Stories of Innovation
INNOVATE® Detroit
DCI MARKETING
FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INNOVATION FOCUSED ON INVENTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR LEADING AUTOMOTIVE AND LIFESTYLE BRANDS, MAJOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS
Even in its earliest history, DCI Marketing was focused on brand-building. Originally known as ColorPrint Products Printing, the company built a name for itself producing window signage for shoe stores. But new opportunities with Cadillac and Harley-Davidson propelled DCI Marketing forward, establishing it as not only an innovative design firm,...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
CODEBABY
AI THAT ENHANCES HUMAN CAPACITY
As AI reshapes industries, CodeBaby leads in emotionally intelligent, human-centric AI. Specializing in real-time, 3D animated avatars, CodeBaby bridges the gap between automation and authentic interaction—enhancing, rather than replacing, human capacity. Founded to improve communication and accessibility, CodeBaby redefines engagement in education, healthcare, customer service and workforce training. By merging...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Northeastern’s campus in Arlington, Virginia launched in 2023, joining a growing global university system, now totaling 13 campuses in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Each Northeastern location offers varying combinations of undergraduate, graduate, and professional learning; use inspired research; and entrepreneurship—all aligned with the talent and innovation needs of...
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™ Estonia
ESTBAN
ESTONIAN BUSINESS ANGELS NETWORK IS A ROLE MODEL FOR EUROPEAN ANGEL CLUBS
The Estonian Business Angels Network (EstBAN) has been connecting and educating startup investors and providing a platform for innovation in Estonia and beyond since 2012. EstBAN has become one of Europe’s most respected and well-managed angel investor networks. With nearly 260 members and a growing track record of syndicated and...
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Critical infrastructure faces a dual crisis: a massive portfolio of aging structures is colliding with outdated inspection methods.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™ Vancouver Vol.2
THE FIRST NATIONS TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
CONNECTING INDIGENOUS LEARNERS TO A DIGITAL FUTURE
The First Nations Technology Council (The Technology Council) is an Indigenous-led organization that serves all 204 First Nations communities across the Province of British Columbia. Established in 2002, they are mandated by BC First Nations Leadership to provide digital skills training to Indigenous learners, realize digital equity, and ensure Indigenous...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
METIQUITY
A FOCUS ON FUNDAMENTALS, NOT HYPE.
A CHANGE FOR THE SMALLER.Micro, in fact. Rapidly decreasing technology costs, combined with digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, data and analytics, cloud computing, SaaS, and the Internet of Things, are disrupting our existing business and operating models. This means that Alberta’s emerging-technology sector is primed to be a catalyst...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
Curbio
The Power of Modern Technology In Home Improvement and Real Estate
“Curbio is the most trusted pre-listing home improvement company for thousands of respected agents and brokerages nationwide.” Curbio is a guiding light of innovation in the real estate sector, making home improvement a seamless, modern experience for real estate agents and their clients. As the leading pre-listing home improvement company...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
NAKO TIMEPIECES
A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Born and designed in Gaborone, Botswana Nako Timepieces are merging innovation and luxury watchmaking that is proudly rooted in Botswana. BRAND PERSONALITYAn embodiment of Afrocentrism, Tswana origins, selfdiscovery, character and endurance. Having stepped over the line of classic iconic style and into the realm of simplicity — Nako Timepieces identifies...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
DAILY MAVERICK
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER
Innovation is the lifeblood of Daily Maverick – from its origins as a print magazine featuring long-form current affairs, to its current form as a digital news publisher with more than five million unique visitors every month. Founded by Editor-in-chief Branko Brkic and CEO Styli Charalambous in 2009, eagle-eyed...
INNOVATION Quebec
AXELYS
AN ESSENTIAL MISSION FOR THE FUTURE OF QUÉBEC Axelys integrates innovations from Quebec’s public research into the mainstream of society. Our mission is at the heart of the new 2022 2027 Québec strategy to support research and investment in innovation, launched in May 2022 by the Quebec government. At Axelys,...
INNOVATE® Puerto Rico
ASM GLOBAL
DELIVERS LIVE EXPERIENCES
PUERTO RICO’S PREMIERE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUESASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company has an elite venue network that spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues....
INNOVATE™ Alberta
HEALTH CITIES
IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF ALBERTANS THROUGH INNOVATION
Globally, healthcare is being disrupted, akin to the disruption we witnessed in media and transportation, and digital health is leading the charge. While Canada lags its peers in health outcomes and health system performance, Alberta’s areas of strength – artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and immersive technologies – can be...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
Pittsburgh Institute for Aeronautics
Keeping America’s Aviation Industry Flying High
Originally founded in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1929, PIA has offered industry-leading aviation training for nearly a century. As the organization’s newest campus, PIA Myrtle Beach first opened its doors in January 2012 in the same building that once housed the avionics facilities for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This...
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® Washington DMV Edition
1863 VENTURES
Unleashing Potential
“We’re excited about the continued progress on our path to creating $100B in new wealth by 2030.” In the heart of innovation, where dreams intertwine with reality, 1836 Ventures stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Born from a modest volunteer project at Georgetown, it has evolved into an...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
CGI
A Leader in Innovation
In 1976, Serge Codin and Andre Imbeau, two young and ambitious entrepreneurs from Quebec City, Canada founded CGI, Consultants to Government and Industry. With a strong commitment and big dreams, Codin and Imbeau strived to create a company with an enjoyable work environment that promoted collaboration and innovation among its...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
DR. PEANUT
WHO SAID THAT HEALTHY FOOD HAS TO BE TASTELESS OR BORING?
Motivated by the unwavering and curious desire to respond to that question, in 2017, Lucas Castro, founder and CMO of DR PEANUT, decided to embark and find an ideal recipe that would bring an unbelievable flavor to people focused on health, sports and whoever require balanced energy. This is the...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
SEMETRON
INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE: MOBILE MODULAR HOSPITAL
The healthcare sector faces increasingly complex challenges — from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters to global pandemics and conflict-related crises. In these situations, timely access to quality medical care can be a matter of life and death. This is where Semetron steps in, an innovative leader from...
INNOVATION Quebec
CQDM
Accelerating Drug Discovery
This non-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium supports and facilitates multi-stakeholder innovation to accelerate the transformation of cutting-edge discoveries into vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics addressing unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Canadian economy. An Innovative Funding Model The unique funding model of the NPO, founded in 2008, helps bridge...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
GUNKII
REDESIGNING AFFORDABLE LUXURY ORAL CARE
It is possible to have fresher breath and a healthier mouth with a tongue cleaner. gunkii brings affordable luxury oral care to the market. Founded in May 2020, gunkii is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Jayesh and Nicole Parmar, who had the vision to offer a tongue scraper to help...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
AWCA INVESTMENT HOLDINGS
AFRICAN WOMEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (AWCA) PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE ENTRY OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO THE HISTORICALLY ALMOST IMPENETRABLE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY (CA) PROFESSION
Having overcome exactly the struggles with which AWCA exists to assist, inspirational Founder, Sindi Mabaso-Koyana talks us through some of what makes the organization so special and valuable to aspirational women who are mentored and supported throughout their journey of becoming and CA and even beyond, to ensure their successful...
INNOVATE® Blockchain
DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION
BLOCKCHAIN MAKES WEB 3.0 POSSIBLE
THE DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION (DBC) IS A COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF AFFILIATES FROM GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES, CENTERS OF EXPERTISE AND THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR. ITS MISSION IS TO INCREASE BOTH KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF BLOCKCHAIN IN THE NETHERLANDS, THEREBY SPEEDING UP THE DECENTRALIZATION OF DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE. IN THAT CONTEXT, THE DBC IS PRIMARILY...
INNOVATE® Detroit
DCI MARKETING
FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INNOVATION FOCUSED ON INVENTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR LEADING AUTOMOTIVE AND LIFESTYLE BRANDS, MAJOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS
Even in its earliest history, DCI Marketing was focused on brand-building. Originally known as ColorPrint Products Printing, the company built a name for itself producing window signage for shoe stores. But new opportunities with Cadillac and Harley-Davidson propelled DCI Marketing forward, establishing it as not only an innovative design firm,...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
CODEBABY
AI THAT ENHANCES HUMAN CAPACITY
As AI reshapes industries, CodeBaby leads in emotionally intelligent, human-centric AI. Specializing in real-time, 3D animated avatars, CodeBaby bridges the gap between automation and authentic interaction—enhancing, rather than replacing, human capacity. Founded to improve communication and accessibility, CodeBaby redefines engagement in education, healthcare, customer service and workforce training. By merging...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Northeastern’s campus in Arlington, Virginia launched in 2023, joining a growing global university system, now totaling 13 campuses in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Each Northeastern location offers varying combinations of undergraduate, graduate, and professional learning; use inspired research; and entrepreneurship—all aligned with the talent and innovation needs of...
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™ Estonia
ESTBAN
ESTONIAN BUSINESS ANGELS NETWORK IS A ROLE MODEL FOR EUROPEAN ANGEL CLUBS
The Estonian Business Angels Network (EstBAN) has been connecting and educating startup investors and providing a platform for innovation in Estonia and beyond since 2012. EstBAN has become one of Europe’s most respected and well-managed angel investor networks. With nearly 260 members and a growing track record of syndicated and...
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™ Vancouver Vol.2
THE FIRST NATIONS TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
CONNECTING INDIGENOUS LEARNERS TO A DIGITAL FUTURE
The First Nations Technology Council (The Technology Council) is an Indigenous-led organization that serves all 204 First Nations communities across the Province of British Columbia. Established in 2002, they are mandated by BC First Nations Leadership to provide digital skills training to Indigenous learners, realize digital equity, and ensure Indigenous...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
METIQUITY
A FOCUS ON FUNDAMENTALS, NOT HYPE.
A CHANGE FOR THE SMALLER.Micro, in fact. Rapidly decreasing technology costs, combined with digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, data and analytics, cloud computing, SaaS, and the Internet of Things, are disrupting our existing business and operating models. This means that Alberta’s emerging-technology sector is primed to be a catalyst...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
Curbio
The Power of Modern Technology In Home Improvement and Real Estate
“Curbio is the most trusted pre-listing home improvement company for thousands of respected agents and brokerages nationwide.” Curbio is a guiding light of innovation in the real estate sector, making home improvement a seamless, modern experience for real estate agents and their clients. As the leading pre-listing home improvement company...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
NAKO TIMEPIECES
A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Born and designed in Gaborone, Botswana Nako Timepieces are merging innovation and luxury watchmaking that is proudly rooted in Botswana. BRAND PERSONALITYAn embodiment of Afrocentrism, Tswana origins, selfdiscovery, character and endurance. Having stepped over the line of classic iconic style and into the realm of simplicity — Nako Timepieces identifies...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
DAILY MAVERICK
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER
Innovation is the lifeblood of Daily Maverick – from its origins as a print magazine featuring long-form current affairs, to its current form as a digital news publisher with more than five million unique visitors every month. Founded by Editor-in-chief Branko Brkic and CEO Styli Charalambous in 2009, eagle-eyed...
INNOVATION Quebec
AXELYS
AN ESSENTIAL MISSION FOR THE FUTURE OF QUÉBEC Axelys integrates innovations from Quebec’s public research into the mainstream of society. Our mission is at the heart of the new 2022 2027 Québec strategy to support research and investment in innovation, launched in May 2022 by the Quebec government. At Axelys,...
INNOVATE® Puerto Rico
ASM GLOBAL
DELIVERS LIVE EXPERIENCES
PUERTO RICO’S PREMIERE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUESASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company has an elite venue network that spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues....
INNOVATE™ Alberta
HEALTH CITIES
IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF ALBERTANS THROUGH INNOVATION
Globally, healthcare is being disrupted, akin to the disruption we witnessed in media and transportation, and digital health is leading the charge. While Canada lags its peers in health outcomes and health system performance, Alberta’s areas of strength – artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and immersive technologies – can be...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
Pittsburgh Institute for Aeronautics
Keeping America’s Aviation Industry Flying High
Originally founded in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1929, PIA has offered industry-leading aviation training for nearly a century. As the organization’s newest campus, PIA Myrtle Beach first opened its doors in January 2012 in the same building that once housed the avionics facilities for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This...
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® Washington DMV Edition
1863 VENTURES
Unleashing Potential
“We’re excited about the continued progress on our path to creating $100B in new wealth by 2030.” In the heart of innovation, where dreams intertwine with reality, 1836 Ventures stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Born from a modest volunteer project at Georgetown, it has evolved into an...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
CGI
A Leader in Innovation
In 1976, Serge Codin and Andre Imbeau, two young and ambitious entrepreneurs from Quebec City, Canada founded CGI, Consultants to Government and Industry. With a strong commitment and big dreams, Codin and Imbeau strived to create a company with an enjoyable work environment that promoted collaboration and innovation among its...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
DR. PEANUT
WHO SAID THAT HEALTHY FOOD HAS TO BE TASTELESS OR BORING?
Motivated by the unwavering and curious desire to respond to that question, in 2017, Lucas Castro, founder and CMO of DR PEANUT, decided to embark and find an ideal recipe that would bring an unbelievable flavor to people focused on health, sports and whoever require balanced energy. This is the...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
SEMETRON
INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE: MOBILE MODULAR HOSPITAL
The healthcare sector faces increasingly complex challenges — from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters to global pandemics and conflict-related crises. In these situations, timely access to quality medical care can be a matter of life and death. This is where Semetron steps in, an innovative leader from...
INNOVATION Quebec
CQDM
Accelerating Drug Discovery
This non-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium supports and facilitates multi-stakeholder innovation to accelerate the transformation of cutting-edge discoveries into vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics addressing unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Canadian economy. An Innovative Funding Model The unique funding model of the NPO, founded in 2008, helps bridge...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
GUNKII
REDESIGNING AFFORDABLE LUXURY ORAL CARE
It is possible to have fresher breath and a healthier mouth with a tongue cleaner. gunkii brings affordable luxury oral care to the market. Founded in May 2020, gunkii is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Jayesh and Nicole Parmar, who had the vision to offer a tongue scraper to help...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
AWCA INVESTMENT HOLDINGS
AFRICAN WOMEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (AWCA) PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE ENTRY OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO THE HISTORICALLY ALMOST IMPENETRABLE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY (CA) PROFESSION
Having overcome exactly the struggles with which AWCA exists to assist, inspirational Founder, Sindi Mabaso-Koyana talks us through some of what makes the organization so special and valuable to aspirational women who are mentored and supported throughout their journey of becoming and CA and even beyond, to ensure their successful...
INNOVATE® Blockchain
DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION
BLOCKCHAIN MAKES WEB 3.0 POSSIBLE
THE DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION (DBC) IS A COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF AFFILIATES FROM GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES, CENTERS OF EXPERTISE AND THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR. ITS MISSION IS TO INCREASE BOTH KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF BLOCKCHAIN IN THE NETHERLANDS, THEREBY SPEEDING UP THE DECENTRALIZATION OF DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE. IN THAT CONTEXT, THE DBC IS PRIMARILY...