Stories of Innovation
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
CONNECTpreneur
Fueling Innovation in the Heart of Washington D.C.
In Washington, D.C., the entrepreneurial spirit isn’t just alive; it’s thriving, thanks to CONNECTpreneur. This isn’t your typical forum – it’s the heartbeat of business innovation. Boasting a global network of over 30,000 trailblazers – from CEOs to investors, and angels to entrepreneurs – CONNECTpreneur is where ideas ignite and...
Global Innovation Spotlight
Antigro Designer
Powering the Future of Personalized Print
“We’re not in the business of printing. We’re in the business of unlocking potential.” One company is reshaping how the world thinks about printed products globally in the fast-rising design and tech landscape. Since 2016, Antigro Designer has been rewriting the rules for personalization, automation, and scalability in the print...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
M&C SAATCHI ABEL
SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE M&C SAATCHI ABEL STORY IS ONE OF AUDACITY, TENACITY AND AN UNWAVERING BELIEF THAT ALL PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED WITH HOT CREATIVITY
What began as an unfurnished open space on the fourth floor of The Hudson Building in De Waterkant, Cape Town, with 13 people in 2010, is today a growing agency with over 250 talented, creative and diverse people, across a Cape Town and Johannesburg campus, and an agency that has...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
SOUTHERN LAUNCH
FROM LITTLE THINGS BIG THINGS GROW. How Southern Launch helped launch the Australian space industry
For any industry there’s a seed, a starting point for investment, innovation and inspiration. It’s a company, person or natural resource that attracts other companies to support each other and invest in the future. For the South Australian space industry that seed is Southern Launch. A launch site is essential...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
HONEST CHOCOLATE
DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK
Honest Chocolate was founded in 2010 by two friends Anthony Gird and Michael de Klerk. When they couldn’t find high quality, locally made chocolate on the retail shelf they decided to start making their own. When their friends couldn’t get enough of these homemade treats, Anthony and Michael realised there...
INNOVATE® Georgia
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA (UNG)
UNG STEPS INTO ITS BRIGHT FUTURE
The University of North Georgia (UNG) is uniquely positioned to help shape the future of higher education thanks to its willingness to think outside the box in crafting experiences that will prepare students to serve as leaders in an ever-changing world. UNG does this in three specific ways: Seeing its...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
Claflin University
Enduring Legacy of Innovation
Claflin University’s enduring legacy of innovation reflects the institution’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and transformative leadership. Founded in 1869, Claflin is the oldest Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in South Carolina. It was the first higher education institution in South Carolina to admit students regardless of their ethnic origin,...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
STREETSCHOOL - Journeys of Discovery
As Humans We Are Still Foraging, But Instead Of Turning Over Rocks In Search Of Insects And Nuts, We Are Wanting To Understand It All
Our search for clarity is probably the oldest quest we have. We are forever asking “what must I do”, “why are things the way they are”, and “how could my life be different?” Our deepest motivating force is to make a difference, to experience meaning and live with purpose. We...
INNOVATE® Georgia
NEEDLING WORLDWIDE
WE ULTIMATELY STRIVE TO BECOME MORE ROBUST, SUPERIOR, AND MORE ASTUTE IN OUR OPERATIONS.
WHO IS NEEDLING WORLDWIDE:Needling Worldwide was established to address a common challenge encountered by numerous companies in their pursuit of certifications or compliance assessments. The CEO envisioned a superior solution based on her firsthand experiences with compliance standards and frameworks. This solution is comprised of a standardized, flat-fee alternative to...
INNOVATION Quebec
HACKING HEALTH
MONTRÉAL ET VILLE DE QUÉBEC
FACILITATEURS D’ÉCOSYSTÈMES LOCAUX D’INNOVATION EN SANTÉ LIÉS À 40 CHAPITRES HH AU CANADA ET DANS LE MONDE Hacking Health est un mouvement bénévole, à but non lucratif, né à Montréal en 2012. Aujourd’hui, l’organisation compte 40 chapitres sur les cinq continents et anime une communauté internationale de facilitateurs d’écosystèmes locaux...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
One Interface, One Billion Blockchain Data Points How Covalent is Using Programming Tools to Build a Reliable Future. If you have a crypto wallet or NFT, you have likely benefited from Covalent’s data services. Everything from current token pricing to streaming depends on a reliable, programmatic data retrieval process, simplified...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
JÄLLE TECHNOLOGIES
TURNING BATTERY WASTE INTO THE WORLD’S THINNEST & STRONGEST MATERIAL
Jälle Technologies is tackling one of the fastest-growing technological and resource challenges: the tidal wave of spent lithium-ion batteries. As the world shifts towards electric mobility and renewable energy, millions of tons of used batteries are expected to flood the market by 2030. These batteries contain valuable metals such as...
INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1
CREATING IT FUTURES
Satisfying, Well-Paying Tech Jobs Abound
The acute shortage of technology workers in the United States has driven up wages significantly. The median annual salary of an entry-level employee working on a help desk is $53,470, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for all tech workers is $81,000. The expected growth...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
REX K-12-FROM VISION TO IMPACT
FROM VISION TO IMPACT
Rex K-12 is at the forefront of a transformative wave redefining the educational landscape in Milwaukee – and beyond. It is a company preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving digital world. This story isn’t just about innovation; it’s a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
McNair Aerospace
USC Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing
The McNAIR Aerospace Center, in partnership with the USC Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, engages university students in innovative, industry-led research in fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, automation, 3D printing, and materials manufacturing. This world-class, hands-on education, along with our commitment to cutting-edge innovation, actively creates leaders...
INNOVATE® South Florida
FUEL VENTURE CAPITAL
MIAMI ROOTS AND A GLOBAL REACH
“When we launched Fuel Venture Capital in 2017, a lot of people thought we were crazy,” Fuel Venture Capital’s Founding Partner and Managing Director Jeff Ransdell has often been quoted as saying. He’s not wrong. Back then, #MiamiTech wasn’t even a thought. But, now less than even years in, Fuel...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
THOMAS MORE
From Idea To Ecosystem
IN THE HEALTH SECTOR AT THOMAS MORE: We stimulate & support innovation For years, Research @Thomas More has been actively working on innovation in the health and welfare sector with its research groups Mobilab & Care and CEBUD, and the living lab research by LiCalab. We are the driving force...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
FOUNDER INSTITUTE
Since Its Inception In 2009, The Founder Institute Has Always Maintained One Guiding Principle; “There Are A Lot Of Big Problems In The World, And We Are Here To Help Founders Build Companies That Will Solve Them.”
OriginsFrom its Silicon Valley origins, Co-founders Adeo Ressi and Jonathan Greechan have built an unparalleled global network of over 5,000 Portfolio Companies, across 200 cities with the largest mentor network in the world of 21,000 Mentors, innovators, investors and ecosystem builders. With chapters on every continent except Antarctica and $30B...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
BiaCure Therapies
Redefining Healthcare Standards
BiaCure™ Therapies Redefining Healthcare Standards: The Wisconsin Leaders Bringing Breakthrough Medical Solutions to Life. Innovation isn’t just about discovering new technologies—it’s about assembling the right team of experts to solve the most pressing unmet clinical needs. This belief has fueled every venture led by Laura King. BiaCure is more than...
INNOVATE® Kansas City
Circadia
Designing the Rhythm of Modern Work
“Workplaces should move in rhythm with the people who use them.” Within modern workplaces, the rhythm of work continues to shift. Movement between focused effort and shared discussion unfolds throughout the day as organizations reconsider how their environments support that flow of activity. At the center of that shift sits...
INNOVATE® Detroit
TECHTOWN DETROIT
Driving equitable economic development through entrepreneurship
“TechTown is foundational to the entrepreneurship community in and around Detroit and integral to Wayne State’s vision for innovation in the region,” said WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. “In addition to elevating entrepreneurs in our community, TechTown’s community-based programs and services create enriching, impactful opportunities beyond the classroom for...
INNOVATION Manitoba
Block Therapy
FROM A WINNIPEG TREATMENT ROOM TO A GLOBAL MOVEMENT: THE STORY OF BLOCK THERAPY
Deanna Hansen never set out to build a global wellness brand. In 1995, she was a newly Certified Athletic Therapist in Winnipeg, building a thriving deep-tissue practice working with clients from many walks of life. She developed a loyal client base, with many clients returning over the years. Yet Hansen’s...
INNOVATE® Miami
Boatrax
A vision to provide an amazing experience to boaters
“People rent their houses, they rent their cars, and now more and more people are renting their boats. Boatrax provides these owners peace of mind; not only in knowing where their boat is, but its mechanical condition as well.”– Arturo Malave, Co-founder BoatraxBoatrax is an IoT platform that leverages the...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
CONNECTpreneur
Fueling Innovation in the Heart of Washington D.C.
In Washington, D.C., the entrepreneurial spirit isn’t just alive; it’s thriving, thanks to CONNECTpreneur. This isn’t your typical forum – it’s the heartbeat of business innovation. Boasting a global network of over 30,000 trailblazers – from CEOs to investors, and angels to entrepreneurs – CONNECTpreneur is where ideas ignite and...
Global Innovation Spotlight
Antigro Designer
Powering the Future of Personalized Print
“We’re not in the business of printing. We’re in the business of unlocking potential.” One company is reshaping how the world thinks about printed products globally in the fast-rising design and tech landscape. Since 2016, Antigro Designer has been rewriting the rules for personalization, automation, and scalability in the print...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
M&C SAATCHI ABEL
SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE M&C SAATCHI ABEL STORY IS ONE OF AUDACITY, TENACITY AND AN UNWAVERING BELIEF THAT ALL PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED WITH HOT CREATIVITY
What began as an unfurnished open space on the fourth floor of The Hudson Building in De Waterkant, Cape Town, with 13 people in 2010, is today a growing agency with over 250 talented, creative and diverse people, across a Cape Town and Johannesburg campus, and an agency that has...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
SOUTHERN LAUNCH
FROM LITTLE THINGS BIG THINGS GROW. How Southern Launch helped launch the Australian space industry
For any industry there’s a seed, a starting point for investment, innovation and inspiration. It’s a company, person or natural resource that attracts other companies to support each other and invest in the future. For the South Australian space industry that seed is Southern Launch. A launch site is essential...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
HONEST CHOCOLATE
DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK
Honest Chocolate was founded in 2010 by two friends Anthony Gird and Michael de Klerk. When they couldn’t find high quality, locally made chocolate on the retail shelf they decided to start making their own. When their friends couldn’t get enough of these homemade treats, Anthony and Michael realised there...
INNOVATE® Georgia
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA (UNG)
UNG STEPS INTO ITS BRIGHT FUTURE
The University of North Georgia (UNG) is uniquely positioned to help shape the future of higher education thanks to its willingness to think outside the box in crafting experiences that will prepare students to serve as leaders in an ever-changing world. UNG does this in three specific ways: Seeing its...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
Claflin University
Enduring Legacy of Innovation
Claflin University’s enduring legacy of innovation reflects the institution’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and transformative leadership. Founded in 1869, Claflin is the oldest Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in South Carolina. It was the first higher education institution in South Carolina to admit students regardless of their ethnic origin,...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
STREETSCHOOL - Journeys of Discovery
As Humans We Are Still Foraging, But Instead Of Turning Over Rocks In Search Of Insects And Nuts, We Are Wanting To Understand It All
Our search for clarity is probably the oldest quest we have. We are forever asking “what must I do”, “why are things the way they are”, and “how could my life be different?” Our deepest motivating force is to make a difference, to experience meaning and live with purpose. We...
INNOVATE® Georgia
NEEDLING WORLDWIDE
WE ULTIMATELY STRIVE TO BECOME MORE ROBUST, SUPERIOR, AND MORE ASTUTE IN OUR OPERATIONS.
WHO IS NEEDLING WORLDWIDE:Needling Worldwide was established to address a common challenge encountered by numerous companies in their pursuit of certifications or compliance assessments. The CEO envisioned a superior solution based on her firsthand experiences with compliance standards and frameworks. This solution is comprised of a standardized, flat-fee alternative to...
INNOVATION Quebec
HACKING HEALTH
MONTRÉAL ET VILLE DE QUÉBEC
FACILITATEURS D’ÉCOSYSTÈMES LOCAUX D’INNOVATION EN SANTÉ LIÉS À 40 CHAPITRES HH AU CANADA ET DANS LE MONDE Hacking Health est un mouvement bénévole, à but non lucratif, né à Montréal en 2012. Aujourd’hui, l’organisation compte 40 chapitres sur les cinq continents et anime une communauté internationale de facilitateurs d’écosystèmes locaux...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
One Interface, One Billion Blockchain Data Points How Covalent is Using Programming Tools to Build a Reliable Future. If you have a crypto wallet or NFT, you have likely benefited from Covalent’s data services. Everything from current token pricing to streaming depends on a reliable, programmatic data retrieval process, simplified...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
JÄLLE TECHNOLOGIES
TURNING BATTERY WASTE INTO THE WORLD’S THINNEST & STRONGEST MATERIAL
Jälle Technologies is tackling one of the fastest-growing technological and resource challenges: the tidal wave of spent lithium-ion batteries. As the world shifts towards electric mobility and renewable energy, millions of tons of used batteries are expected to flood the market by 2030. These batteries contain valuable metals such as...
INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1
CREATING IT FUTURES
Satisfying, Well-Paying Tech Jobs Abound
The acute shortage of technology workers in the United States has driven up wages significantly. The median annual salary of an entry-level employee working on a help desk is $53,470, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for all tech workers is $81,000. The expected growth...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
REX K-12-FROM VISION TO IMPACT
FROM VISION TO IMPACT
Rex K-12 is at the forefront of a transformative wave redefining the educational landscape in Milwaukee – and beyond. It is a company preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving digital world. This story isn’t just about innovation; it’s a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
McNair Aerospace
USC Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing
The McNAIR Aerospace Center, in partnership with the USC Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, engages university students in innovative, industry-led research in fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, automation, 3D printing, and materials manufacturing. This world-class, hands-on education, along with our commitment to cutting-edge innovation, actively creates leaders...
INNOVATE® South Florida
FUEL VENTURE CAPITAL
MIAMI ROOTS AND A GLOBAL REACH
“When we launched Fuel Venture Capital in 2017, a lot of people thought we were crazy,” Fuel Venture Capital’s Founding Partner and Managing Director Jeff Ransdell has often been quoted as saying. He’s not wrong. Back then, #MiamiTech wasn’t even a thought. But, now less than even years in, Fuel...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
THOMAS MORE
From Idea To Ecosystem
IN THE HEALTH SECTOR AT THOMAS MORE: We stimulate & support innovation For years, Research @Thomas More has been actively working on innovation in the health and welfare sector with its research groups Mobilab & Care and CEBUD, and the living lab research by LiCalab. We are the driving force...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
FOUNDER INSTITUTE
Since Its Inception In 2009, The Founder Institute Has Always Maintained One Guiding Principle; “There Are A Lot Of Big Problems In The World, And We Are Here To Help Founders Build Companies That Will Solve Them.”
OriginsFrom its Silicon Valley origins, Co-founders Adeo Ressi and Jonathan Greechan have built an unparalleled global network of over 5,000 Portfolio Companies, across 200 cities with the largest mentor network in the world of 21,000 Mentors, innovators, investors and ecosystem builders. With chapters on every continent except Antarctica and $30B...
INNOVATE® Milwaukee
BiaCure Therapies
Redefining Healthcare Standards
BiaCure™ Therapies Redefining Healthcare Standards: The Wisconsin Leaders Bringing Breakthrough Medical Solutions to Life. Innovation isn’t just about discovering new technologies—it’s about assembling the right team of experts to solve the most pressing unmet clinical needs. This belief has fueled every venture led by Laura King. BiaCure is more than...
INNOVATE® Kansas City
Circadia
Designing the Rhythm of Modern Work
“Workplaces should move in rhythm with the people who use them.” Within modern workplaces, the rhythm of work continues to shift. Movement between focused effort and shared discussion unfolds throughout the day as organizations reconsider how their environments support that flow of activity. At the center of that shift sits...
INNOVATE® Detroit
TECHTOWN DETROIT
Driving equitable economic development through entrepreneurship
“TechTown is foundational to the entrepreneurship community in and around Detroit and integral to Wayne State’s vision for innovation in the region,” said WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. “In addition to elevating entrepreneurs in our community, TechTown’s community-based programs and services create enriching, impactful opportunities beyond the classroom for...
INNOVATION Manitoba
Block Therapy
FROM A WINNIPEG TREATMENT ROOM TO A GLOBAL MOVEMENT: THE STORY OF BLOCK THERAPY
Deanna Hansen never set out to build a global wellness brand. In 1995, she was a newly Certified Athletic Therapist in Winnipeg, building a thriving deep-tissue practice working with clients from many walks of life. She developed a loyal client base, with many clients returning over the years. Yet Hansen’s...
INNOVATE® Miami
Boatrax
A vision to provide an amazing experience to boaters
“People rent their houses, they rent their cars, and now more and more people are renting their boats. Boatrax provides these owners peace of mind; not only in knowing where their boat is, but its mechanical condition as well.”– Arturo Malave, Co-founder BoatraxBoatrax is an IoT platform that leverages the...