Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ Toronto

JUST VERTICAL

JUST VERTICAL-FURNITURE THAT FEEDS YOU - INDOOR GARDENS BUILT BY PLANT SCIENCE FOR EVERY GROWER AND EVERY HOME.

FURNITURE THAT FEEDS YOU - INDOOR GARDENS BUILT BY PLANT SCIENCE FOR EVERY GROWER AND EVERY HOME.

How salmon & sangria started a green revolution.Some of the most inspiring inventions come at the most innocuous times. In 2017, Just Vertical co-founders Conner Tidd and Kevin Jakiela were completing their Masters of Science at the University of Toronto. Bright eyed and full of enthusiasm, they hoped to equip...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AT THE HEART OF HEALTHCARE

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is a cornerstone of innovation and excellence in Milwaukee. Founded in 1893, we are a distinguished leader and innovator in the education and development of the next generation of physicians, scientists, pharmacists and health professionals; we discover and translate new knowledge in the biomedical...

INNOVATION Quebec

CETAB+

L’AGRONOMIE POUR FAIRE AVANCER L’AGRICULTURE BIO AU QUÉBEC

À Victoriaville, et rayonnant dans plusieurs régions du Québec, une équipe d’agronomes, de biologistes et de techniciens s’affaire à l’amélioration de méthodes de production agricole propres et modernes. Le Centre d’expertise et de transfert en agriculture biologique et de proximité (CETAB+), affilié au Cégep de Victoriaville, œuvre depuis 2010 de...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

AfroCharts

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OF AFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OFAFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE AfroCharts, founded by Leonard Novati in 2020, is a pioneering digital music platform dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of African music to the global audiences. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, AfroCharts has rapidly grown to become a vibrant hub for artists, fans, and event...

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,...

Global Innovation Spotlight

How Cybersecurity is Driving the Next Wave of Global Innovation

Cybersecurity has moved from the back-office control domain to a main driver in digital innovation. When there is confidence in system resilience, organizations can securely implement and scale AI, cloud, and IoT. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 outlook, growth will be tied to cyber resilience because threats and...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Maryland Tech Council

Pioneering Innovation in the Heart of Maryland

The Maryland Tech Council (MTC) stands at the crossroads of technology and life sciences, fostering a dynamic ecosystem where innovation thrives and transforms lives. “At the Maryland Tech Council, we believe in saving lives, securing our nation, and improving the quality of life through innovation,” says Kelly Schulz, CEO of...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Apple Rose

Apple Rose - Spa-quality organic beauty products with the mission of supporting the fight to end human trafficking

Spa-quality organic beauty products with the mission of supporting the fight to end human trafficking

Apple Rose Beauty is a natural skincare company that creates spa-quality organic beauty products with the tangible mission of supporting the fight to end human trafficking. Products are sold on Amazon, at boutiques, and through an e-commerce website with ingredients that are natural, certified organic, and wildcrafted, with a focus...

INNOVATION Quebec

ExperiSens

CCTT EN EXPÉRIENCE CLIENT MULTISENSORIELLE ET ACCUEIL

ExperiSens, le Centre collégial de transfert de technologies et de pratiques sociales novatrices (CCTT) de l’Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), réalise des activités de recherche appliquée, d’aide technique, de formation et de diffusion de l’information pour les acteurs de l’industrie du tourisme et de l’accueil tout en...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Jane Shirek Photography

Jane Shirek Photography - Capturing the intimate souls of her subjects

Capturing the intimate souls of her subjects, rather than merely a look

Jane Shirek stands out in the photography industry not only for her widely praised talent but also for her years of experience working with all types of people and clients in many cities and countries.  As a photographer, she brings out the very best of everyone she photographs. Jane has...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

86 REPAIRS

86 REPAIRS-TAKE REPAIRS OFF YOUR PLATE

TAKE REPAIRS OFF YOUR PLATE

86 Repairs is the repair and maintenance management platform built for the restaurant industry. Our tech-enabled solution includes on-demand repair management and preventative maintenance. With 86 Repairs, restaurants have access to data-driven insights and 24/7 support to control their facilities, reduce their R&M costs, and spend less of their team’s...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

TPR @ UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP

Your partner for research and training on transport and regional economics

TPR was founded as a research group within the University of Antwerp in the mid-1990s. It is committed to being an international center of excellence for fundamental and applied academic training, research, and service provision in transport economics, logistics, and regional economics. Its mission is to enhance transport and logistics...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Why Soft2Bet’s MEGA Platform Is Changing the Game

Soft2Bet’s MEGA Platform Redefines iGaming Growth in 2025

Most online casinos follow the same playbook: bright colors, big bonuses, and hope players stick around long enough to lose money. Soft2Bet decided that they were going to change the scene. In 2023, they launched MEGA: a platform that treats players like gamers instead of walking ATMs. Every bet becomes...

INNOVATION Quebec

LE « RÉSEAU SDG INNOVATION™ NETWORK »

Grâce à un leadership de huit institutions universitaires québécoises, le Réseau SmartDigital-Green Innovation™ (SDGInnov), un premier au Canada, a été créé le 16 janvier 2019, dans l’optique de répondre à des besoins industriels nécessitant la collaboration interuniversitaire en recherche et développement (R&D), ainsi que la formation de personnel hautement qualifié...

Global Innovation Spotlight

The Future of Crypto Payments in E-Commerce

Discover how blockchain innovations, stablecoins, and new regulations are driving crypto adoption by merchants and consumers in e-commerce.

Cryptocurrencies are poised to reshape online retail payments by offering near-instant global transfers and lower fees compared to traditional methods. These advantages appeal to both merchants and consumers: a survey found about 46% of crypto users cite transaction speed and efficiency, and 41% value crypto’s borderless reach. Savvy retailers are...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

PS27 Female Founders Forum

PS27 Female Founders Forum-To Motivate and Improve the Skills of Female Founders

To Motivate and Improve the Skills of Female Founders, Entrepreneurs, and Intrepreneurs

The Female Founders Forum is an annual event, organized by PS27 Empowerment, to motivate and improve the skills of Female Founders, entrepreneurs, and intrepreneurs.   The event brings successful women role models together with early-stage female founders. Each year the event takes place on International Women’s Day. During the event,...

INNOVATION Quebec

COREM

Corem- Is a centre of expertise and innovation in mineral processing with the largest concentration of resources dedicated to research and innovation in this field in Canada

s a centre of expertise and innovation in mineral processing with the largest concentration of resources dedicated to research and innovation in this field in Canada

As a not-for-profit organization, Corem works to improve the competitiveness of the mining industry and reduce environmental impact through the industrialization of innovative solutions. Corem works closely with its Canadian and international mining company members and clients, and its research and government partners to achieve this goal.   Founded in...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

pH7 TECHNOLOGIES

At the forefront of sustainable resource extraction

Specialized cleantech solutions.pH7 Technologies Inc. delivers specialized cleantech solutions for the extraction of critical metals necessary for the transition to renewable energies. We have pioneered a proprietary process that provides a near-net-zero environmental impact in the extraction of key metals and minerals. This sustainable closed-loop process makes it an ideal...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

THE SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

NANCY VERMEULEN TRAINS ASPIRING ASTRONAUTS IN HER SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

People who see space as a playground for the super-rich fail to see the most crucial characteristic: space is a huge source of innovation....

INNOVATE™ Estonia

DIOTECH GROUP

MAKING RENEWABLES RELIABLE: DIOTECH’S ENERGY STORAGE MISSION

Diotech OÜ is an Estonian energy-technology company operating as a system integrator in the fields of energy storage, solar power, electrical infrastructure, lighting, and EV charging solutions. According to its website, the company’s mission is to accelerate society’s shift to carbon-neutral electricity production and consumption. Over recent years, Diotech Group...

Global Innovation Spotlight

The Product Passport That Outlives the Packaging

Repairing an appliance with hand tools and a circuit board on the bench

Under the EU's ESPR, a product's data now outlives its packaging.

A broken appliance often presents a data problem before a repair problem. Its model label may be scratched and the manual lost. Reliable information about components, materials and spare parts can be harder to locate than the fault. Digital Product Passports keep that information attached throughout a product’s useful life....

INNOVATE® Detroit

Detroit Venture Partners

Shaping the Future of Tech in Detroit and Beyond

Founded in 2010 by Dan Gilbert, the visionary behind Rocket Companies and Rocket Mortgage, Detroit Venture Partners (DVP) is at the forefront of Detroit’s entrepreneurial renaissance. Gilbert’s leadership in reshaping industries through his companies extends seamlessly into DVP, a venture capital firm committed to investing in bold entrepreneurs and game-changing...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

CARMELLA

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

Carmella, an award-winning, nationally certified, net-zero, woman-owned, and women-led full-service marketing and sales agency, is on a mission to transform communities and make a significant GDP level impact. Grounded in a philosophy of providing complimentary education without expectations, offering extraordinary hospitality, relentlessly pursuing excellence, Carmella delivers the ultimate customer experience....

INNOVATE™ Toronto

NEXT CANADA

NEXT CANADA-BUILDING A MORE AMBITIOUS AND COMPETITIVE CANADA

BUILDING A MORE AMBITIOUS AND COMPETITIVE CANADA

Founded in 2011, NEXT Canada was built on the vision of supporting the growth trajectory of aspiring and scaling entrepreneurs. With the support and leadership from NEXT Canada’s Cofounders and Founding Patrons, NEXT has grown to become one of Canada’s top entrepreneurial networks, with graduates achieving significant milestones in their...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

JUST VERTICAL

JUST VERTICAL-FURNITURE THAT FEEDS YOU - INDOOR GARDENS BUILT BY PLANT SCIENCE FOR EVERY GROWER AND EVERY HOME.

FURNITURE THAT FEEDS YOU - INDOOR GARDENS BUILT BY PLANT SCIENCE FOR EVERY GROWER AND EVERY HOME.

How salmon & sangria started a green revolution.Some of the most inspiring inventions come at the most innocuous times. In 2017, Just Vertical co-founders Conner Tidd and Kevin Jakiela were completing their Masters of Science at the University of Toronto. Bright eyed and full of enthusiasm, they hoped to equip...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AT THE HEART OF HEALTHCARE

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is a cornerstone of innovation and excellence in Milwaukee. Founded in 1893, we are a distinguished leader and innovator in the education and development of the next generation of physicians, scientists, pharmacists and health professionals; we discover and translate new knowledge in the biomedical...

INNOVATION Quebec

CETAB+

L’AGRONOMIE POUR FAIRE AVANCER L’AGRICULTURE BIO AU QUÉBEC

À Victoriaville, et rayonnant dans plusieurs régions du Québec, une équipe d’agronomes, de biologistes et de techniciens s’affaire à l’amélioration de méthodes de production agricole propres et modernes. Le Centre d’expertise et de transfert en agriculture biologique et de proximité (CETAB+), affilié au Cégep de Victoriaville, œuvre depuis 2010 de...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

AfroCharts

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OF AFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OFAFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE AfroCharts, founded by Leonard Novati in 2020, is a pioneering digital music platform dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of African music to the global audiences. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, AfroCharts has rapidly grown to become a vibrant hub for artists, fans, and event...

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,...

Global Innovation Spotlight

How Cybersecurity is Driving the Next Wave of Global Innovation

Cybersecurity has moved from the back-office control domain to a main driver in digital innovation. When there is confidence in system resilience, organizations can securely implement and scale AI, cloud, and IoT. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 outlook, growth will be tied to cyber resilience because threats and...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Maryland Tech Council

Pioneering Innovation in the Heart of Maryland

The Maryland Tech Council (MTC) stands at the crossroads of technology and life sciences, fostering a dynamic ecosystem where innovation thrives and transforms lives. “At the Maryland Tech Council, we believe in saving lives, securing our nation, and improving the quality of life through innovation,” says Kelly Schulz, CEO of...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Apple Rose

Apple Rose - Spa-quality organic beauty products with the mission of supporting the fight to end human trafficking

Spa-quality organic beauty products with the mission of supporting the fight to end human trafficking

Apple Rose Beauty is a natural skincare company that creates spa-quality organic beauty products with the tangible mission of supporting the fight to end human trafficking. Products are sold on Amazon, at boutiques, and through an e-commerce website with ingredients that are natural, certified organic, and wildcrafted, with a focus...

INNOVATION Quebec

ExperiSens

CCTT EN EXPÉRIENCE CLIENT MULTISENSORIELLE ET ACCUEIL

ExperiSens, le Centre collégial de transfert de technologies et de pratiques sociales novatrices (CCTT) de l’Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), réalise des activités de recherche appliquée, d’aide technique, de formation et de diffusion de l’information pour les acteurs de l’industrie du tourisme et de l’accueil tout en...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Jane Shirek Photography

Jane Shirek Photography - Capturing the intimate souls of her subjects

Capturing the intimate souls of her subjects, rather than merely a look

Jane Shirek stands out in the photography industry not only for her widely praised talent but also for her years of experience working with all types of people and clients in many cities and countries.  As a photographer, she brings out the very best of everyone she photographs. Jane has...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

86 REPAIRS

86 REPAIRS-TAKE REPAIRS OFF YOUR PLATE

TAKE REPAIRS OFF YOUR PLATE

86 Repairs is the repair and maintenance management platform built for the restaurant industry. Our tech-enabled solution includes on-demand repair management and preventative maintenance. With 86 Repairs, restaurants have access to data-driven insights and 24/7 support to control their facilities, reduce their R&M costs, and spend less of their team’s...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

TPR @ UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP

Your partner for research and training on transport and regional economics

TPR was founded as a research group within the University of Antwerp in the mid-1990s. It is committed to being an international center of excellence for fundamental and applied academic training, research, and service provision in transport economics, logistics, and regional economics. Its mission is to enhance transport and logistics...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Why Soft2Bet’s MEGA Platform Is Changing the Game

Soft2Bet’s MEGA Platform Redefines iGaming Growth in 2025

Most online casinos follow the same playbook: bright colors, big bonuses, and hope players stick around long enough to lose money. Soft2Bet decided that they were going to change the scene. In 2023, they launched MEGA: a platform that treats players like gamers instead of walking ATMs. Every bet becomes...

INNOVATION Quebec

LE « RÉSEAU SDG INNOVATION™ NETWORK »

Grâce à un leadership de huit institutions universitaires québécoises, le Réseau SmartDigital-Green Innovation™ (SDGInnov), un premier au Canada, a été créé le 16 janvier 2019, dans l’optique de répondre à des besoins industriels nécessitant la collaboration interuniversitaire en recherche et développement (R&D), ainsi que la formation de personnel hautement qualifié...

Global Innovation Spotlight

The Future of Crypto Payments in E-Commerce

Discover how blockchain innovations, stablecoins, and new regulations are driving crypto adoption by merchants and consumers in e-commerce.

Cryptocurrencies are poised to reshape online retail payments by offering near-instant global transfers and lower fees compared to traditional methods. These advantages appeal to both merchants and consumers: a survey found about 46% of crypto users cite transaction speed and efficiency, and 41% value crypto’s borderless reach. Savvy retailers are...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

PS27 Female Founders Forum

PS27 Female Founders Forum-To Motivate and Improve the Skills of Female Founders

To Motivate and Improve the Skills of Female Founders, Entrepreneurs, and Intrepreneurs

The Female Founders Forum is an annual event, organized by PS27 Empowerment, to motivate and improve the skills of Female Founders, entrepreneurs, and intrepreneurs.   The event brings successful women role models together with early-stage female founders. Each year the event takes place on International Women’s Day. During the event,...

INNOVATION Quebec

COREM

Corem- Is a centre of expertise and innovation in mineral processing with the largest concentration of resources dedicated to research and innovation in this field in Canada

s a centre of expertise and innovation in mineral processing with the largest concentration of resources dedicated to research and innovation in this field in Canada

As a not-for-profit organization, Corem works to improve the competitiveness of the mining industry and reduce environmental impact through the industrialization of innovative solutions. Corem works closely with its Canadian and international mining company members and clients, and its research and government partners to achieve this goal.   Founded in...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

pH7 TECHNOLOGIES

At the forefront of sustainable resource extraction

Specialized cleantech solutions.pH7 Technologies Inc. delivers specialized cleantech solutions for the extraction of critical metals necessary for the transition to renewable energies. We have pioneered a proprietary process that provides a near-net-zero environmental impact in the extraction of key metals and minerals. This sustainable closed-loop process makes it an ideal...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

THE SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

NANCY VERMEULEN TRAINS ASPIRING ASTRONAUTS IN HER SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

People who see space as a playground for the super-rich fail to see the most crucial characteristic: space is a huge source of innovation....

INNOVATE™ Estonia

DIOTECH GROUP

MAKING RENEWABLES RELIABLE: DIOTECH’S ENERGY STORAGE MISSION

Diotech OÜ is an Estonian energy-technology company operating as a system integrator in the fields of energy storage, solar power, electrical infrastructure, lighting, and EV charging solutions. According to its website, the company’s mission is to accelerate society’s shift to carbon-neutral electricity production and consumption. Over recent years, Diotech Group...

Global Innovation Spotlight

The Product Passport That Outlives the Packaging

Repairing an appliance with hand tools and a circuit board on the bench

Under the EU's ESPR, a product's data now outlives its packaging.

A broken appliance often presents a data problem before a repair problem. Its model label may be scratched and the manual lost. Reliable information about components, materials and spare parts can be harder to locate than the fault. Digital Product Passports keep that information attached throughout a product’s useful life....

INNOVATE® Detroit

Detroit Venture Partners

Shaping the Future of Tech in Detroit and Beyond

Founded in 2010 by Dan Gilbert, the visionary behind Rocket Companies and Rocket Mortgage, Detroit Venture Partners (DVP) is at the forefront of Detroit’s entrepreneurial renaissance. Gilbert’s leadership in reshaping industries through his companies extends seamlessly into DVP, a venture capital firm committed to investing in bold entrepreneurs and game-changing...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

CARMELLA

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

Carmella, an award-winning, nationally certified, net-zero, woman-owned, and women-led full-service marketing and sales agency, is on a mission to transform communities and make a significant GDP level impact. Grounded in a philosophy of providing complimentary education without expectations, offering extraordinary hospitality, relentlessly pursuing excellence, Carmella delivers the ultimate customer experience....

INNOVATE™ Toronto

NEXT CANADA

NEXT CANADA-BUILDING A MORE AMBITIOUS AND COMPETITIVE CANADA

BUILDING A MORE AMBITIOUS AND COMPETITIVE CANADA

Founded in 2011, NEXT Canada was built on the vision of supporting the growth trajectory of aspiring and scaling entrepreneurs. With the support and leadership from NEXT Canada’s Cofounders and Founding Patrons, NEXT has grown to become one of Canada’s top entrepreneurial networks, with graduates achieving significant milestones in their...

Ecosystems