Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ Toronto

AIRMATRIX

AIRMATRIX- BUILDS THE WORLD'S MOST PRECISE DRONE ROAD SYSTEMS

BUILDS THE WORLD'S MOST PRECISE DRONE ROAD SYSTEMS

Co-founded by University of Toronto graduates, Bashir Khan, Ayaan Haider and Shayaan Haider in 2018, AirMatrix builds the world’s most precise drone road systems. AirMatrix is innovating at the bleeding edge and is affiliated with Communitech, MaRS, IRAP and DMZ. AirMatrix is a member of Transport Canada’s action team on...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

18LOOP

DEPLOYS VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS TO KIDS WITH CANCER TO HELP FIGHT THE DISEASE

18Loop deploys advanced virtual reality (VR) headsets to kids with cancer to help them tolerate treatment, recover and thrive. 18Loop has distributed over 100 VR headsets to children with cancer in 32 states.18Loop reaches its children through a partnership with the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO). Virtual reality is vital...

INNOVATION Quebec

ÉCOBES

UN CCTT DÉDIÉ À RÉSOUDRE LES INÉGALITÉS SOCIALES EN ÉDUCATION ET EN SANTÉ

UN CCTT DÉDIÉ À RÉSOUDRE LES INÉGALITÉS SOCIALES EN ÉDUCATION ET EN SANTÉ AU MOYEN DE LA RECHERCHE APPLIQUÉE ET PARTENARIALE COMPRENDRE, COCONSTRUIRE, AGIR Le Centre d’Étude sur les COnditions de vie et BESoins de la population (ÉCOBES) s’affirme en tant que chef de file dans le domaine de l’innovation...

Global Innovation Spotlight

5 Ways a State Can Support Its Tech Startup Ecosystem

A thriving startup ecosystem rarely appears by accident or grows without meaningful support. Behind every successful innovation hub stands a combination of smart policies, talented people, and long-term planning.  According to Tech Monitor, startup failures in the US surged by almost 60% in 2024 due to high inflation and low...

INNOVATION Quebec

L’Espace d’accélération et de croissance de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (EACAT)

L’Espace d’accélération et de croissance de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (EACAT) fait partie de la démarche des Espaces régionaux d’accélération et de croissance mis en place par le ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec en 2018

La création de l’organisation s’est faite en 2018, à la suite d’un processus de consultation et de concertation régional, pour établir le positionnement adéquat de l’organisation. La complémentarité de la mission de l’organisation avec l’ensemble des partenaires de l’écosystème de développement et d’innovation en région a permis de conclure à...

INNOVATION Quebec

THE CONCORDIA APPLIED AI INSTITUTE (AI2)

The Concordia Applied AI Institute (AI2) is a multidisciplinary applied research unit representing more than 120 Faculty members and their graduate students from the 4 Concordia University Faculties: Arts and Science, Fine Arts, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, and John Molson School of Business. Organized in 3...

INNOVATE® Seattle

SYNDIO

SYNDIO HELPS HR LEADERS NAVIGATE THIS NEW WORLD WITH TECHNOLOGY

SYNDIO HELPS HR LEADERS NAVIGATE THIS NEW WORLD WITH TECHNOLOGY Companies with great cultures win in the market. Yet today, vital  elements that define culture — like how a company values its employees through pay and advancement — are on full display. In this environment of growing transparency requirements, it’s...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

ZENUS BANK

ZENUS BANK-Banking beyond borders

Banking beyond borders

We’re on a mission to build a financial institution that gives people and businesses around the world access to the security, freedom and convenience of US banking. And to create a world where physical borders don’t limit the financial services you have access to – taking banking beyond borders. By...

Global Innovation Spotlight

IBERIA-Es La Mayor Aerolínea Española y Líder Entre Europa y América Latina

Iberia belongs to the IAG Group and is a member of the oneworld airline alliance. Its mission is always to be the best option for both leisure and business travel.   Together with its low-fare Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum units, it has a fleet of 145 aircraft,...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Potluck

And the Reimagining of Social Tech

In an era dominated by likes, follows, and infinite scrolls, Justin Gray, founder of Potluck, is betting on a different future—one where social technology isn’t about building an audience, but about deepening real-life connections with the people we actually see: our friends, families, neighbors, and coworkers. Potluck is more than...

INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath

AutonoMe

AutonoMe - Getting The Right Levels Of Support For Vulnerable People.

Getting The Right Levels Of Support For Vulnerable People.

Founded in 2015 by combining his skills in video production and his life expertise is helping vulnerable people overcome barriers to their independence, William Britton aims to make a huge impact on the industry so close to his heart.“We’re an EdTech provider that supports vulnerable people across Education and Social Care....

INNOVATE™ Estonia

AVOKAADO

FROM LEGAL CHAOS TO OPERATIONAL CLARITY

For most businesses, contracts are critical but chaotic. They’re scattered across inboxes, cloud folders, and outdated templates. Legal teams spend days or even weeks managing reviews, chasing approvals, and mitigating compliance risks. The result is a bottleneck that slows deals, creates risk, and turns legal into a reactive cost center....

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

VELORIC CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

American University’s Kogod School of Business breeds the spirit of changemakers at the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship. It’s more than just an academic unit; it’s a thriving ecosystem where entrepreneurial dreams are developed, challenged, and nurtured. Entrepreneurship is a worldview. Entrepreneurs are risk-taking, resilient, innovative problem-solvers and dreamers with the...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HOME OF MY OWN

HOME OF MY OWN-MANY SOUTH AFRICANS STRUGGLE FINANCIALLY BECAUSE THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND THE VITAL ROLE HOMEOWNERSHIP PLAYS IN GETTING AHEAD FINANCIALLY

MANY SOUTH AFRICANS STRUGGLE FINANCIALLY BECAUSE THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND THE VITAL ROLE HOMEOWNERSHIP PLAYS IN GETTING AHEAD FINANCIALLY

At Home of My Own, we are passionate about homeownership because:• It generates wealth for homeowners and their families• Creates a more stable home environment• Results in better educational and behavioral outcomes for children• Improves physical and mental health homeowners• Builds stronger and more engaged communities Our mission is to...

INNOVATE® Philadelphia: 250 Years of Innovation

SHIFT CAPITAL

INVESTING WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

SHIFT Capital’s Blueprint for Just Communities A Philadelphia-born B Corporation is rewriting the rules of real estate — proving that purpose and profit can build something greater than either alone. In the neighborhoods that have long been overlooked by conventional real estate investment, SHIFT Capital has spent nearly a decade...

INNOVATE® Georgia

BLACKROCK

CHARTING THE WAY FORWARD

For BlackRock, continuous innovation is key. BlackRock’s Aladdin® business—which provides an investment management platform for institutional investors and wealth managers—is at the heart of the company’s tech innovation. Aladdin provides a unified investment management platform that gives clients a full view of their portfolio, across public and private markets—and enables...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ENTERPRISE ESTONIA

INNOVATING FOR A FUTURE-PROOF TOMORROW

Known for its vast forests, thousands of islands, and strong traditions, Estonia has, in just thirty years, built a thriving liberal democracy and become one of the world’s most advanced digital societies. As Estonia continues to innovate, Enterprise Estonia plays a key role in supporting the country’s business environment by...

INNOVATE® Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC)

WELCOME TO “INNOVATE NORTHERN VIRGINIA” Celebrating 35 Years of Innovation. And We’re Just Getting Started.

A Region Defined by Innovation Every region has a story. Some are defined by geography. Others by history. Northern Virginia is defined by innovation. For more than three decades, this remarkable region has quietly transformed itself into one of the world’s most influential technology communities. What began with the rise...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

GULP DATA

HELPING COMPANIES UNLOCK THE VALUE IN THEIR DATA

Every single minute, 2.5MB of new data is generated per every human being on the planet — a staggering figure that just keeps growing. Though one might think that Silicon Valley titans are responsible for this flood of information, the vast majority of new data actually comes from small and...

INNOVATION Quebec

ACCORD

PROMOTE BUSINESS GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH THE ACCORD INITIATIVE

Launched in April 2002, the ACCORD Initiative (concerted action for regional development cooperation) seeks to create an environment conducive to the development of businesses. It fosters collaboration between businesses and organizations in a specific field and territory. For more than 20 years, this regional development strategy has been a significant...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

GLADIUS STUDIOS

TRANSFORMING IDEAS INTO A WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT AND INNOVATION

Gladius Studios is an Emmy Award Winner animation studio located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The innovation and emerging technologies company is committed to develop superior quality projects such as content for advertising, educational purposes and entertainment. To support and retain local talent in the industry of animation and technology,...

INNOVATION Quebec

IRIPII

CCTT IN IMMIGRATION, INTERCULTURAL PRACTICES ANS INCLUSION

The Institut de recherche sur l’immigration et sur les pratiques interculturelles et inclusives (IRIPII) was created in 2009 at Collège de Maisonneuve. As an interface between the research community and the various client communities, our CCTT is one of the few organizations in Quebec that can cover all stages of...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

7SENSE

TELEHAPTIC TECHNOLOGY: REDEFINING SIGHT THROUGH A REMOTE SENSE OF TOUCH

7Sense is a deep-tech and life science start-up developing telehaptic technology for the blind. It allows users to feel their surrounding environment through a sense of touch on the forehead. In simple words, the user feels surrounding objects—their shape, size, motion, speed, and distance. Traditionally, haptics has meant small vibrating...

INNOVATE® Nashville

MCVANTAGE

ROOTED IN LEGACY, BRANCHING INTO INNOVATION

McVantage Packaging stands as a testament to resilience and forward-thinking in the wood pallet, crate, industrial lumber, and supply chain industry. Founded nearly 75 years ago in Tuscumbia, Alabama, the company has evolved from a family-run lumber operation into a regional powerhouse serving the Central-Southeastern United States. With plants in...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

AIRMATRIX

AIRMATRIX- BUILDS THE WORLD'S MOST PRECISE DRONE ROAD SYSTEMS

BUILDS THE WORLD'S MOST PRECISE DRONE ROAD SYSTEMS

Co-founded by University of Toronto graduates, Bashir Khan, Ayaan Haider and Shayaan Haider in 2018, AirMatrix builds the world’s most precise drone road systems. AirMatrix is innovating at the bleeding edge and is affiliated with Communitech, MaRS, IRAP and DMZ. AirMatrix is a member of Transport Canada’s action team on...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

18LOOP

DEPLOYS VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS TO KIDS WITH CANCER TO HELP FIGHT THE DISEASE

18Loop deploys advanced virtual reality (VR) headsets to kids with cancer to help them tolerate treatment, recover and thrive. 18Loop has distributed over 100 VR headsets to children with cancer in 32 states.18Loop reaches its children through a partnership with the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO). Virtual reality is vital...

INNOVATION Quebec

ÉCOBES

UN CCTT DÉDIÉ À RÉSOUDRE LES INÉGALITÉS SOCIALES EN ÉDUCATION ET EN SANTÉ

UN CCTT DÉDIÉ À RÉSOUDRE LES INÉGALITÉS SOCIALES EN ÉDUCATION ET EN SANTÉ AU MOYEN DE LA RECHERCHE APPLIQUÉE ET PARTENARIALE COMPRENDRE, COCONSTRUIRE, AGIR Le Centre d’Étude sur les COnditions de vie et BESoins de la population (ÉCOBES) s’affirme en tant que chef de file dans le domaine de l’innovation...

Global Innovation Spotlight

5 Ways a State Can Support Its Tech Startup Ecosystem

A thriving startup ecosystem rarely appears by accident or grows without meaningful support. Behind every successful innovation hub stands a combination of smart policies, talented people, and long-term planning.  According to Tech Monitor, startup failures in the US surged by almost 60% in 2024 due to high inflation and low...

INNOVATION Quebec

L’Espace d’accélération et de croissance de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (EACAT)

L’Espace d’accélération et de croissance de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (EACAT) fait partie de la démarche des Espaces régionaux d’accélération et de croissance mis en place par le ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec en 2018

La création de l’organisation s’est faite en 2018, à la suite d’un processus de consultation et de concertation régional, pour établir le positionnement adéquat de l’organisation. La complémentarité de la mission de l’organisation avec l’ensemble des partenaires de l’écosystème de développement et d’innovation en région a permis de conclure à...

INNOVATION Quebec

THE CONCORDIA APPLIED AI INSTITUTE (AI2)

The Concordia Applied AI Institute (AI2) is a multidisciplinary applied research unit representing more than 120 Faculty members and their graduate students from the 4 Concordia University Faculties: Arts and Science, Fine Arts, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, and John Molson School of Business. Organized in 3...

INNOVATE® Seattle

SYNDIO

SYNDIO HELPS HR LEADERS NAVIGATE THIS NEW WORLD WITH TECHNOLOGY

SYNDIO HELPS HR LEADERS NAVIGATE THIS NEW WORLD WITH TECHNOLOGY Companies with great cultures win in the market. Yet today, vital  elements that define culture — like how a company values its employees through pay and advancement — are on full display. In this environment of growing transparency requirements, it’s...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

ZENUS BANK

ZENUS BANK-Banking beyond borders

Banking beyond borders

We’re on a mission to build a financial institution that gives people and businesses around the world access to the security, freedom and convenience of US banking. And to create a world where physical borders don’t limit the financial services you have access to – taking banking beyond borders. By...

Global Innovation Spotlight

IBERIA-Es La Mayor Aerolínea Española y Líder Entre Europa y América Latina

Iberia belongs to the IAG Group and is a member of the oneworld airline alliance. Its mission is always to be the best option for both leisure and business travel.   Together with its low-fare Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum units, it has a fleet of 145 aircraft,...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Potluck

And the Reimagining of Social Tech

In an era dominated by likes, follows, and infinite scrolls, Justin Gray, founder of Potluck, is betting on a different future—one where social technology isn’t about building an audience, but about deepening real-life connections with the people we actually see: our friends, families, neighbors, and coworkers. Potluck is more than...

INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath

AutonoMe

AutonoMe - Getting The Right Levels Of Support For Vulnerable People.

Getting The Right Levels Of Support For Vulnerable People.

Founded in 2015 by combining his skills in video production and his life expertise is helping vulnerable people overcome barriers to their independence, William Britton aims to make a huge impact on the industry so close to his heart.“We’re an EdTech provider that supports vulnerable people across Education and Social Care....

INNOVATE™ Estonia

AVOKAADO

FROM LEGAL CHAOS TO OPERATIONAL CLARITY

For most businesses, contracts are critical but chaotic. They’re scattered across inboxes, cloud folders, and outdated templates. Legal teams spend days or even weeks managing reviews, chasing approvals, and mitigating compliance risks. The result is a bottleneck that slows deals, creates risk, and turns legal into a reactive cost center....

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

VELORIC CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

American University’s Kogod School of Business breeds the spirit of changemakers at the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship. It’s more than just an academic unit; it’s a thriving ecosystem where entrepreneurial dreams are developed, challenged, and nurtured. Entrepreneurship is a worldview. Entrepreneurs are risk-taking, resilient, innovative problem-solvers and dreamers with the...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HOME OF MY OWN

HOME OF MY OWN-MANY SOUTH AFRICANS STRUGGLE FINANCIALLY BECAUSE THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND THE VITAL ROLE HOMEOWNERSHIP PLAYS IN GETTING AHEAD FINANCIALLY

MANY SOUTH AFRICANS STRUGGLE FINANCIALLY BECAUSE THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND THE VITAL ROLE HOMEOWNERSHIP PLAYS IN GETTING AHEAD FINANCIALLY

At Home of My Own, we are passionate about homeownership because:• It generates wealth for homeowners and their families• Creates a more stable home environment• Results in better educational and behavioral outcomes for children• Improves physical and mental health homeowners• Builds stronger and more engaged communities Our mission is to...

INNOVATE® Philadelphia: 250 Years of Innovation

SHIFT CAPITAL

INVESTING WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

SHIFT Capital’s Blueprint for Just Communities A Philadelphia-born B Corporation is rewriting the rules of real estate — proving that purpose and profit can build something greater than either alone. In the neighborhoods that have long been overlooked by conventional real estate investment, SHIFT Capital has spent nearly a decade...

INNOVATE® Georgia

BLACKROCK

CHARTING THE WAY FORWARD

For BlackRock, continuous innovation is key. BlackRock’s Aladdin® business—which provides an investment management platform for institutional investors and wealth managers—is at the heart of the company’s tech innovation. Aladdin provides a unified investment management platform that gives clients a full view of their portfolio, across public and private markets—and enables...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ENTERPRISE ESTONIA

INNOVATING FOR A FUTURE-PROOF TOMORROW

Known for its vast forests, thousands of islands, and strong traditions, Estonia has, in just thirty years, built a thriving liberal democracy and become one of the world’s most advanced digital societies. As Estonia continues to innovate, Enterprise Estonia plays a key role in supporting the country’s business environment by...

INNOVATE® Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC)

WELCOME TO “INNOVATE NORTHERN VIRGINIA” Celebrating 35 Years of Innovation. And We’re Just Getting Started.

A Region Defined by Innovation Every region has a story. Some are defined by geography. Others by history. Northern Virginia is defined by innovation. For more than three decades, this remarkable region has quietly transformed itself into one of the world’s most influential technology communities. What began with the rise...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

GULP DATA

HELPING COMPANIES UNLOCK THE VALUE IN THEIR DATA

Every single minute, 2.5MB of new data is generated per every human being on the planet — a staggering figure that just keeps growing. Though one might think that Silicon Valley titans are responsible for this flood of information, the vast majority of new data actually comes from small and...

INNOVATION Quebec

ACCORD

PROMOTE BUSINESS GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH THE ACCORD INITIATIVE

Launched in April 2002, the ACCORD Initiative (concerted action for regional development cooperation) seeks to create an environment conducive to the development of businesses. It fosters collaboration between businesses and organizations in a specific field and territory. For more than 20 years, this regional development strategy has been a significant...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

GLADIUS STUDIOS

TRANSFORMING IDEAS INTO A WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT AND INNOVATION

Gladius Studios is an Emmy Award Winner animation studio located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The innovation and emerging technologies company is committed to develop superior quality projects such as content for advertising, educational purposes and entertainment. To support and retain local talent in the industry of animation and technology,...

INNOVATION Quebec

IRIPII

CCTT IN IMMIGRATION, INTERCULTURAL PRACTICES ANS INCLUSION

The Institut de recherche sur l’immigration et sur les pratiques interculturelles et inclusives (IRIPII) was created in 2009 at Collège de Maisonneuve. As an interface between the research community and the various client communities, our CCTT is one of the few organizations in Quebec that can cover all stages of...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

7SENSE

TELEHAPTIC TECHNOLOGY: REDEFINING SIGHT THROUGH A REMOTE SENSE OF TOUCH

7Sense is a deep-tech and life science start-up developing telehaptic technology for the blind. It allows users to feel their surrounding environment through a sense of touch on the forehead. In simple words, the user feels surrounding objects—their shape, size, motion, speed, and distance. Traditionally, haptics has meant small vibrating...

INNOVATE® Nashville

MCVANTAGE

ROOTED IN LEGACY, BRANCHING INTO INNOVATION

McVantage Packaging stands as a testament to resilience and forward-thinking in the wood pallet, crate, industrial lumber, and supply chain industry. Founded nearly 75 years ago in Tuscumbia, Alabama, the company has evolved from a family-run lumber operation into a regional powerhouse serving the Central-Southeastern United States. With plants in...

Ecosystems