Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Georgia

CATALYST BY WELLSTAR

LET’S DISRUPT THE STATUS QUO TO CREATE A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR ALL OF US.

To push Wellstar’s legacy of innovation even further, Catalyst by Wellstar was created in 2021 as the first-of-its-kind innovation company and venture firm. A team of innovators, investors, and builders was assembled to harness the decades of experience and knowledge of Wellstar and shape the future of healthcare. Grounded in...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

P33

P33-DRIVING INCLUSIVE GROWTH FOR CHICAGO’S TECH SECTOR BY 2033

DRIVING INCLUSIVE GROWTH FOR CHICAGO’S TECH SECTOR BY 2033

At P33, we started with one question: How does Chicago, and our region, stack up as a technology and innovation center? Through conversations with hundreds of technology and business leaders, founders, and tech workers, we learned we Chicago’s reputation as a tech center lags behind its perception.   We launched...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

NAII

ACCELERATING AI AND QUANTUM IMPACT: FROM STOCKHOLM TO THE WORLD

Founded in 2017, the Stockholm-based Nordic Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) is an independent think-and-do tank that converts advances in AI, quantum, energy, and space technologies into executive-level strategy and delivery. NAII sits at the intersection of technology, industry, policy, and society with a consistent lens on European technological sovereignty. VIRTUAL...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

FLÖDE

REWRITING FASHION’S DNA THROUGH SCALABLE UPCYCLING AND RADICAL RESPONSIBILITY

FLÖDE is a research-driven upcycling studio and remanufacturing lab founded in 2024 with one purpose: to prove that sustainable fashion production is not only possible, it’s necessary, scalable, and better by design. Where others see textile waste, Flöde sees a vast, untapped resource. Beyond waste: How Flöde turns discarded clothing...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

APIFARMA

APIFARMA-A Longer And Better Life. That Is Our Compromise With The Portuguese People

A Longer And Better Life. That Is Our Compromise With The Portuguese People

The mission of the pharmaceutical industry is to further innovation and the development of therapies that meet existing needs in terms of treatments and the prevention of new diseases, and to make available medications that constitute an improvement in the health and life quality of the population. APIFARMA, the Portuguese...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

2U

2U’S- BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

A BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

FOUNDED IN 2008 IN MARYLAND WASHINGTON DC, 2U, INC. SET OUT TO CREATE THE WORLD’S BEST ONLINE EDUCATION AND THEY’VE BEEN DEFYING THE ODDS EVER SINCE. ALSO AROUND THE EXACT SAME TIME AND COINCIDING WITH THE BEGINNING OF THE MOOC REVOLUTION, GETSMARTER WAS ALSO FOUNDED. Early on in the industry,...

INNOVATE® Nashville

VIDEOBOMB

VIDEOBOMB-MAKES ANY BRAND ENGAGEMENT MORE IMMERSIVE AND COMPELLING

MAKES ANY BRAND ENGAGEMENT MORE IMMERSIVE AND COMPELLING

According to Chad Marcum, VideoBomb’s Founder and CEO, “Our mission is to make augmented reality available to businesses of all sizes. AR is the next big thing in customer engagement, and it should not be limited to only the big brands with big budgets. We’ve made it easy and affordable...

INNOVATE® Nashville

SwitchPoint Ventures

We build companies around pioneering technologies.

Our journey began a decade ago, here in Nashville – a city known for creativity and reinvention. That same spirit shaped how we approach innovation: with collaboration, grit, and a builder’s mindset. At SwitchPoint Ventures, we build companies around pioneering technologies – particularly in AI, data science, and digital innovation...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CREDENZA

THE FUTURE OF FAN ENGAGEMENT IS HERE

THE BACKSTORYIn 2013, Sandy Khaund, Credenza Inc’s Founder, was introduced to blockchain. He recognized the potential for decentralized identification, where identity isn’t tied to platforms like Facebook, Google, or proprietary logins, but instead relies on mathematical computation to universally identify each user. He believed that if this concept gained traction,...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

ANGELSPAN

ANGELSPAN-Investing in a Better Way to Invest

Investing in a Better Way to Invest, AngelSpan is Changing the Way Innovation is Funded

AngelSpan provides the tools and information for investors to invest better and startups to perform better. AngelSpan offers a tech-enabled service for early stage entrepreneurs who want to get their Investor Relations done right. The company-specific analytics and platform avails Wall St.-like analytics on their client companies to help investors...

INNOVATION Quebec

Calcul Québec

Calcul Québec- Collaborate to innovate

Collaborer pour innover

S’unir pour plus de puissanceLe Québec est un pionnier dans le domaine du calcul informatique de pointe au pays. Dès 1992, plusieurs collaborations interinstitutionnelles voient le jour. Ces collaborations permettent d’acquérir des superordinateurs et de développer l’expertise locale nécessaire pour soutenir la communauté de la recherche. Il y a 30...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

OpenGrid Technologies

Democratizing Urban EV Charging

Charging an EV (electric vehicle) outside your city home can be problematic for most urban EV drivers. Simply put, public charging operators aren’t incentivized to build urban fast-charging networks due to the uncertainty in demand, lack of access to prime locations, and power availability issues. What’s more, private charging isn’t...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

LINK MONITORAMENTO

DRIVING SUCCESS: CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF INNOVATION WITH LINK MONITORAMENTO

Founded in Curitiba, a city known for its innovation and entrepreneurship, Link Monitoramento is a pioneer in the Brazilian market for advanced monitoring and telematics, operating as the first franchisor in the sector. In 2024, the company celebrates its 15th anniversary, marking a milestone in its history of innovation and...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

XP LEAGUE

XP LEAGUE- NORTH AMERICA’S PREMIER COACH-LED COMPETITIVE YOUTH ESPORTS LEAGUE

NORTH AMERICA’S PREMIER COACH-LED COMPETITIVE YOUTH ESPORTS LEAGUE

Despite launching in September 2020, during the height of a global pandemic, XP League quickly caught the attention of tech-savvy franchisees looking to turn their passion into a career. And esports are certainly a lucrative activity worthy of franchise investment; by 2023, it’s predicted that the industry could see revenues...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

Thunderbird Entertainment

Harnessing Content as a Force for Good

The global pandemic accelerated the way audiences worldwide consume content — and the steady growth of streaming content continues today. In fact, Nielsen reported in July 2022 that streaming viewership surpassed pandemic records, with North American audiences watching an average of 190.9 billion minutes of streamed content per week. Fueling...

INNOVATION Quebec

OPTONIQUE

LUMIÈRE SUR L’INNOVATION

La photonique se retrouve partout : chirurgie laser, manufacture de batteries, ordinateur quantique sont parmi tant d’autres applications qui bénéficient des technologies utilisant la lumière. La présence en sols québécois de centres de recherche et d’industries a mené à un terreau fertile d’innovation chez les jeunes pousses technologiques et les...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Where to Get South African Goodies in Canada

An open shipping box filled with South African goodies, including Appletiser, Mrs. Ball’s Chutney, Weet-Bix, Romany Creams, and other beloved South African snacks and pantry staples, ready for delivery from The South African Shop in Canada.

The South African Shop Delivers Nationwide

Craving a taste of home like Mrs. Ball’s chutney, Peppermint Crisp, or Iwisa Mealy Meal? For South African expats in Canada, finding where to get South African goodies in Canada can feel like a mission—until you discover The South African Shop (The South African Shop). Based in Vancouver, this online...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

MANNESOFT

A COMPANY SPECIALIZED IN INTEGRATED SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS.

Mannesoft (software solutions) originated in Brazil, in the city of Curitiba in 1993, founded by Luis Armando Dias, a student who discovered his passion for technology. With an entrepreneurial vision, he recognized the potential of information technology, leading to the creation of various software solutions. The company evolved alongside technological...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

VIRGENT AI

Move Beyond AI-Curious to AI-Powered

As we enter the largest technological revolution of our generation, Virgent AI is guiding leaders and industries beyond AI-curious to AI-powered. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, this forward-thinking AI-centric technology startup specializes in developing and deploying advanced AI agents and AI-enabled applications to solve real-world business problems. At their core, their...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

SMR AUSTRALIA

LOCAL INNOVATIONS CREATING GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE VALUE-ADD

SMR Australia, a Motherson Group Company, has been a prominent manufacturer in South Australia for over 70 years. Driven by a culture of innovation, SMR Australia has evolved from its origins as Rainsford Metal products producing metal stampings, to Britax producing baby capsules and other automotive safety products, to Schefenacker...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

SABHYA TECHNOLOGIES

PIONEERING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH INNOVATION AND CLIENT-CENTRIC SOLUTIONS

In an era of rapid technological change, Sabhya Technologies has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations looking to modernize, innovate, and thrive in the digital-first economy. Through cutting-edge solutions and a client-centric approach, the company has built a reputation as a global leader in digital transformation A Vision...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

BMA GROUP

A GLOBAL WORKFORCE

BMA Group Global is a prominent Human Resources consulting firm with 25 years of experience, serving organizations in 23 countries through innovative business solutions. Founded in Puerto Rico in 1997, the company has evolved with the changing needs of the worldwide marketplace. BMA Group made its entrance into the staffing...

INNOVATE® Miami

Penpal Schools

Helping teachers connect their students to learn with penpals around the world and from different backgrounds

PenPal Schools PenPal Schools is the world’s largest project-based learning community, with over a quarter million students in 150 countries. Students collaborate through online projects ranging from human rights and the environment to fake news and robotics, all while practicing literacy, technology, and social-emotional skills. PenPal Schools was recognized by...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HIRSCH’S

HIRSCH’S - FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

Hirsch’s has become a name synonymous with service and brand excellence over the years. They have grown into one of the most well-respected and trusted appliance and electronics retailers in the industry in South Africa, and it’s interesting to see how they got there. Allan and Margaret set up their first...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CATALYST BY WELLSTAR

LET’S DISRUPT THE STATUS QUO TO CREATE A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR ALL OF US.

To push Wellstar’s legacy of innovation even further, Catalyst by Wellstar was created in 2021 as the first-of-its-kind innovation company and venture firm. A team of innovators, investors, and builders was assembled to harness the decades of experience and knowledge of Wellstar and shape the future of healthcare. Grounded in...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

P33

P33-DRIVING INCLUSIVE GROWTH FOR CHICAGO’S TECH SECTOR BY 2033

DRIVING INCLUSIVE GROWTH FOR CHICAGO’S TECH SECTOR BY 2033

At P33, we started with one question: How does Chicago, and our region, stack up as a technology and innovation center? Through conversations with hundreds of technology and business leaders, founders, and tech workers, we learned we Chicago’s reputation as a tech center lags behind its perception.   We launched...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

NAII

ACCELERATING AI AND QUANTUM IMPACT: FROM STOCKHOLM TO THE WORLD

Founded in 2017, the Stockholm-based Nordic Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) is an independent think-and-do tank that converts advances in AI, quantum, energy, and space technologies into executive-level strategy and delivery. NAII sits at the intersection of technology, industry, policy, and society with a consistent lens on European technological sovereignty. VIRTUAL...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

FLÖDE

REWRITING FASHION’S DNA THROUGH SCALABLE UPCYCLING AND RADICAL RESPONSIBILITY

FLÖDE is a research-driven upcycling studio and remanufacturing lab founded in 2024 with one purpose: to prove that sustainable fashion production is not only possible, it’s necessary, scalable, and better by design. Where others see textile waste, Flöde sees a vast, untapped resource. Beyond waste: How Flöde turns discarded clothing...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

APIFARMA

APIFARMA-A Longer And Better Life. That Is Our Compromise With The Portuguese People

A Longer And Better Life. That Is Our Compromise With The Portuguese People

The mission of the pharmaceutical industry is to further innovation and the development of therapies that meet existing needs in terms of treatments and the prevention of new diseases, and to make available medications that constitute an improvement in the health and life quality of the population. APIFARMA, the Portuguese...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

2U

2U’S- BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

A BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

FOUNDED IN 2008 IN MARYLAND WASHINGTON DC, 2U, INC. SET OUT TO CREATE THE WORLD’S BEST ONLINE EDUCATION AND THEY’VE BEEN DEFYING THE ODDS EVER SINCE. ALSO AROUND THE EXACT SAME TIME AND COINCIDING WITH THE BEGINNING OF THE MOOC REVOLUTION, GETSMARTER WAS ALSO FOUNDED. Early on in the industry,...

INNOVATE® Nashville

VIDEOBOMB

VIDEOBOMB-MAKES ANY BRAND ENGAGEMENT MORE IMMERSIVE AND COMPELLING

MAKES ANY BRAND ENGAGEMENT MORE IMMERSIVE AND COMPELLING

According to Chad Marcum, VideoBomb’s Founder and CEO, “Our mission is to make augmented reality available to businesses of all sizes. AR is the next big thing in customer engagement, and it should not be limited to only the big brands with big budgets. We’ve made it easy and affordable...

INNOVATE® Nashville

SwitchPoint Ventures

We build companies around pioneering technologies.

Our journey began a decade ago, here in Nashville – a city known for creativity and reinvention. That same spirit shaped how we approach innovation: with collaboration, grit, and a builder’s mindset. At SwitchPoint Ventures, we build companies around pioneering technologies – particularly in AI, data science, and digital innovation...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CREDENZA

THE FUTURE OF FAN ENGAGEMENT IS HERE

THE BACKSTORYIn 2013, Sandy Khaund, Credenza Inc’s Founder, was introduced to blockchain. He recognized the potential for decentralized identification, where identity isn’t tied to platforms like Facebook, Google, or proprietary logins, but instead relies on mathematical computation to universally identify each user. He believed that if this concept gained traction,...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

ANGELSPAN

ANGELSPAN-Investing in a Better Way to Invest

Investing in a Better Way to Invest, AngelSpan is Changing the Way Innovation is Funded

AngelSpan provides the tools and information for investors to invest better and startups to perform better. AngelSpan offers a tech-enabled service for early stage entrepreneurs who want to get their Investor Relations done right. The company-specific analytics and platform avails Wall St.-like analytics on their client companies to help investors...

INNOVATION Quebec

Calcul Québec

Calcul Québec- Collaborate to innovate

Collaborer pour innover

S’unir pour plus de puissanceLe Québec est un pionnier dans le domaine du calcul informatique de pointe au pays. Dès 1992, plusieurs collaborations interinstitutionnelles voient le jour. Ces collaborations permettent d’acquérir des superordinateurs et de développer l’expertise locale nécessaire pour soutenir la communauté de la recherche. Il y a 30...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

OpenGrid Technologies

Democratizing Urban EV Charging

Charging an EV (electric vehicle) outside your city home can be problematic for most urban EV drivers. Simply put, public charging operators aren’t incentivized to build urban fast-charging networks due to the uncertainty in demand, lack of access to prime locations, and power availability issues. What’s more, private charging isn’t...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

LINK MONITORAMENTO

DRIVING SUCCESS: CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF INNOVATION WITH LINK MONITORAMENTO

Founded in Curitiba, a city known for its innovation and entrepreneurship, Link Monitoramento is a pioneer in the Brazilian market for advanced monitoring and telematics, operating as the first franchisor in the sector. In 2024, the company celebrates its 15th anniversary, marking a milestone in its history of innovation and...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

XP LEAGUE

XP LEAGUE- NORTH AMERICA’S PREMIER COACH-LED COMPETITIVE YOUTH ESPORTS LEAGUE

NORTH AMERICA’S PREMIER COACH-LED COMPETITIVE YOUTH ESPORTS LEAGUE

Despite launching in September 2020, during the height of a global pandemic, XP League quickly caught the attention of tech-savvy franchisees looking to turn their passion into a career. And esports are certainly a lucrative activity worthy of franchise investment; by 2023, it’s predicted that the industry could see revenues...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

Thunderbird Entertainment

Harnessing Content as a Force for Good

The global pandemic accelerated the way audiences worldwide consume content — and the steady growth of streaming content continues today. In fact, Nielsen reported in July 2022 that streaming viewership surpassed pandemic records, with North American audiences watching an average of 190.9 billion minutes of streamed content per week. Fueling...

INNOVATION Quebec

OPTONIQUE

LUMIÈRE SUR L’INNOVATION

La photonique se retrouve partout : chirurgie laser, manufacture de batteries, ordinateur quantique sont parmi tant d’autres applications qui bénéficient des technologies utilisant la lumière. La présence en sols québécois de centres de recherche et d’industries a mené à un terreau fertile d’innovation chez les jeunes pousses technologiques et les...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Where to Get South African Goodies in Canada

An open shipping box filled with South African goodies, including Appletiser, Mrs. Ball’s Chutney, Weet-Bix, Romany Creams, and other beloved South African snacks and pantry staples, ready for delivery from The South African Shop in Canada.

The South African Shop Delivers Nationwide

Craving a taste of home like Mrs. Ball’s chutney, Peppermint Crisp, or Iwisa Mealy Meal? For South African expats in Canada, finding where to get South African goodies in Canada can feel like a mission—until you discover The South African Shop (The South African Shop). Based in Vancouver, this online...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

MANNESOFT

A COMPANY SPECIALIZED IN INTEGRATED SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS.

Mannesoft (software solutions) originated in Brazil, in the city of Curitiba in 1993, founded by Luis Armando Dias, a student who discovered his passion for technology. With an entrepreneurial vision, he recognized the potential of information technology, leading to the creation of various software solutions. The company evolved alongside technological...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

VIRGENT AI

Move Beyond AI-Curious to AI-Powered

As we enter the largest technological revolution of our generation, Virgent AI is guiding leaders and industries beyond AI-curious to AI-powered. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, this forward-thinking AI-centric technology startup specializes in developing and deploying advanced AI agents and AI-enabled applications to solve real-world business problems. At their core, their...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

SMR AUSTRALIA

LOCAL INNOVATIONS CREATING GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE VALUE-ADD

SMR Australia, a Motherson Group Company, has been a prominent manufacturer in South Australia for over 70 years. Driven by a culture of innovation, SMR Australia has evolved from its origins as Rainsford Metal products producing metal stampings, to Britax producing baby capsules and other automotive safety products, to Schefenacker...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

SABHYA TECHNOLOGIES

PIONEERING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH INNOVATION AND CLIENT-CENTRIC SOLUTIONS

In an era of rapid technological change, Sabhya Technologies has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations looking to modernize, innovate, and thrive in the digital-first economy. Through cutting-edge solutions and a client-centric approach, the company has built a reputation as a global leader in digital transformation A Vision...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

BMA GROUP

A GLOBAL WORKFORCE

BMA Group Global is a prominent Human Resources consulting firm with 25 years of experience, serving organizations in 23 countries through innovative business solutions. Founded in Puerto Rico in 1997, the company has evolved with the changing needs of the worldwide marketplace. BMA Group made its entrance into the staffing...

INNOVATE® Miami

Penpal Schools

Helping teachers connect their students to learn with penpals around the world and from different backgrounds

PenPal Schools PenPal Schools is the world’s largest project-based learning community, with over a quarter million students in 150 countries. Students collaborate through online projects ranging from human rights and the environment to fake news and robotics, all while practicing literacy, technology, and social-emotional skills. PenPal Schools was recognized by...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HIRSCH’S

HIRSCH’S - FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

Hirsch’s has become a name synonymous with service and brand excellence over the years. They have grown into one of the most well-respected and trusted appliance and electronics retailers in the industry in South Africa, and it’s interesting to see how they got there. Allan and Margaret set up their first...

Ecosystems