive inks and more complexelectronics using microchips, and other high functionality components like LED’s and resistors. These components...

Established in 2004 through a visionary initiative that included the University of Michigan and other community leaders, Ann Arbor SPARK was created to transform Ann Arbor into a national hub for innovation, business, and talent. Today, it is a catalyst for innovation and economic growth. Ann Arbor SPARK helps drive...

Bristol: a globally celebrated City of Film Since 2017, Bristol has been a UNESCO City of Film, one of 18 cities to hold this permanent global status recognising world-leading achievement in the field of film and the moving image. It is also a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network,...

S’unir pour plus de puissanceLe Québec est un pionnier dans le domaine du calcul informatique de pointe au pays. Dès 1992, plusieurs collaborations interinstitutionnelles voient le jour. Ces collaborations permettent d’acquérir des superordinateurs et de développer l’expertise locale nécessaire pour soutenir la communauté de la recherche. Il y a 30...

In just three decades, Estonia has built a thriving liberal democracy and the world’s most advanced digital society. Estonia gives the world in flux an example to follow. Succeeding at change is Estonia’s superpower. 100% digital. 0% bureaucracy. Known globally for e-governance and the e-Residency programme, Estonia also boasts the...

Redbrick LMD is reshaping Washington, D.C.’s skyline and redefining urban living. This organization is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, transforming the region’s real estate development landscape. With a focus on long-term societal trends and a commitment to community, Redbrick is not just constructing buildings; it’s crafting legacies. A...

SpécialisationLe Centre de recherche pour l’inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap (CRISPESH) est un centre collégial de recherche appliquée et de transfert (CCTT) en pratiques sociales novatrices affilié au cégep du Vieux Montréal et au collège Dawson. Ses champs d’expertises sont l’inclusion scolaire, professionnelle et sociale des personnes en...

The Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER) will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024. Attached to the Université du Québec à Rimouski, ISMER is a world reference in research, training and innovation in marine sciences in a sustainable development and climate change perspective. ISMER is the most...

Las Olas Venture Capital (LOVC) stands out in the venture capital ecosystem as an early-stage firm dedicated to transforming the B2B software sector. Founded in 2015 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, LOVC has quickly distinguished itself by leading investment rounds with an initial check size typically ranging from $1...