Stories of Innovation
Global Innovation Spotlight
Sticker Builder
Unlocking the Next Frontier
“Mass customization made simple. Creative chaos made scalable.” In today’s experience-driven economy, personalization isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of competitive advantage. Customers expect more than just products; they want creative control, self-expression, and seamless experiences. That’s where Sticker Builder by Antigro Designer, based in Kraków, Poland, comes in. This...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
STRATUS INDUSTRIES
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA Stratus Industries, established in 2013, is redefining manufacturing by combining traditional strengths with a tech-driven approach. Led by co-founder Lyle Stoflet, the company embodies the motto “Make Manufacturing Cool Again,” aiming to reshape an industry often seen...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
HEAVY CHEF
THERE’S A SAYING THAT GOES NEVER TRUST A SKINNY CHEF. THIS GOES FOR BUSINESS ADVISORS, CONSULTANTS, AND EXPERTS, TOO
A Heavy Chef is someone that speaks authoritatively about a specific subject because they have vast experience in that area. Some of our Heavy Chefs are not internationally known but still making a notable impact in their spaces, or who’s been performing notable work in the background. It is someone...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
Penn West Equity and Innovation District
CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME
CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME The Penn West Equity and Innovation District (Penn West) is transforming the landscape of innovation and equity in the world’s capital. This unique collaboration between the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), the District of Columbia, and The George Washington University (GW) is building an inclusive, collaborative innovation...
INNOVATE® Miami
Papa
By connecting older adults to college students, we bridge the gap between two distinct generations
Papa is a platform dedicated to solve the loneliness crisis. By connecting older adults to college students, we bridge the gap between two distinct generations. Our enthusiastic students – known as Papa Pals, are considered “Grandkids On-Demand!” to our members. Companionship, assistance, and transportation provided by our pals can be...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
Build Carolina
An agile approach: Academy, Apprenticeship, Advisors
Bridging talent, training, and opportunity across the Palmetto State The team at Build Carolina sees possibilities all around. They see massive talent and drive across South Carolina—from individuals eager to build new careers in technology to companies working to innovate and grow. They see a future shaped by meaningful, sustainable...
INNOVATE™ Oeiras
ASTELLAS FARMA PORTUGAL
WE LIVE THE ASTELLAS WAY
Astellas Farma Portugal is an affiliate of Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, and globally one of the companies most focused on the investigation of innovative pharmaceutical products. Research and Development are at the center of everything we do, and this not only drives our work today, but also...
INNOVATION Quebec
CRISPESH
CCTT IN THE INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Our expertiseCreated in 2010, CRISPESH is an applied research and transfer center (CCTT) affiliated with Cégep du Vieux Montréal and Dawson College. We support organizations, communities and society to be more accessible to people with disabilities. Our expertise lies in the educational, professional and social inclusion of people with disabilities,...
INNOVATE™ Stockholm
PLUTOVETS
DISRUPTING PET HEALTHCARE
PlutoVets is rewriting the rules of veterinary care by combining in-home visits, digital-first convenience, and a full-service clinic into one seamless, empathetic experience. The mission is simple: to deliver care that puts both pets and pet parents first. The Convenience Revolution Taking a stressed animal to the clinic is one...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
NVNG
ELEVATING WISCONSIN’S VENTURE SCENE: THE POWER OF NETWORKS UNLEASHED
Wisconsin-based NVNG is a boutique investment advisory firm with a unique superpower: curating connections. Founded by Carrie Thome and Grady Buchanan in 2019, NVNG (Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained) is on a mission to make Wisconsin’s venture ecosystem globally competitive by leveraging the power of strategic networks. “We have the right...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
CELLR
REVOLUTIONIZING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL REALMS
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, establishing a meaningful connection between brands and consumers has become a necessity. Recognizing this need, Cellr, an innovative Australian tech startup, has emerged as a game-changer, seamlessly bridging the physical and digital worlds through its groundbreaking connected packaging technology. By empowering brands to strengthen trust,...
INNOVATE® Nashville
THE WONDRY
From Innovation Ambition to Innovation Capacity- The Wond’ry Anchors a Vibrant University Innovation Ecosystem
The Wond’ry, Vanderbilt University’s center for innovation, serves as a catalyst for efforts to build and strengthen innovation capacity in the region. The Wond’ry provides space, mentorship, programming and other resources designed to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and alumni from across all parts of Vanderbilt and from...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
MICROSOFT CANADA
GROWING CANADA’S TECH COMMUNITIES
Tech is about more than just new tools. It is about unlocking opportunities and markets, supporting new approaches, and empowering more high-tech innovations. Microsoft has worked closely with Toronto and Canada’s venture capital community looking to bolster its investments in Canadian startups. Toronto and Canada’s venture capitalists are innovation...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
WARONA LAW OFFICE
MOLAO WARONA ROTLHE
What’s in a name?In this case – everything! Warona is a Setswana pronoun, which translates to “ours” in English. The fact of the matter is the law is “ours” – all of us, made by us to govern and protect us. It also happens to be the middle name of...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
Tropoly
WE EXIST NOW FOR THE FUTURE
Tropoly, founded by Neel Singh, Brady Dahmer, and Julien Phipps, aims to transform industries and propel humanity forward. This strategic marketing and innovation firm distinguishes itself by addressing clients’ business challenges and implementing strategies to revolutionize their organizations. In a world bombarded by messages, Tropoly cuts through the noise, positioning...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
MILI
LEADS THE BRAZILIAN TISSUE SECTOR WITH INNOVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT AND QUALITY PRODUCTS
With a 40-year legacy, Mili stands out as the leading 100% Brazilian manufacturer in the tissue sector. Headquartered in Curitiba since 1983, a city recognized as the most intelligent in the world by the World Smart City Awards, the synergy between Mili’s innovative mindset and the proactive and favourable environment...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
OMC
OPEN INNOVATION: THE WAY TO PRODUCE LOCALLY
Marc is a passionate engineer who has been active for more than 40 years in first-of-a-kind product development from the first multi-media computers to DVD recorders to smartphone chipsets and EUV light sources for the newest chip making machines of ASML. Marc spent most of his international career in The...
INNOVATE® Jacksonville
Jane Shirek Photography
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® Washington DMV Edition
DCSTW. - DC STARTUP & TECH WEEK
Igniting Innovation in the Heart of America
In the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, a powerful wave of innovation is surging through the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. Driven by a collective mission to transform the area into a globally recognized innovation hub, this movement is brewing a different kind of revolution in the nation’s capital....
INNOVATE® Seattle
Turkish Delight
NO FRILLS, JUST VERY TASTY FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED WITH LOTS OF LOVE.
NO FRILLS, JUST VERY TASTY FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED WITH LOTS OF LOVE. Turkish Delight Turkish Delight was established in 1982, and with Ahmet and Semra’s dedication, it has become a cherished tradition with locals and also a delectable experience for visitors. A foodie delight with a spectacular view tucked...
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...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
BUOYANCY
Empowering employment agencies to scale their impact through technology-enabled behaviour change
Buoyancy Works is a Calgary, Alberta-based wellness tech and behavioural insights company that empowers employment agencies to scale their impact through technology-enabled behaviour change techniques. The Buoyancy platform helps organizations scale programs, measure engagement, and support their clients through the emotional and motivational challenges of the job search. Buoyancy’s tools...
Global Innovation Spotlight
CHAPTER
For nearly every retiring American, Medicare is both universal and universally complex
For nearly every retiring American, Medicare is both universal and universally complex. Yet, Medicare enrollment remains broken, and the program is near-impossible to navigate. Anyone who has signed up for Medicare or helped a loved one knows this reality firsthand. The problem is so bad that nearly 40% of the...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
BOTSWANA DIGITAL AND INNOVATION HUB
THE MANDATE OF THE BDIH IS TO CATALYSE THE DIVERSIFICATION OF BOTSWANA’S ECONOMY, TOWARDS A KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
The Hub works closely with innovation ecosystem players to commercialise innovative and tech driven solutions. The Hub does this by: The BDIH owns two subsidiary companies, the first being the Botswana Innovation Hub Property (Pty) Ltd (BIHP). BIHP leverages the strategic infrastructure that includes the Science and Technology Park and...
Global Innovation Spotlight
Sticker Builder
Unlocking the Next Frontier
“Mass customization made simple. Creative chaos made scalable.” In today’s experience-driven economy, personalization isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of competitive advantage. Customers expect more than just products; they want creative control, self-expression, and seamless experiences. That’s where Sticker Builder by Antigro Designer, based in Kraków, Poland, comes in. This...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
STRATUS INDUSTRIES
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA Stratus Industries, established in 2013, is redefining manufacturing by combining traditional strengths with a tech-driven approach. Led by co-founder Lyle Stoflet, the company embodies the motto “Make Manufacturing Cool Again,” aiming to reshape an industry often seen...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
HEAVY CHEF
THERE’S A SAYING THAT GOES NEVER TRUST A SKINNY CHEF. THIS GOES FOR BUSINESS ADVISORS, CONSULTANTS, AND EXPERTS, TOO
A Heavy Chef is someone that speaks authoritatively about a specific subject because they have vast experience in that area. Some of our Heavy Chefs are not internationally known but still making a notable impact in their spaces, or who’s been performing notable work in the background. It is someone...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
Penn West Equity and Innovation District
CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME
CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME The Penn West Equity and Innovation District (Penn West) is transforming the landscape of innovation and equity in the world’s capital. This unique collaboration between the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), the District of Columbia, and The George Washington University (GW) is building an inclusive, collaborative innovation...
INNOVATE® Miami
Papa
By connecting older adults to college students, we bridge the gap between two distinct generations
Papa is a platform dedicated to solve the loneliness crisis. By connecting older adults to college students, we bridge the gap between two distinct generations. Our enthusiastic students – known as Papa Pals, are considered “Grandkids On-Demand!” to our members. Companionship, assistance, and transportation provided by our pals can be...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
Build Carolina
An agile approach: Academy, Apprenticeship, Advisors
Bridging talent, training, and opportunity across the Palmetto State The team at Build Carolina sees possibilities all around. They see massive talent and drive across South Carolina—from individuals eager to build new careers in technology to companies working to innovate and grow. They see a future shaped by meaningful, sustainable...
INNOVATE™ Oeiras
ASTELLAS FARMA PORTUGAL
WE LIVE THE ASTELLAS WAY
Astellas Farma Portugal is an affiliate of Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, and globally one of the companies most focused on the investigation of innovative pharmaceutical products. Research and Development are at the center of everything we do, and this not only drives our work today, but also...
INNOVATION Quebec
CRISPESH
CCTT IN THE INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Our expertiseCreated in 2010, CRISPESH is an applied research and transfer center (CCTT) affiliated with Cégep du Vieux Montréal and Dawson College. We support organizations, communities and society to be more accessible to people with disabilities. Our expertise lies in the educational, professional and social inclusion of people with disabilities,...
INNOVATE™ Stockholm
PLUTOVETS
DISRUPTING PET HEALTHCARE
PlutoVets is rewriting the rules of veterinary care by combining in-home visits, digital-first convenience, and a full-service clinic into one seamless, empathetic experience. The mission is simple: to deliver care that puts both pets and pet parents first. The Convenience Revolution Taking a stressed animal to the clinic is one...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
NVNG
ELEVATING WISCONSIN’S VENTURE SCENE: THE POWER OF NETWORKS UNLEASHED
Wisconsin-based NVNG is a boutique investment advisory firm with a unique superpower: curating connections. Founded by Carrie Thome and Grady Buchanan in 2019, NVNG (Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained) is on a mission to make Wisconsin’s venture ecosystem globally competitive by leveraging the power of strategic networks. “We have the right...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
CELLR
REVOLUTIONIZING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL REALMS
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, establishing a meaningful connection between brands and consumers has become a necessity. Recognizing this need, Cellr, an innovative Australian tech startup, has emerged as a game-changer, seamlessly bridging the physical and digital worlds through its groundbreaking connected packaging technology. By empowering brands to strengthen trust,...
INNOVATE® Nashville
THE WONDRY
From Innovation Ambition to Innovation Capacity- The Wond’ry Anchors a Vibrant University Innovation Ecosystem
The Wond’ry, Vanderbilt University’s center for innovation, serves as a catalyst for efforts to build and strengthen innovation capacity in the region. The Wond’ry provides space, mentorship, programming and other resources designed to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and alumni from across all parts of Vanderbilt and from...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
MICROSOFT CANADA
GROWING CANADA’S TECH COMMUNITIES
Tech is about more than just new tools. It is about unlocking opportunities and markets, supporting new approaches, and empowering more high-tech innovations. Microsoft has worked closely with Toronto and Canada’s venture capital community looking to bolster its investments in Canadian startups. Toronto and Canada’s venture capitalists are innovation...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
WARONA LAW OFFICE
MOLAO WARONA ROTLHE
What’s in a name?In this case – everything! Warona is a Setswana pronoun, which translates to “ours” in English. The fact of the matter is the law is “ours” – all of us, made by us to govern and protect us. It also happens to be the middle name of...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
Tropoly
WE EXIST NOW FOR THE FUTURE
Tropoly, founded by Neel Singh, Brady Dahmer, and Julien Phipps, aims to transform industries and propel humanity forward. This strategic marketing and innovation firm distinguishes itself by addressing clients’ business challenges and implementing strategies to revolutionize their organizations. In a world bombarded by messages, Tropoly cuts through the noise, positioning...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
MILI
LEADS THE BRAZILIAN TISSUE SECTOR WITH INNOVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT AND QUALITY PRODUCTS
With a 40-year legacy, Mili stands out as the leading 100% Brazilian manufacturer in the tissue sector. Headquartered in Curitiba since 1983, a city recognized as the most intelligent in the world by the World Smart City Awards, the synergy between Mili’s innovative mindset and the proactive and favourable environment...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
OMC
OPEN INNOVATION: THE WAY TO PRODUCE LOCALLY
Marc is a passionate engineer who has been active for more than 40 years in first-of-a-kind product development from the first multi-media computers to DVD recorders to smartphone chipsets and EUV light sources for the newest chip making machines of ASML. Marc spent most of his international career in The...
INNOVATE® Jacksonville
Jane Shirek Photography
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® Washington DMV Edition
DCSTW. - DC STARTUP & TECH WEEK
Igniting Innovation in the Heart of America
In the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, a powerful wave of innovation is surging through the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. Driven by a collective mission to transform the area into a globally recognized innovation hub, this movement is brewing a different kind of revolution in the nation’s capital....
INNOVATE® Seattle
Turkish Delight
NO FRILLS, JUST VERY TASTY FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED WITH LOTS OF LOVE.
NO FRILLS, JUST VERY TASTY FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED WITH LOTS OF LOVE. Turkish Delight Turkish Delight was established in 1982, and with Ahmet and Semra’s dedication, it has become a cherished tradition with locals and also a delectable experience for visitors. A foodie delight with a spectacular view tucked...
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...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
BUOYANCY
Empowering employment agencies to scale their impact through technology-enabled behaviour change
Buoyancy Works is a Calgary, Alberta-based wellness tech and behavioural insights company that empowers employment agencies to scale their impact through technology-enabled behaviour change techniques. The Buoyancy platform helps organizations scale programs, measure engagement, and support their clients through the emotional and motivational challenges of the job search. Buoyancy’s tools...
Global Innovation Spotlight
CHAPTER
For nearly every retiring American, Medicare is both universal and universally complex
For nearly every retiring American, Medicare is both universal and universally complex. Yet, Medicare enrollment remains broken, and the program is near-impossible to navigate. Anyone who has signed up for Medicare or helped a loved one knows this reality firsthand. The problem is so bad that nearly 40% of the...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
BOTSWANA DIGITAL AND INNOVATION HUB
THE MANDATE OF THE BDIH IS TO CATALYSE THE DIVERSIFICATION OF BOTSWANA’S ECONOMY, TOWARDS A KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
The Hub works closely with innovation ecosystem players to commercialise innovative and tech driven solutions. The Hub does this by: The BDIH owns two subsidiary companies, the first being the Botswana Innovation Hub Property (Pty) Ltd (BIHP). BIHP leverages the strategic infrastructure that includes the Science and Technology Park and...