Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® South Carolina

GREENVILLE CITY

POWERED BY INNOVATION, TO PUNCH ABOVE OUR WEIGHT

WE THRIVE ON COLLABORATION Public-private partnerships are how we do business. Our established clusters — Automotive, Production Technology/Heavy Machinery, Advanced Materials, Life Sciences, Business Services and Fintech — provide a solid foundation for a resilient economy. Our fastest-growing cluster, Life Sciences, increased by 33% over the past five years. We’re...

INNOVATION Quebec

Centre d’expertise industrielle de Montréal (CEI MTL)

CEI MONTREAL-Since 1998

Depuis 1998, Excellence industrielle Saint-Laurent, un organisme à but non lucratif, a pour mission de propulser l’excellence des entreprises manufacturières en stimulant l’adoption de pratiques innovantes, technologiques et durables

Son offre se déploie en cinq services spécialisés : soutien aux entreprises, innovation, exportation, développement durable et mobilité alternative.   Un hub manufacturier au cœur de MontréalParmi l’un des plus grand pôle industriel et technologique du Québec, le territoire de Saint-Laurent détient de nombreux atouts, opportunités et forces de développement...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

Iridia Medical

Whom do first responders call for medical emergencies? Iridia Medical is a physician-founded company that exists to Enable Peace of Mind for people called upon to respond to medical emergencies

Within a span of five months in 1997, a local pulp and papermill experienced the collapse and death of two employees on-site. It was determined that both employees suffered from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The prospect of future deaths at the site was palpable, and preventative solutions were non-existent. This...

INNOVATION Quebec

Bio.Enviro.In

Bio.Enviro.In-Innovating for a resilient and adaptive bio-food system

Innovating for a resilient and adaptive bio-food system

Founded in 2018, the Center for Bio-food and Environmental Innovation, Bio.Enviro.In, is affiliated with the Cégep de Lanaudière à Joliette, an educational and technical college. It has developed extensive expertise in the bio-food sector, from the field to the consumer’s plate and food processing. While integrating into the socio-economic context...

Global Innovation Spotlight

US Gaming Evolves Into a Multi-Platform Industry

For decades, U.S. gaming growth was driven mainly by physical casinos. Today, mobile sports betting and iGaming are among the fastest-growing revenue streams, reshaping how operators engage customers and generate value. In this context, it is important to note “gaming” refers to the U.S. commercial gambling industry, not video games....

INNOVATE® Kansas City

CARTER MEDIA

EST 1950

Our story begins with a dream and a vision of Andrew “Skip” Robinson Carter. Carter was born in 1919 and raised in Savannah, Georgia. In 1933, at the young age of 14, Carter’s aspirations of operating a Black radio station began, and he built his first radio. He studied physics...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

BIOFORWARD WISCONSIN:

LEADING THE PATH TO PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

Pioneering Innovation in BiohealthNestled in the heart of America’s Midwest, BioForward Wisconsin represents Wisconsin’s vibrant biohealth sector which stands as a beacon of innovation and economic growth. A 501(c) 6 member association established in 1988 as the Wisconsin Biotechnology Association, the organization initially focused on biotechnology. It expanded its membership...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

PRAKTIKAL

MAKING ABSTRACT SCIENCE TANGIBLE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Remember learning to ride a bicycle? No amount of physics equations about angular momentum or center of gravity could replace that moment when you finally felt the balance click into place. Your hands knew when to turn the handlebars, your body learned to lean into curves, and suddenly, you were...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

Grupo Boticário

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY BUILDING THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY

Product innovation has been a guiding principle in the laboratories of Grupo Boticário’s Research and Development Center, which has now been enhanced by technological advancements. Examples include fragrances crafted with the aid of artificial intelligence, a “Smart Lipstick” designed to help people with visual impairments and upper limb disabilities, and...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

SPIRAL DATA

MEET THE AI TECHNOLOGISTS: Creating Decision Advantage for Water and Defence Organisations

In today’s fast-paced and data-driven business landscape, organisations are constantly seeking innovative solutions to unlock the true potential of their data. Enter Spiral Data, a leading player in Adelaide, Australia, revolutionising the way organisations extract insights from complex datasets. With a team of dedicated data scientists, machine learning engineers,and technologists,...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

SATOCCI

SCAN & PAY

THE SCANDINAVIAN RETAIL-TECH INNOVATOR SHAPING THE MIDDLE EAST’S CASHLESS FUTURE Emerging from Sweden’s dynamic startup landscape, Satocci Scan & Pay has become one of the most closely watched retail-technology ventures entering the Middle East. Founded and led by Swedish entrepreneur Melodi Askelöf, the company is redefining how consumers shop and...

INNOVATION Quebec

Bio.Enviro.In

Bio.Enviro.In-Innovating for a resilient and adaptive bio-food system

Innover pour un système bioalimentaire résilient et adaptatif

Créé en 2018, le centre d’innovation bioalimentaire et environnemental Bio.Enviro.In, affilié au Cégep de Lanaudière à Joliette, s’est bâti une vaste expertise bioalimentaire, qui s’étend du terroir à l’assiette du consommateur, en passant par la transformation des aliments. Soucieux de s’intégrer dans le contexte socioéconomique de la région de Lanaudière,...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

LI-CYCLE

LI-CYCLE - THE SHIFT TOWARDS CLEAN ENERGY HAS CREATED TRANSFORMATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVANCEMENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

THE SHIFT TOWARDS CLEAN ENERGY HAS CREATED TRANSFORMATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVANCEMENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

One notable development is the move from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs). The lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used in EVs are becoming more prevalent everywhere. These days, they are the go-to choice when it comes to powering everything from mobile phones to power tools, drones, EVs, and more....

INNOVATE® Miami

Pitch Night MIA

Pitch Night MIA - A monthly pitch competition designed to bring the startup community together

Monthly pitch competition designed to bring the startup community together

Pitch Night MIA is a monthly pitch competition designed to bring the startup community together for a night of entertainment, education and collaboration.     Miami right now is buzzing with an influx of innovative people, businesses, and opportunities. With everything being so new, it can be challenging for founders...

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™ Atlantic Canada

BMM TESTLABS

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE A BEACON OF INNOVATION IN MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK

Nestled amidst the vibrant community and picturesque landscapes of Moncton, New Brunswick, an eastern Canadian city, BMM Testlabs’ Center of Excellence is setting a new benchmark in testing, product certification, and partnership for the global land-based and digital gaming industry. A Vision for Excellence BMM Testlabs, founded in 1981, is...

INNOVATION Quebec

INAF

TOWARD SUSTAINABLE FOOD

Challenges in the bio-food sector are complex and exacerbated by significant threats such as climate change and social inequalities. It is critical to be concerned about the impact of our food choices on society and the environment. Fostering access to a healthy, varied and sustainable food while supporting the growth...

INNOVATE® Georgia

NEEDLING WORLDWIDE

WE ULTIMATELY STRIVE TO BECOME MORE ROBUST, SUPERIOR, AND MORE ASTUTE IN OUR OPERATIONS.

WHO IS NEEDLING WORLDWIDE:Needling Worldwide was established to address a common challenge encountered by numerous companies in their pursuit of certifications or compliance assessments. The CEO envisioned a superior solution based on her firsthand experiences with compliance standards and frameworks. This solution is comprised of a standardized, flat-fee alternative to...

INNOVATION Quebec

MEDTECH CANADA

MEDTECH CANADA-Advocate for Healthcare Innovation

Advocate for Healthcare Innovation

For five decades, Medtech Canada has been a strong advocate for healthcare innovation in Quebec. As the national association representing the medical technology industry, our members provide innovations that are used every day to diagnose, treat, and enhance the quality of life of patients in Canada, and around the world....

INNOVATE® Philadelphia

Global Philadelphia Association

2025 World Heritage City Celebration

Connecting Heritage, People, and Global Ideas

Innovation as Civic Infrastructure in America’s First World Heritage City In a global landscape where cities compete for visibility, talent, and influence, innovation is often defined narrowly—through technology, startups, or commercial growth. The Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) offers a broader, more civic-minded model. Rather than innovating through a single product...

INNOVATION Quebec

Calcul Québec

Calcul Québec- Collaborate to innovate

Collaborate to innovate

United for more powerQuébec is a pioneer in the field of advanced computing in the country. From 1992, several inter-institutional collaborations emerged. These collaborations made possible the acquisition of supercomputers, and the development of local expertise in order to support the research community. Thirty years ago, this support enabled Québec...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

AUDI

Audi celebrates 30-years in Brazil in 2024, a challenging journey that begun in 1994, when the former F1 driver and Brazilian icon Ayrton Senna started importing the four rings vehicles brand to local market, with new technologies and unprecedented driving dynamics. In these 30-years, Audi has brought outstanding models to...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S

THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S -WE ARE PROUD TO COUNT OURSELVES ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST LOVED EXPORTS

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® New Jersey Vol.2

JUMPSTART NJ

INVESTING IN EARLY-STAGE GROWTH COMPANIES IN NEW JERSEY AND BEYOND

JumpStart NJ Angel Network invests in early-stage growth companies with high potential and innovative technology that disrupts traditional businesses. The group of angel investors screens more than 100 companies each year and invests an average $1.5 million annually in leading-edge startups. Based in the Garden State, JumpStart NJ invests in...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

GREENVILLE CITY

POWERED BY INNOVATION, TO PUNCH ABOVE OUR WEIGHT

WE THRIVE ON COLLABORATION Public-private partnerships are how we do business. Our established clusters — Automotive, Production Technology/Heavy Machinery, Advanced Materials, Life Sciences, Business Services and Fintech — provide a solid foundation for a resilient economy. Our fastest-growing cluster, Life Sciences, increased by 33% over the past five years. We’re...

INNOVATION Quebec

Centre d’expertise industrielle de Montréal (CEI MTL)

CEI MONTREAL-Since 1998

Depuis 1998, Excellence industrielle Saint-Laurent, un organisme à but non lucratif, a pour mission de propulser l’excellence des entreprises manufacturières en stimulant l’adoption de pratiques innovantes, technologiques et durables

Son offre se déploie en cinq services spécialisés : soutien aux entreprises, innovation, exportation, développement durable et mobilité alternative.   Un hub manufacturier au cœur de MontréalParmi l’un des plus grand pôle industriel et technologique du Québec, le territoire de Saint-Laurent détient de nombreux atouts, opportunités et forces de développement...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

Iridia Medical

Whom do first responders call for medical emergencies? Iridia Medical is a physician-founded company that exists to Enable Peace of Mind for people called upon to respond to medical emergencies

Within a span of five months in 1997, a local pulp and papermill experienced the collapse and death of two employees on-site. It was determined that both employees suffered from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The prospect of future deaths at the site was palpable, and preventative solutions were non-existent. This...

INNOVATION Quebec

Bio.Enviro.In

Bio.Enviro.In-Innovating for a resilient and adaptive bio-food system

Innovating for a resilient and adaptive bio-food system

Founded in 2018, the Center for Bio-food and Environmental Innovation, Bio.Enviro.In, is affiliated with the Cégep de Lanaudière à Joliette, an educational and technical college. It has developed extensive expertise in the bio-food sector, from the field to the consumer’s plate and food processing. While integrating into the socio-economic context...

Global Innovation Spotlight

US Gaming Evolves Into a Multi-Platform Industry

For decades, U.S. gaming growth was driven mainly by physical casinos. Today, mobile sports betting and iGaming are among the fastest-growing revenue streams, reshaping how operators engage customers and generate value. In this context, it is important to note “gaming” refers to the U.S. commercial gambling industry, not video games....

INNOVATE® Kansas City

CARTER MEDIA

EST 1950

Our story begins with a dream and a vision of Andrew “Skip” Robinson Carter. Carter was born in 1919 and raised in Savannah, Georgia. In 1933, at the young age of 14, Carter’s aspirations of operating a Black radio station began, and he built his first radio. He studied physics...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

BIOFORWARD WISCONSIN:

LEADING THE PATH TO PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

Pioneering Innovation in BiohealthNestled in the heart of America’s Midwest, BioForward Wisconsin represents Wisconsin’s vibrant biohealth sector which stands as a beacon of innovation and economic growth. A 501(c) 6 member association established in 1988 as the Wisconsin Biotechnology Association, the organization initially focused on biotechnology. It expanded its membership...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

PRAKTIKAL

MAKING ABSTRACT SCIENCE TANGIBLE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Remember learning to ride a bicycle? No amount of physics equations about angular momentum or center of gravity could replace that moment when you finally felt the balance click into place. Your hands knew when to turn the handlebars, your body learned to lean into curves, and suddenly, you were...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

Grupo Boticário

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY BUILDING THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY

Product innovation has been a guiding principle in the laboratories of Grupo Boticário’s Research and Development Center, which has now been enhanced by technological advancements. Examples include fragrances crafted with the aid of artificial intelligence, a “Smart Lipstick” designed to help people with visual impairments and upper limb disabilities, and...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

SPIRAL DATA

MEET THE AI TECHNOLOGISTS: Creating Decision Advantage for Water and Defence Organisations

In today’s fast-paced and data-driven business landscape, organisations are constantly seeking innovative solutions to unlock the true potential of their data. Enter Spiral Data, a leading player in Adelaide, Australia, revolutionising the way organisations extract insights from complex datasets. With a team of dedicated data scientists, machine learning engineers,and technologists,...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

SATOCCI

SCAN & PAY

THE SCANDINAVIAN RETAIL-TECH INNOVATOR SHAPING THE MIDDLE EAST’S CASHLESS FUTURE Emerging from Sweden’s dynamic startup landscape, Satocci Scan & Pay has become one of the most closely watched retail-technology ventures entering the Middle East. Founded and led by Swedish entrepreneur Melodi Askelöf, the company is redefining how consumers shop and...

INNOVATION Quebec

Bio.Enviro.In

Bio.Enviro.In-Innovating for a resilient and adaptive bio-food system

Innover pour un système bioalimentaire résilient et adaptatif

Créé en 2018, le centre d’innovation bioalimentaire et environnemental Bio.Enviro.In, affilié au Cégep de Lanaudière à Joliette, s’est bâti une vaste expertise bioalimentaire, qui s’étend du terroir à l’assiette du consommateur, en passant par la transformation des aliments. Soucieux de s’intégrer dans le contexte socioéconomique de la région de Lanaudière,...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

LI-CYCLE

LI-CYCLE - THE SHIFT TOWARDS CLEAN ENERGY HAS CREATED TRANSFORMATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVANCEMENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

THE SHIFT TOWARDS CLEAN ENERGY HAS CREATED TRANSFORMATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVANCEMENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

One notable development is the move from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs). The lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used in EVs are becoming more prevalent everywhere. These days, they are the go-to choice when it comes to powering everything from mobile phones to power tools, drones, EVs, and more....

INNOVATE® Miami

Pitch Night MIA

Pitch Night MIA - A monthly pitch competition designed to bring the startup community together

Monthly pitch competition designed to bring the startup community together

Pitch Night MIA is a monthly pitch competition designed to bring the startup community together for a night of entertainment, education and collaboration.     Miami right now is buzzing with an influx of innovative people, businesses, and opportunities. With everything being so new, it can be challenging for founders...

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™ Atlantic Canada

BMM TESTLABS

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE A BEACON OF INNOVATION IN MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK

Nestled amidst the vibrant community and picturesque landscapes of Moncton, New Brunswick, an eastern Canadian city, BMM Testlabs’ Center of Excellence is setting a new benchmark in testing, product certification, and partnership for the global land-based and digital gaming industry. A Vision for Excellence BMM Testlabs, founded in 1981, is...

INNOVATION Quebec

INAF

TOWARD SUSTAINABLE FOOD

Challenges in the bio-food sector are complex and exacerbated by significant threats such as climate change and social inequalities. It is critical to be concerned about the impact of our food choices on society and the environment. Fostering access to a healthy, varied and sustainable food while supporting the growth...

INNOVATE® Georgia

NEEDLING WORLDWIDE

WE ULTIMATELY STRIVE TO BECOME MORE ROBUST, SUPERIOR, AND MORE ASTUTE IN OUR OPERATIONS.

WHO IS NEEDLING WORLDWIDE:Needling Worldwide was established to address a common challenge encountered by numerous companies in their pursuit of certifications or compliance assessments. The CEO envisioned a superior solution based on her firsthand experiences with compliance standards and frameworks. This solution is comprised of a standardized, flat-fee alternative to...

INNOVATION Quebec

MEDTECH CANADA

MEDTECH CANADA-Advocate for Healthcare Innovation

Advocate for Healthcare Innovation

For five decades, Medtech Canada has been a strong advocate for healthcare innovation in Quebec. As the national association representing the medical technology industry, our members provide innovations that are used every day to diagnose, treat, and enhance the quality of life of patients in Canada, and around the world....

INNOVATE® Philadelphia

Global Philadelphia Association

2025 World Heritage City Celebration

Connecting Heritage, People, and Global Ideas

Innovation as Civic Infrastructure in America’s First World Heritage City In a global landscape where cities compete for visibility, talent, and influence, innovation is often defined narrowly—through technology, startups, or commercial growth. The Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) offers a broader, more civic-minded model. Rather than innovating through a single product...

INNOVATION Quebec

Calcul Québec

Calcul Québec- Collaborate to innovate

Collaborate to innovate

United for more powerQuébec is a pioneer in the field of advanced computing in the country. From 1992, several inter-institutional collaborations emerged. These collaborations made possible the acquisition of supercomputers, and the development of local expertise in order to support the research community. Thirty years ago, this support enabled Québec...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

AUDI

Audi celebrates 30-years in Brazil in 2024, a challenging journey that begun in 1994, when the former F1 driver and Brazilian icon Ayrton Senna started importing the four rings vehicles brand to local market, with new technologies and unprecedented driving dynamics. In these 30-years, Audi has brought outstanding models to...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S

THE FLAMING HEART OF NANDO’S -WE ARE PROUD TO COUNT OURSELVES ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST LOVED EXPORTS

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® New Jersey Vol.2

JUMPSTART NJ

INVESTING IN EARLY-STAGE GROWTH COMPANIES IN NEW JERSEY AND BEYOND

JumpStart NJ Angel Network invests in early-stage growth companies with high potential and innovative technology that disrupts traditional businesses. The group of angel investors screens more than 100 companies each year and invests an average $1.5 million annually in leading-edge startups. Based in the Garden State, JumpStart NJ invests in...

Ecosystems