Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

VITAL

The Perfect Blend: AI Meets Human Flourishing

“Vital envisions a future where AI and human expertise unite to empower personal growth, creating a seamless path to complete well-being.” In today’s fast-paced world, individuals face constant pressures that can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of overwhelm. Vital was created to address these challenges head-on, offering AI-driven...

INNOVATION Quebec

INNOVLOG

CCTT IN LOGISTICS THE INSTITUT D’INNOVATION EN LOGISTIQUE DU QUÉBEC : A HELPING HAND FOR QUEBEC

For many years, innovation in logistics took a back seat to other priorities: market expansion, financial profitability, new product development, etc. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a collective realization of how important logistics is for territorial development, local autonomy, supply chain resilience and agility, and of course,...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

PROEKSPERT

BUILDING SMART SOLUTIONS FOR A SMARTER WORLD

“Our engineers today are equipped with can-do attitudes and an ability to create ingenious and secure solutions and integrations.” Estonia’s reputation as a digital powerhouse owes much to its innovative companies, and Proekspert is no exception. Founded in 1993 during a time of economic uncertainty, this software development firm seized...

INNOVATE® Georgia

HERMEUS

IMAGINE: NEW YORK TO LONDON IN 90 MINUTES

Hermeus is an Atlanta-based aerospace startup on a mission to revolutionize air travel with hypersonic aircraft. These planes will fly five times the speed of sound – turning a seven-hour trip from New York to London into a short 90-minute flight. Traveling at these speeds effectively shrinks the size of...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

WEAR-TECH

INNOVATING SAFETY

WEAR-TECH – DETECT – PREDICT – PROTECT™ “Our homegrown AI companion, MAHI™, is aware of its users’ environment and alerts the wearer and the caregivers if a vulnerable loved one inadvertently heads towards a hazard.” A profound loss propelled an innovator in Hartland, WI, to create predictive safety technologies for...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Plug and Play Detroit

Driving the Future of Mobility

A city synonymous with automotive innovation, Plug and Play’s Detroit operation is making waves with its groundbreaking approach to mobility. As a global leader in fostering innovation, Plug and Play has established itself as a critical player in the tech ecosystem. However, in Detroit, the organization is doing more than...

INNOVATE® Georgia

FLEXENTIAL

LEADING THE CHARGE IN DATA CENTER INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

Flexential, a pioneer in the data center and cloud services industry, has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive strategic growth, innovation, and leadership. With a robust network of 40+ data centers across 19 markets and a scalable 100 Gbps national network backbone, Flexential is at the forefront...

INNOVATION Quebec

INNOVATION MARITIME

CCTT IN THE MARITIME SECTOR

Creativity and expertise serving the maritime industry. Affiliated with the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ), Innovation maritime (IMAR) is an applied research centre that has been active in the maritime sector for over twenty years. Our mission is to contribute to the development of the maritime sector and stimulate excellence...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CAPITAL WORKFORCE INNOVATION CONSORTIUM

Empowering D.C.’s Future Through Workforce Innovation

The InnovationFounded in 2024, the Capital Workforce Innovation Consortium is a Next Generation Sector Partnership formed by the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) and convened by BuildWithin. This initiative serves as an engine for aligning local talent with market demands through robust public-private partnerships, particularly in the...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Student productivity apps: 10 useful picks for 2026

The best productivity tools for students in 2026 are Todoist for tasks, Notion for notes, Google Calendar for time blocking, Forest for focus, and Zotero for research. Toggl Track, Freedom, Trello, Google Drive, and Anki are also useful for students with specific needs. This list does not reward apps for...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

FLOX

THE WILDLIFE INTELLIGENCE COMPANY

FROM A SWEDISH RESEARCH LAB TO A GLOBAL MISSION FOR HUMAN-WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE Flox is redefining how humans and wildlife share the planet. Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the AI research lab at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, the company has built the world’s first adaptive system...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

SHAUN ROWLES

THE GREAT DISTRACTION

On October 31st 2008, a white paper was published by an obscure character named Satoshi Nakamoto. Curiously, this paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” came to dominate media headlines and popular consciousness a decade later. The excitement surrounding Bitcoin, and its underlying technology Blockchain, became eerily similar to...

INNOVATION Quebec

TERRITOIRES INNOVANTS EN ÉCONOMIE SOCIALE ET SOLIDAIRE (TIESS)

CHANGER LE MONDE, UNE INNOVATION SOCIALE À LA FOIS!

Propulser des idées qui ont de l’impactLe TIESS est la référence au Québec dans le transfert de connaissances en économie sociale et solidaire. Sa mission ? Outiller les organismes pour qu’ils puissent faire face aux différents enjeux de société tout en transformant leurs pratiques. Grâce à ce processus continu d’innovation,...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

PRINCETON NUENERGY

REVOLUTIONIZING LITHIUM-ION BATTERY RECYCLINGTHE RISE OF PRINCETON NUENERGY

In the heart of innovation, within Princeton University, a remarkable journey began that will soon redefine the landscape of lithium-ion battery recycling. Founded in 2019, Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way we view, handle, and recycle critical materials throughout all stages of battery production and...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

SPRINGFOUR

How A Social Impact Fintech Is Improving The Financial Health For Millions

When a financial institution’s customers are financially healthy, everyone wins. SpringFour, an award-winning social impact fintech and a Certified B Corporation, connects financial institutions’ customers with resources that help them make their payments and get back on their feet. With a digital-based platform of more than 20,000 vetted financial resources,...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

THE UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP

GATEWAY FOR FUTURE INNOVATIONS

The University of Antwerp serves as a gateway for future innovations, playing a pivotal role within Antwerp’s thriving innovation ecosystem and beyond. It contributes significantly to driving innovation and fostering societal and economic impact, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in cutting-edge research and innovation. A key driver in...

Global Innovation Spotlight

ZORROSIGN

ZORROSIGN-BRINGS BLOCKCHAIN TO DUBAI FOR DIGITAL PRIVACY & SECURITY

BRINGS BLOCKCHAIN TO DUBAI FOR DIGITAL PRIVACY & SECURITY

ZorroSign, Inc. is a global technology company with deep roots in the United Arab Emirates. Co-founded by a third-generation member of the Hadi family who have called Dubai their home for the last 55 years, the company uses blockchain technology for digital signatures to ensure superior privacy and security. ZorroSign...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center-Uses The Most Advanced Technology And Research In The Fight Against Cancer

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center-Uses The Most Advanced Technology And Research In The Fight Against Cancer

Bringing together world-renowned expertise, innovation and patient-centered care in one destination.   Beating cancer demands the extraordinary. That’s why Baptist Health, Northeast Florida’s preferred health care provider, and MD Anderson Cancer Center, the No.1-ranked cancer center in America, created a destination for cancer treatment that is second to none. Jacksonville,...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

I AM YOUR SISTER

A SCANDINAVIAN BRAND TURNING SISTERHOOD INTO GLOBAL DEMAND

Founded in Stockholm, IAYS (I AM YOUR SISTER) is a Scandinavian knitwear brand built on premium design, craftsmanship and cultural relevance. With high-end knitwear at its core, the company represents a modern approach to luxury, one that combines quality and minimalist aesthetics with a purposeful message of connection and sisterhood....

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

HANINI GROUP

INNOVATING NEWARK’S SKYLINE: HANINI GROUP’S TWO DECADES OF TRANSFORMATIVE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT.

It’s been over two decades since Hanini Group began contributing to Newark’s skyline. Our commitment to restoring and upholding Newark’s historic character is reflected in over $750 million worth of projects successfully delivered. We’ve been a part of this community since 2004 and, through careful restoration and rehabilitation projects, have...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

HUNGRY MARKETPLACE

Hungry for something better

This is a company unlike any other in the Washington DMV – and that’s saying a lot. HUNGRY Marketplace has revolutionized the office food market nationally. Founded by visionary entrepreneurs Jeff Grass and Eman and Shy Pahlevani, this Arlington, Virginia-based company is reshaping the landscape of office food solutions with...

INNOVATION Manitoba

PARALLEL

SOLVING THE SIZING PUZZLE

Pluto Ventures developed an AI tool that generates accurate 3D body measurements from 2D photos in just seconds. However, a significant challenge remained: the mismatch between body measurements and the retail industry’s “vanity sizing” and inaccurate size charts often resulted in a disappointing consumer experience. To address this issue, founder...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

Plenish

Helping you fill the blank spaces

Moving home is one of the most stressful events in anybody’s life. Compound that with experiencing major life milestones, such as having a baby, getting married, and completing a master’s degree all at the same time, and one has a living situation in urgent need of an update. Two friends,...

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® Washington DMV Edition

VITAL

The Perfect Blend: AI Meets Human Flourishing

“Vital envisions a future where AI and human expertise unite to empower personal growth, creating a seamless path to complete well-being.” In today’s fast-paced world, individuals face constant pressures that can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of overwhelm. Vital was created to address these challenges head-on, offering AI-driven...

INNOVATION Quebec

INNOVLOG

CCTT IN LOGISTICS THE INSTITUT D’INNOVATION EN LOGISTIQUE DU QUÉBEC : A HELPING HAND FOR QUEBEC

For many years, innovation in logistics took a back seat to other priorities: market expansion, financial profitability, new product development, etc. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a collective realization of how important logistics is for territorial development, local autonomy, supply chain resilience and agility, and of course,...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

PROEKSPERT

BUILDING SMART SOLUTIONS FOR A SMARTER WORLD

“Our engineers today are equipped with can-do attitudes and an ability to create ingenious and secure solutions and integrations.” Estonia’s reputation as a digital powerhouse owes much to its innovative companies, and Proekspert is no exception. Founded in 1993 during a time of economic uncertainty, this software development firm seized...

INNOVATE® Georgia

HERMEUS

IMAGINE: NEW YORK TO LONDON IN 90 MINUTES

Hermeus is an Atlanta-based aerospace startup on a mission to revolutionize air travel with hypersonic aircraft. These planes will fly five times the speed of sound – turning a seven-hour trip from New York to London into a short 90-minute flight. Traveling at these speeds effectively shrinks the size of...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

WEAR-TECH

INNOVATING SAFETY

WEAR-TECH – DETECT – PREDICT – PROTECT™ “Our homegrown AI companion, MAHI™, is aware of its users’ environment and alerts the wearer and the caregivers if a vulnerable loved one inadvertently heads towards a hazard.” A profound loss propelled an innovator in Hartland, WI, to create predictive safety technologies for...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Plug and Play Detroit

Driving the Future of Mobility

A city synonymous with automotive innovation, Plug and Play’s Detroit operation is making waves with its groundbreaking approach to mobility. As a global leader in fostering innovation, Plug and Play has established itself as a critical player in the tech ecosystem. However, in Detroit, the organization is doing more than...

INNOVATE® Georgia

FLEXENTIAL

LEADING THE CHARGE IN DATA CENTER INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

Flexential, a pioneer in the data center and cloud services industry, has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive strategic growth, innovation, and leadership. With a robust network of 40+ data centers across 19 markets and a scalable 100 Gbps national network backbone, Flexential is at the forefront...

INNOVATION Quebec

INNOVATION MARITIME

CCTT IN THE MARITIME SECTOR

Creativity and expertise serving the maritime industry. Affiliated with the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ), Innovation maritime (IMAR) is an applied research centre that has been active in the maritime sector for over twenty years. Our mission is to contribute to the development of the maritime sector and stimulate excellence...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CAPITAL WORKFORCE INNOVATION CONSORTIUM

Empowering D.C.’s Future Through Workforce Innovation

The InnovationFounded in 2024, the Capital Workforce Innovation Consortium is a Next Generation Sector Partnership formed by the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) and convened by BuildWithin. This initiative serves as an engine for aligning local talent with market demands through robust public-private partnerships, particularly in the...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Student productivity apps: 10 useful picks for 2026

The best productivity tools for students in 2026 are Todoist for tasks, Notion for notes, Google Calendar for time blocking, Forest for focus, and Zotero for research. Toggl Track, Freedom, Trello, Google Drive, and Anki are also useful for students with specific needs. This list does not reward apps for...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

FLOX

THE WILDLIFE INTELLIGENCE COMPANY

FROM A SWEDISH RESEARCH LAB TO A GLOBAL MISSION FOR HUMAN-WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE Flox is redefining how humans and wildlife share the planet. Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the AI research lab at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, the company has built the world’s first adaptive system...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

SHAUN ROWLES

THE GREAT DISTRACTION

On October 31st 2008, a white paper was published by an obscure character named Satoshi Nakamoto. Curiously, this paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” came to dominate media headlines and popular consciousness a decade later. The excitement surrounding Bitcoin, and its underlying technology Blockchain, became eerily similar to...

INNOVATION Quebec

TERRITOIRES INNOVANTS EN ÉCONOMIE SOCIALE ET SOLIDAIRE (TIESS)

CHANGER LE MONDE, UNE INNOVATION SOCIALE À LA FOIS!

Propulser des idées qui ont de l’impactLe TIESS est la référence au Québec dans le transfert de connaissances en économie sociale et solidaire. Sa mission ? Outiller les organismes pour qu’ils puissent faire face aux différents enjeux de société tout en transformant leurs pratiques. Grâce à ce processus continu d’innovation,...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

PRINCETON NUENERGY

REVOLUTIONIZING LITHIUM-ION BATTERY RECYCLINGTHE RISE OF PRINCETON NUENERGY

In the heart of innovation, within Princeton University, a remarkable journey began that will soon redefine the landscape of lithium-ion battery recycling. Founded in 2019, Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way we view, handle, and recycle critical materials throughout all stages of battery production and...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

SPRINGFOUR

How A Social Impact Fintech Is Improving The Financial Health For Millions

When a financial institution’s customers are financially healthy, everyone wins. SpringFour, an award-winning social impact fintech and a Certified B Corporation, connects financial institutions’ customers with resources that help them make their payments and get back on their feet. With a digital-based platform of more than 20,000 vetted financial resources,...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

THE UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP

GATEWAY FOR FUTURE INNOVATIONS

The University of Antwerp serves as a gateway for future innovations, playing a pivotal role within Antwerp’s thriving innovation ecosystem and beyond. It contributes significantly to driving innovation and fostering societal and economic impact, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in cutting-edge research and innovation. A key driver in...

Global Innovation Spotlight

ZORROSIGN

ZORROSIGN-BRINGS BLOCKCHAIN TO DUBAI FOR DIGITAL PRIVACY & SECURITY

BRINGS BLOCKCHAIN TO DUBAI FOR DIGITAL PRIVACY & SECURITY

ZorroSign, Inc. is a global technology company with deep roots in the United Arab Emirates. Co-founded by a third-generation member of the Hadi family who have called Dubai their home for the last 55 years, the company uses blockchain technology for digital signatures to ensure superior privacy and security. ZorroSign...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center-Uses The Most Advanced Technology And Research In The Fight Against Cancer

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center-Uses The Most Advanced Technology And Research In The Fight Against Cancer

Bringing together world-renowned expertise, innovation and patient-centered care in one destination.   Beating cancer demands the extraordinary. That’s why Baptist Health, Northeast Florida’s preferred health care provider, and MD Anderson Cancer Center, the No.1-ranked cancer center in America, created a destination for cancer treatment that is second to none. Jacksonville,...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

I AM YOUR SISTER

A SCANDINAVIAN BRAND TURNING SISTERHOOD INTO GLOBAL DEMAND

Founded in Stockholm, IAYS (I AM YOUR SISTER) is a Scandinavian knitwear brand built on premium design, craftsmanship and cultural relevance. With high-end knitwear at its core, the company represents a modern approach to luxury, one that combines quality and minimalist aesthetics with a purposeful message of connection and sisterhood....

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

HANINI GROUP

INNOVATING NEWARK’S SKYLINE: HANINI GROUP’S TWO DECADES OF TRANSFORMATIVE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT.

It’s been over two decades since Hanini Group began contributing to Newark’s skyline. Our commitment to restoring and upholding Newark’s historic character is reflected in over $750 million worth of projects successfully delivered. We’ve been a part of this community since 2004 and, through careful restoration and rehabilitation projects, have...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

HUNGRY MARKETPLACE

Hungry for something better

This is a company unlike any other in the Washington DMV – and that’s saying a lot. HUNGRY Marketplace has revolutionized the office food market nationally. Founded by visionary entrepreneurs Jeff Grass and Eman and Shy Pahlevani, this Arlington, Virginia-based company is reshaping the landscape of office food solutions with...

INNOVATION Manitoba

PARALLEL

SOLVING THE SIZING PUZZLE

Pluto Ventures developed an AI tool that generates accurate 3D body measurements from 2D photos in just seconds. However, a significant challenge remained: the mismatch between body measurements and the retail industry’s “vanity sizing” and inaccurate size charts often resulted in a disappointing consumer experience. To address this issue, founder...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

Plenish

Helping you fill the blank spaces

Moving home is one of the most stressful events in anybody’s life. Compound that with experiencing major life milestones, such as having a baby, getting married, and completing a master’s degree all at the same time, and one has a living situation in urgent need of an update. Two friends,...

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...

Ecosystems