Stories of Innovation
INNOVATE™ South Africa
THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY SOC LTD (SANRAL)
IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORM THE PUBLIC SECTOR, THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY SOC LTD (SANRAL) WAS ESTABLISHED IN APRIL 1998 BY AN ACT OF PARLIAMENT, AS AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY COMPANY OPERATING ALONG COMMERCIAL LINES AND AT ARM’S LENGTH FROM GOVERNMENT
WITH A MANDATE TO FINANCE, DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK OF OVER 22 000 KM, SANRAL LEADS THE WAY ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN A POST-COVID SOUTH AFRICA. Innovation is at the forefront of SANRAL’s agenda in the infrastructure development space. In recent years the Agency has increasingly...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
LETSHEGO HOLDINGS
BOTSWANA-BORN LETSHEGO ADOPTS INNOVATION ACROSS FUNCTIONS TO ACHIEVE FUTURE-FIT VISION FOR PAN-AFRICAN OPERATION
Since first opening its doors in Gaborone 24 years ago, inclusive finance leader, Letshego Holdings Limited, has extended its reach into 11 sub Saharan markets through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The Group went public with its listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange in 2002. As one of Botswana’s few...
INNOVATE® Nashville
MOTUS DRIVE
PRACTICAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS
Motus Drive was founded by Ferhan Jemal after seeing firsthand the challenges his uncle faced due to limited mobility and the high costs associated with powered wheelchairs. Motivated by this experience, Ferhan spent eight years studying the wheelchair market, talking with industry experts, prototyping, and gathering direct feedback from wheelchair...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S
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® Washington DMV Edition
AMPLE
EMPOWERING CREATORS THROUGH THE TOKENIZATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Ample is building a web3 distribution, streaming and financing infrastructure platform that supports films, shows and music. Tokenizing professional level creative IP, building a distribution network and token ecosystem to support future growth of the $2 trillion global media and entertainment market. The legacy entertainment industry is broken and antiquated....
INNOVATE™ Alberta
INCEPTIONU
The Un-School challenging Calgarians to think and build differently
Have you ever thought about the difference between being future proof or future fit? InceptionU co-founders Margo Purcell and Greg Hart certainly have. In fact, the two Calgary professionals have built a business around it. InceptionU is a place of meaningful learning where individuals, businesses and organizations go to learn...
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™ Botswana Vol.1
THE GIFT PLACE
THE TRUE VALUE OF A GIFT IS THE SENTIMENT BEHIND THE GIFTING
NOTE FROM FOUNDER A few years ago, I realized how strenuous it is for some to come up with or present a thoughtful gift for any occasion. The idea of The Gift Place grew from my passion to create a gift by simply sourcing various items from different outlets to...
INNOVATE® Nashville
Pathway Lending
Innovation with Purpose: Transforming How Communities Access Capital
In Middle Tennessee’s fast-growing economy, small businesses are driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of communities. But too often, promising businesses and catalytic projects can’t access traditional financing. That’s where Pathway Lending steps in. As a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Nashville, Pathway strengthens communities...
INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada
SMARTSKIN TECHNOLOGIES
HARNESSING DATA TO OPTIMIZE GLOBAL PRODUCTION
Fredericton-based SmartSkin Technologies is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical and beverage manufacturing industries through innovative sensor technology and data-driven solutions. Using a combination of advanced patented sensor technology and sophisticated data analytics, SmartSkin identifies and solves issues in production and bottling lines, helping companies optimize production, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. This...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
JLABS @ Toronto
Not by Chance – By Choice
At Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS), our goal is to provide the optimal environment for emerging life science companies to catalyze growth by exposing them to vital industry connections, delivering entrepreneurial programs, and providing a capital-efficient, flexible platform where they can transform the scientific discoveries of today into...
INNOVATE® Nashville
GENERAL MOTORS SPRING HILL
FROM FIXED TO FLEXIBLE
The Rise of Adaptive Manufacturing Systems The future of mobility isn’t on the horizon. It’s unfolding around us, reshaping how vehicles are designed, powered, and produced. Electric vehicles are gaining market share, autonomous technology is being deployed, supply chains are being rebuilt, and new technologies are reshaping manufacturing. In this...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
POCKETPILLS
CANADA'S ONLINE PHARMACY: THROUGH OUR EASY-TO-USE APP AND WEBSITE, YOU CAN FILL PRESCRIPTIONS ONLINE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME WITH FREE DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN CANADA
OUR MISSIONPocketpills’ mission is to improve accessibility and affordability of prescription medication for Canadians to live healthier lives. OUR GOALPocketpills always puts you at the front of the line! No more waiting, chasing refills, or missing your doses. Medications are delivereddirectly to you in discreet packaging. We even offer same...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
BRICKEYE
Mission-Critical Insights To Drive Safety, Resilience, And Sustainability
Brickeye is a leader in industrial internet of things (IoT) and data analytics for risk mitigation in construction and infrastructure management. We empower customers to build and manage their projects and assets safer, smarter, and better. By integrating actionable, real-time data from IoT-enabled sensors and predictive analytics, we enable customers...
INNOVATION Quebec
CILEX
DEDICATED TO ENTREPRENEURS OF TODAY AND OF THE FUTURE
Created in 2005 as the Language Technologies Research Centre, the incubator-accelerator Cilex has always nursed a great passion for technological innovation. Reoriented in 2014 and renamed Cilex in 2016, the non-profit organization is now dedicated to the development of a culture of innovation in the entire Outaouais region and the...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
Innovation is about harnessing change, testing boundaries, and deciding to lead instead of follow. True, the process is rarely simple (let alone straightforward), but those who take the risk get a chance to write their futures. There’s no “right” path to innovation. As our experiences at KPMG’s Ignition Center reveal...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
TECHNICAL.LY
THE DMV REGION: A GROWING HUB FOR STARTUP AND TECH INNOVATION
THE DMV REGION: A GROWING HUB FOR STARTUP AND TECH INNOVATION Authors: Sameer Rao & Kaela Roeder, Technical.ly The DMV region is a bustling hub of innovation, startups, and technology. It is home to over 6 million people and extends across three jurisdictions: the District of Columbia, the Maryland suburbs,...
INNOVATE® Detroit
Menace Media
A Movement of Creativity, Community, and Change
Menace Media was born in the heart of Detroit, a city built on resilience, creativity, and cultural revolution. More than just a media company, Menace Media is a movement—a platform designed to uplift, empower, and unite creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. What started as a passion project among friends has grown...
INNOVATE® Nashville
JE Dunn
Delivering Construction Solutions
JE Dunn Construction, founded in 1924, is the sixth-largest domestic general building contractor in the United States with offices in 26 locations. They endeavor to be an indispensable business partner, thoroughly understanding their client’s vision so they can deliver construction solutions that meet their needs. For over 30 years, JE...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
INVERTED VENTURES
WE FINANCE PARADIGM SHIFTS
FINANCING PARADIGM SHIFTSA paradigm shift is a revolutionary and disruptive change in the human experience. Inverted Ventures is a single family office of investors with a passion for technology that radically improves the human experience. We invest in founders with visions for the future that will lead to fundamental changes...
INNOVATE® South Florida
FPL
FPL - ENGINEER AND FORMER COMPETITOR HELPS STUDENTS BUILD AWARD-WINNING ROBOTS
The clock is ticking, and Zach Dean is rushing to put the final touches on a robot that’s minutes away from entering a battle arena. His high school robotics team, S.P.A.M., is gearing up to compete at the Broward County Convention Center, where game controllers and laptops guide robots through...
INNOVATE™ Flanders
dunden
A Community of Innovators: dunden’s Vision for Healthcare Impact
In the vibrant heart of Antwerp, nestled within the enchanting Botanical Garden, dunden is revolutionizing healthcare innovation as Flanders’ dynamic epicenter for tech-driven startups and scale-ups. Blending historical charms with contemporary amenities, dunden isn’t just a workspace – it’s a curated tech community dedicated to impacting lives through groundbreaking healthcare...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
RAPID RADICALS
UNLEASHING INNOVATION: RAPID RADICALS’ TORRENTIAL TRIUMPH
In July 2010, nine inches of rain fell in a very short amount of time, filling the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s (MMSD) service area pipes with some 64 billion gallons of water. A storm of this severity is only likely to occur once every 500 years, but the frequency is...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY SOC LTD (SANRAL)
IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORM THE PUBLIC SECTOR, THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY SOC LTD (SANRAL) WAS ESTABLISHED IN APRIL 1998 BY AN ACT OF PARLIAMENT, AS AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY COMPANY OPERATING ALONG COMMERCIAL LINES AND AT ARM’S LENGTH FROM GOVERNMENT
WITH A MANDATE TO FINANCE, DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK OF OVER 22 000 KM, SANRAL LEADS THE WAY ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN A POST-COVID SOUTH AFRICA. Innovation is at the forefront of SANRAL’s agenda in the infrastructure development space. In recent years the Agency has increasingly...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
LETSHEGO HOLDINGS
BOTSWANA-BORN LETSHEGO ADOPTS INNOVATION ACROSS FUNCTIONS TO ACHIEVE FUTURE-FIT VISION FOR PAN-AFRICAN OPERATION
Since first opening its doors in Gaborone 24 years ago, inclusive finance leader, Letshego Holdings Limited, has extended its reach into 11 sub Saharan markets through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The Group went public with its listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange in 2002. As one of Botswana’s few...
INNOVATE® Nashville
MOTUS DRIVE
PRACTICAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS
Motus Drive was founded by Ferhan Jemal after seeing firsthand the challenges his uncle faced due to limited mobility and the high costs associated with powered wheelchairs. Motivated by this experience, Ferhan spent eight years studying the wheelchair market, talking with industry experts, prototyping, and gathering direct feedback from wheelchair...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S
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® Washington DMV Edition
AMPLE
EMPOWERING CREATORS THROUGH THE TOKENIZATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Ample is building a web3 distribution, streaming and financing infrastructure platform that supports films, shows and music. Tokenizing professional level creative IP, building a distribution network and token ecosystem to support future growth of the $2 trillion global media and entertainment market. The legacy entertainment industry is broken and antiquated....
INNOVATE™ Alberta
INCEPTIONU
The Un-School challenging Calgarians to think and build differently
Have you ever thought about the difference between being future proof or future fit? InceptionU co-founders Margo Purcell and Greg Hart certainly have. In fact, the two Calgary professionals have built a business around it. InceptionU is a place of meaningful learning where individuals, businesses and organizations go to learn...
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™ Botswana Vol.1
THE GIFT PLACE
THE TRUE VALUE OF A GIFT IS THE SENTIMENT BEHIND THE GIFTING
NOTE FROM FOUNDER A few years ago, I realized how strenuous it is for some to come up with or present a thoughtful gift for any occasion. The idea of The Gift Place grew from my passion to create a gift by simply sourcing various items from different outlets to...
INNOVATE® Nashville
Pathway Lending
Innovation with Purpose: Transforming How Communities Access Capital
In Middle Tennessee’s fast-growing economy, small businesses are driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of communities. But too often, promising businesses and catalytic projects can’t access traditional financing. That’s where Pathway Lending steps in. As a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Nashville, Pathway strengthens communities...
INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada
SMARTSKIN TECHNOLOGIES
HARNESSING DATA TO OPTIMIZE GLOBAL PRODUCTION
Fredericton-based SmartSkin Technologies is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical and beverage manufacturing industries through innovative sensor technology and data-driven solutions. Using a combination of advanced patented sensor technology and sophisticated data analytics, SmartSkin identifies and solves issues in production and bottling lines, helping companies optimize production, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. This...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
JLABS @ Toronto
Not by Chance – By Choice
At Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS), our goal is to provide the optimal environment for emerging life science companies to catalyze growth by exposing them to vital industry connections, delivering entrepreneurial programs, and providing a capital-efficient, flexible platform where they can transform the scientific discoveries of today into...
INNOVATE® Nashville
GENERAL MOTORS SPRING HILL
FROM FIXED TO FLEXIBLE
The Rise of Adaptive Manufacturing Systems The future of mobility isn’t on the horizon. It’s unfolding around us, reshaping how vehicles are designed, powered, and produced. Electric vehicles are gaining market share, autonomous technology is being deployed, supply chains are being rebuilt, and new technologies are reshaping manufacturing. In this...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
POCKETPILLS
CANADA'S ONLINE PHARMACY: THROUGH OUR EASY-TO-USE APP AND WEBSITE, YOU CAN FILL PRESCRIPTIONS ONLINE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME WITH FREE DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN CANADA
OUR MISSIONPocketpills’ mission is to improve accessibility and affordability of prescription medication for Canadians to live healthier lives. OUR GOALPocketpills always puts you at the front of the line! No more waiting, chasing refills, or missing your doses. Medications are delivereddirectly to you in discreet packaging. We even offer same...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
BRICKEYE
Mission-Critical Insights To Drive Safety, Resilience, And Sustainability
Brickeye is a leader in industrial internet of things (IoT) and data analytics for risk mitigation in construction and infrastructure management. We empower customers to build and manage their projects and assets safer, smarter, and better. By integrating actionable, real-time data from IoT-enabled sensors and predictive analytics, we enable customers...
INNOVATION Quebec
CILEX
DEDICATED TO ENTREPRENEURS OF TODAY AND OF THE FUTURE
Created in 2005 as the Language Technologies Research Centre, the incubator-accelerator Cilex has always nursed a great passion for technological innovation. Reoriented in 2014 and renamed Cilex in 2016, the non-profit organization is now dedicated to the development of a culture of innovation in the entire Outaouais region and the...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
Innovation is about harnessing change, testing boundaries, and deciding to lead instead of follow. True, the process is rarely simple (let alone straightforward), but those who take the risk get a chance to write their futures. There’s no “right” path to innovation. As our experiences at KPMG’s Ignition Center reveal...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
TECHNICAL.LY
THE DMV REGION: A GROWING HUB FOR STARTUP AND TECH INNOVATION
THE DMV REGION: A GROWING HUB FOR STARTUP AND TECH INNOVATION Authors: Sameer Rao & Kaela Roeder, Technical.ly The DMV region is a bustling hub of innovation, startups, and technology. It is home to over 6 million people and extends across three jurisdictions: the District of Columbia, the Maryland suburbs,...
INNOVATE® Detroit
Menace Media
A Movement of Creativity, Community, and Change
Menace Media was born in the heart of Detroit, a city built on resilience, creativity, and cultural revolution. More than just a media company, Menace Media is a movement—a platform designed to uplift, empower, and unite creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. What started as a passion project among friends has grown...
INNOVATE® Nashville
JE Dunn
Delivering Construction Solutions
JE Dunn Construction, founded in 1924, is the sixth-largest domestic general building contractor in the United States with offices in 26 locations. They endeavor to be an indispensable business partner, thoroughly understanding their client’s vision so they can deliver construction solutions that meet their needs. For over 30 years, JE...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
INVERTED VENTURES
WE FINANCE PARADIGM SHIFTS
FINANCING PARADIGM SHIFTSA paradigm shift is a revolutionary and disruptive change in the human experience. Inverted Ventures is a single family office of investors with a passion for technology that radically improves the human experience. We invest in founders with visions for the future that will lead to fundamental changes...
INNOVATE® South Florida
FPL
FPL - ENGINEER AND FORMER COMPETITOR HELPS STUDENTS BUILD AWARD-WINNING ROBOTS
The clock is ticking, and Zach Dean is rushing to put the final touches on a robot that’s minutes away from entering a battle arena. His high school robotics team, S.P.A.M., is gearing up to compete at the Broward County Convention Center, where game controllers and laptops guide robots through...
INNOVATE™ Flanders
dunden
A Community of Innovators: dunden’s Vision for Healthcare Impact
In the vibrant heart of Antwerp, nestled within the enchanting Botanical Garden, dunden is revolutionizing healthcare innovation as Flanders’ dynamic epicenter for tech-driven startups and scale-ups. Blending historical charms with contemporary amenities, dunden isn’t just a workspace – it’s a curated tech community dedicated to impacting lives through groundbreaking healthcare...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
RAPID RADICALS
UNLEASHING INNOVATION: RAPID RADICALS’ TORRENTIAL TRIUMPH
In July 2010, nine inches of rain fell in a very short amount of time, filling the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s (MMSD) service area pipes with some 64 billion gallons of water. A storm of this severity is only likely to occur once every 500 years, but the frequency is...