Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

Matidor.com

Matidor.com-Is the All-In-One Project Management Platform On a Live Map

Is the All-In-One Project Management Platform On a Live Map

How Matidor.com StartedVincent and Sean are Vancouver-based serial entrepreneurs who come from very different backgrounds but share one vision. Vincent’s previous experience at Google Earth and as a product manager at Dassault Systèmes revealed a gap in how people in the field managed projects. When Sean moved back to town...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

MSOE

INNOVATION AT THE FOREFRONT

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) stands as a beacon of innovation, driving forward the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering, business, technology and nursing. With a legacy that intertwines with the heart of Milwaukee’s development, MSOE has become synonymous with excellence, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. At the...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

TEDCO

LEADING INNOVATION TO MARKET

TEDCO is Maryland’s powerhouse of technology and innovation, driving progress and creating boundless opportunities. Founded by the Maryland General Assembly in 1998, TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) has been at the forefront of fostering an inclusive and entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

AMCHAM

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BRAZIL

The American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) is a non-profit institution present in the Brazilian market since 1919. In more than 100 years of history, it has sought to develop the market in various fronts and currently has branches in 16 cities across the country. Not neglecting its American roots and...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

BOCRA

BOCRA-PROMOTES ACCESS AND USAGE OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR INNOVATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

PROMOTES ACCESS AND USAGE OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR INNOVATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

BRIEF BACKGROUND Botswana’s rags to riches economic success story is often compared to that of countries such as United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore. A former British protectorate, Botswana was poor by all standards when it got its independence. By the early to mid 80s, the country’s mineral resource was...

INNOVATE™ Kitchener Waterloo

CONELABS

ENGINEERING A SMARTER, SAFER FUTURE FOR OUR INFRASTRUCTURE

Critical infrastructure faces a dual crisis: a massive portfolio of aging structures is colliding with outdated inspection methods. The hands-on methods of ensuring structural safety are being stretched to their breaking point. This is a challenge that can no longer be met with more hands and bucket trucks, but with...

INNOVATE™ Kitchener Waterloo

THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

INNOVATION ARENA TRANSFORMS RESEARCH INTO IMPACTFUL SOLUTIONS

NEW FACILITY ACCELERATES COMMERCIALIZATION BY EMPOWERING UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO RESEARCHERS AND STARTUPS THROUGH COLLABORATION AND RESOURCES The University of Waterloo is transforming research into tangible impact through the Innovation Arena, a new space situated within the Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener designed to accelerate the commercialization of research. Waterloo’s...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

ULTRAZONIC

ULTRAZONIC- MEDICAL SCOOP TACKLES CURRENT CONTAMINATION WOES

MEDICAL SCOOP TACKLES CURRENT CONTAMINATION WOES

UltraZonic has received a true (medical) world premiere. This Belgian company, specialized in innovative medical cleaning devices, has developed the first semi-automatic pre-cleaner for flexible endoscopes. Not the biggest luxury invention, knowing that endoscopes are popular hotbeds for several bacteria. “Due to great time pressure, staff often miss important cleaning...

INNOVATE® Georgia

THE CITY OF ALPHARETTA

THE SUBTLE RISE OF A TECH HUB

Situated between bustling downtown Atlanta and the tranquil the North Georgia mountains, the City of Alpharetta is emerging as a notable example of how a community can quietly yet effectively embrace innovation and growth. This story isn’t about rapid expansion or high-profile advancements; it’s a tale of how Alpharetta has...

INNOVATE® Philadelphia

FIFTEEN

ARCHITECTURE AS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR OPPORTUNITY

As Philadelphia marks its 250th year, the city continues to evolve economically, culturally, and physically. In a World Heritage City, the built environment plays a defining role in shaping how institutions perform, how communities connect, and how opportunity expands. FIFTEEN Architecture + Design approaches this responsibility with a clear belief:...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

ADLER PLANETARIUM

ADLER PLANETARIUM-LOOKING UP TOGETHER

LOOKING UP TOGETHER- Original sky shows in the museum’s two domed theaters encourage guests to look up at the wonders of the universe.

Astronomy and space science are rich with breakthrough discoveries and big questions about the universe and our place in it. In this digital age, stunning imagery and detailed information is readily available—anyone with an internet connection can dive deep into any topic that piques their interest. In an information-saturated world,...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

ENTREPRENEUR FIRST

ENTREPRENEUR FIRST -The World’s Best Place To Find A Co-Founder- Over 10

The World’s Best Place To Find A Co-Founder- Over 10,000 Hours Spent Finding, Assessing And Selecting Canada’s Most Exceptional Talent

Join the world’s leading community of ambitious people who are ready to build. We believe the world is missing out on the best potential founders, and we’re on a mission to change that.   Entrepreneur First (EF) is a global leader in cofounder matching, with a track record of 10+...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

DOTS

TURNING UNCERTAINTY INTO GROWTH FROM EUROPE’S EDGE

On the border city of Narva, Estonia – where Europe literally meets its edge – a bold experiment is reshaping how young people grow. DOTS isn’t another youth program or after-school club. It’s an operating system for life: a commitment-based “gym for personal development” where members train through real responsibilities,...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

FIBENOL

DEFOSSILIZING THE FUTURE OF MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS

In Estonia, where wood has shaped livelihoods for centuries, one company is reimagining its potential for the next industrial era. Fibenol is transforming undervalued hardwood and plywood industry residues into high-purity biomaterials that offer sustainable alternatives to fossil-based inputs. Its mission is both simple and bold: To help industries defossilize...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

CDL ROCKIES

ACCELERATES THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF EARLY-STAGE VENTURES

There is an economic transformation underway in Alberta and Creative Destruction Lab – Rockies (“CDL-Rockies”) is playing an important role in that transformation. CDL-Rockies is focused on accelerating the commercial potential of the next generation of promising science- and technology-based ventures across a variety of sectors, including energy and agriculture....

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

POPULAR AND PUERTO RICO

BANKING ON THE ISLAND’S FUTURE

Popular is an intricate part of Puerto Rico’s history. We are the longest serving and the largest financial institution in the Island, and a top 50 U.S. financial institution by assets. We play an important role in Puerto Rico’s economy, and we have supported its communities for over 130 years...

INNOVATION Quebec

NUMANA

LE MACRO-ACCÉLÉRATEUR DU QUÉBEC

Numana est un organisme à but non lucratif (OBNL) québécois et agit en tant que macro-accélérateur en créant, promouvant et dynamisant des projets d’écosystèmes technologiques en TIC. Dans cette mission, Numana regroupe des écosystèmes composés d’entreprises qui utilisent des technologies et d’entreprises qui fournissent des TIC (matériel, logiciels et applications),...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CANTALOUPE

REVOLUTIONIZING SELF-SERVICE: EMPOWERING CUSTOMERS TO BUY IT AND GO

“We are seeing a huge surge in consumer demand for cashless and contactless payment options” As consumer demands evolve and the world embraces self-service as a means of fast, convenient, and secure transactions, Cantaloupe, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTLP), a leading provider of end-to-end technology solutions for self-service commerce, stands at the...

Global Innovation Spotlight

How Popular Are Pickup Trucks in American Car Sharing?

From Workhorses to Weekend Getaways: The Rise of Pickups in Car Sharing

From Workhorses to Weekend Getaways: The Rise of Pickups in Car Sharing Pickup trucks aren’t just vehicles in America—they’re a lifestyle. For decades, they’ve been hauling gear, towing trailers, and getting folks out into the wild or across town with a mattress strapped in the back. But lately, pickups have...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

ILLINOIS HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ILLINOIS HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-Helping Latino-Owned Businesses Grow

Helping Latino-Owned Businesses Grow

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) is a community of business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals committed to empowering individuals by helping them start and grow their businesses. As the largest community of Latino business owners across Illinois and the Midwest, they represent more than 100,000 businesses. Latinos in Illinois...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

SEARCY FINANCIAL

REDEFINING FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR THE MODERN ERA

In an industry often defined by numbers, Searcy Financial Services stands apart by focusing on people. Founded in 1976 and independently owned by second-generation leaders Jessica Kmetty, Marc Shaffer, John Fales, and Ryan Brooke, the firm has built a reputation not just for managing wealth, but for helping people make...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

INSTASHIELD

INSTASHIELD-Invention and Entrepreneurship Run in the Family

Invention and Entrepreneurship Run in the Family

INSTASHIELD FILLS PPE SHORTAGE, DONATES 1 MILLION SHIELDS TO PEOPLE IN NEED InstaShield™ is a new kind of face shield that ships flat and is folded to fit over a cap or visor. The company was founded in March 2020 by Dan Brown Jr. to help fill the nation’s PPE...

INNOVATE® Northern Virginia

Maximus

Reimagining Public Service Through Technology

Across government agencies, digital systems guide citizens through enrollment and benefits programs that support everyday life. Access to those programs depends on infrastructure capable of managing volumes of information while maintaining accuracy and security. From its headquarters in McLean, Virginia, Maximus helps government agencies deliver those services with speed and...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

STEADFAST

MAKING IT WORK

Steadfast began in 1998 as an internet-technology passion project for Steadfast’s Founder, Karl Zimmerman, when he was only 14 years old. Karl’s dream to help companies with their data hosting and security needs started early on, and through these relationships, Karl learned there was a frustrating gap with many hosting...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

Matidor.com

Matidor.com-Is the All-In-One Project Management Platform On a Live Map

Is the All-In-One Project Management Platform On a Live Map

How Matidor.com StartedVincent and Sean are Vancouver-based serial entrepreneurs who come from very different backgrounds but share one vision. Vincent’s previous experience at Google Earth and as a product manager at Dassault Systèmes revealed a gap in how people in the field managed projects. When Sean moved back to town...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

MSOE

INNOVATION AT THE FOREFRONT

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) stands as a beacon of innovation, driving forward the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering, business, technology and nursing. With a legacy that intertwines with the heart of Milwaukee’s development, MSOE has become synonymous with excellence, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. At the...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

TEDCO

LEADING INNOVATION TO MARKET

TEDCO is Maryland’s powerhouse of technology and innovation, driving progress and creating boundless opportunities. Founded by the Maryland General Assembly in 1998, TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) has been at the forefront of fostering an inclusive and entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

AMCHAM

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BRAZIL

The American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) is a non-profit institution present in the Brazilian market since 1919. In more than 100 years of history, it has sought to develop the market in various fronts and currently has branches in 16 cities across the country. Not neglecting its American roots and...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

BOCRA

BOCRA-PROMOTES ACCESS AND USAGE OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR INNOVATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

PROMOTES ACCESS AND USAGE OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR INNOVATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

BRIEF BACKGROUND Botswana’s rags to riches economic success story is often compared to that of countries such as United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore. A former British protectorate, Botswana was poor by all standards when it got its independence. By the early to mid 80s, the country’s mineral resource was...

INNOVATE™ Kitchener Waterloo

CONELABS

ENGINEERING A SMARTER, SAFER FUTURE FOR OUR INFRASTRUCTURE

Critical infrastructure faces a dual crisis: a massive portfolio of aging structures is colliding with outdated inspection methods. The hands-on methods of ensuring structural safety are being stretched to their breaking point. This is a challenge that can no longer be met with more hands and bucket trucks, but with...

INNOVATE™ Kitchener Waterloo

THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

INNOVATION ARENA TRANSFORMS RESEARCH INTO IMPACTFUL SOLUTIONS

NEW FACILITY ACCELERATES COMMERCIALIZATION BY EMPOWERING UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO RESEARCHERS AND STARTUPS THROUGH COLLABORATION AND RESOURCES The University of Waterloo is transforming research into tangible impact through the Innovation Arena, a new space situated within the Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener designed to accelerate the commercialization of research. Waterloo’s...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

ULTRAZONIC

ULTRAZONIC- MEDICAL SCOOP TACKLES CURRENT CONTAMINATION WOES

MEDICAL SCOOP TACKLES CURRENT CONTAMINATION WOES

UltraZonic has received a true (medical) world premiere. This Belgian company, specialized in innovative medical cleaning devices, has developed the first semi-automatic pre-cleaner for flexible endoscopes. Not the biggest luxury invention, knowing that endoscopes are popular hotbeds for several bacteria. “Due to great time pressure, staff often miss important cleaning...

INNOVATE® Georgia

THE CITY OF ALPHARETTA

THE SUBTLE RISE OF A TECH HUB

Situated between bustling downtown Atlanta and the tranquil the North Georgia mountains, the City of Alpharetta is emerging as a notable example of how a community can quietly yet effectively embrace innovation and growth. This story isn’t about rapid expansion or high-profile advancements; it’s a tale of how Alpharetta has...

INNOVATE® Philadelphia

FIFTEEN

ARCHITECTURE AS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR OPPORTUNITY

As Philadelphia marks its 250th year, the city continues to evolve economically, culturally, and physically. In a World Heritage City, the built environment plays a defining role in shaping how institutions perform, how communities connect, and how opportunity expands. FIFTEEN Architecture + Design approaches this responsibility with a clear belief:...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

ADLER PLANETARIUM

ADLER PLANETARIUM-LOOKING UP TOGETHER

LOOKING UP TOGETHER- Original sky shows in the museum’s two domed theaters encourage guests to look up at the wonders of the universe.

Astronomy and space science are rich with breakthrough discoveries and big questions about the universe and our place in it. In this digital age, stunning imagery and detailed information is readily available—anyone with an internet connection can dive deep into any topic that piques their interest. In an information-saturated world,...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

ENTREPRENEUR FIRST

ENTREPRENEUR FIRST -The World’s Best Place To Find A Co-Founder- Over 10

The World’s Best Place To Find A Co-Founder- Over 10,000 Hours Spent Finding, Assessing And Selecting Canada’s Most Exceptional Talent

Join the world’s leading community of ambitious people who are ready to build. We believe the world is missing out on the best potential founders, and we’re on a mission to change that.   Entrepreneur First (EF) is a global leader in cofounder matching, with a track record of 10+...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

DOTS

TURNING UNCERTAINTY INTO GROWTH FROM EUROPE’S EDGE

On the border city of Narva, Estonia – where Europe literally meets its edge – a bold experiment is reshaping how young people grow. DOTS isn’t another youth program or after-school club. It’s an operating system for life: a commitment-based “gym for personal development” where members train through real responsibilities,...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

FIBENOL

DEFOSSILIZING THE FUTURE OF MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS

In Estonia, where wood has shaped livelihoods for centuries, one company is reimagining its potential for the next industrial era. Fibenol is transforming undervalued hardwood and plywood industry residues into high-purity biomaterials that offer sustainable alternatives to fossil-based inputs. Its mission is both simple and bold: To help industries defossilize...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

CDL ROCKIES

ACCELERATES THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF EARLY-STAGE VENTURES

There is an economic transformation underway in Alberta and Creative Destruction Lab – Rockies (“CDL-Rockies”) is playing an important role in that transformation. CDL-Rockies is focused on accelerating the commercial potential of the next generation of promising science- and technology-based ventures across a variety of sectors, including energy and agriculture....

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

POPULAR AND PUERTO RICO

BANKING ON THE ISLAND’S FUTURE

Popular is an intricate part of Puerto Rico’s history. We are the longest serving and the largest financial institution in the Island, and a top 50 U.S. financial institution by assets. We play an important role in Puerto Rico’s economy, and we have supported its communities for over 130 years...

INNOVATION Quebec

NUMANA

LE MACRO-ACCÉLÉRATEUR DU QUÉBEC

Numana est un organisme à but non lucratif (OBNL) québécois et agit en tant que macro-accélérateur en créant, promouvant et dynamisant des projets d’écosystèmes technologiques en TIC. Dans cette mission, Numana regroupe des écosystèmes composés d’entreprises qui utilisent des technologies et d’entreprises qui fournissent des TIC (matériel, logiciels et applications),...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CANTALOUPE

REVOLUTIONIZING SELF-SERVICE: EMPOWERING CUSTOMERS TO BUY IT AND GO

“We are seeing a huge surge in consumer demand for cashless and contactless payment options” As consumer demands evolve and the world embraces self-service as a means of fast, convenient, and secure transactions, Cantaloupe, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTLP), a leading provider of end-to-end technology solutions for self-service commerce, stands at the...

Global Innovation Spotlight

How Popular Are Pickup Trucks in American Car Sharing?

From Workhorses to Weekend Getaways: The Rise of Pickups in Car Sharing

From Workhorses to Weekend Getaways: The Rise of Pickups in Car Sharing Pickup trucks aren’t just vehicles in America—they’re a lifestyle. For decades, they’ve been hauling gear, towing trailers, and getting folks out into the wild or across town with a mattress strapped in the back. But lately, pickups have...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

ILLINOIS HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ILLINOIS HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-Helping Latino-Owned Businesses Grow

Helping Latino-Owned Businesses Grow

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) is a community of business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals committed to empowering individuals by helping them start and grow their businesses. As the largest community of Latino business owners across Illinois and the Midwest, they represent more than 100,000 businesses. Latinos in Illinois...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

SEARCY FINANCIAL

REDEFINING FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR THE MODERN ERA

In an industry often defined by numbers, Searcy Financial Services stands apart by focusing on people. Founded in 1976 and independently owned by second-generation leaders Jessica Kmetty, Marc Shaffer, John Fales, and Ryan Brooke, the firm has built a reputation not just for managing wealth, but for helping people make...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

INSTASHIELD

INSTASHIELD-Invention and Entrepreneurship Run in the Family

Invention and Entrepreneurship Run in the Family

INSTASHIELD FILLS PPE SHORTAGE, DONATES 1 MILLION SHIELDS TO PEOPLE IN NEED InstaShield™ is a new kind of face shield that ships flat and is folded to fit over a cap or visor. The company was founded in March 2020 by Dan Brown Jr. to help fill the nation’s PPE...

INNOVATE® Northern Virginia

Maximus

Reimagining Public Service Through Technology

Across government agencies, digital systems guide citizens through enrollment and benefits programs that support everyday life. Access to those programs depends on infrastructure capable of managing volumes of information while maintaining accuracy and security. From its headquarters in McLean, Virginia, Maximus helps government agencies deliver those services with speed and...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

STEADFAST

MAKING IT WORK

Steadfast began in 1998 as an internet-technology passion project for Steadfast’s Founder, Karl Zimmerman, when he was only 14 years old. Karl’s dream to help companies with their data hosting and security needs started early on, and through these relationships, Karl learned there was a frustrating gap with many hosting...

Ecosystems