Stories of Innovation
INNOVATE® Jacksonville
Hazlnut
The Company Helping To Bring New-Age Technology To The Small Businesses In Their Community
Meet Hazlnut, the company helping to bring new-age technology to the small businesses in their community. Today, people expect to have access to restaurants and retail stores on the web. Hazlnut is an all-in-one integrated solution that helps companies develop relationships with their customers through beautifully designed websites and custom...
INNOVATE® Miami
Miami DDA
An independent agency of the City of Miami
The Miami DDA is committed to fulfilling its mission collaboratively, ethically and professionally, consistent with the Authority’s public purpose. The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) is an independent agency of the City of Miami funded by a special tax levy on properties within its district boundaries. The agency is...
INNOVATE® Jacksonville
At Bethesda Farm, The Chicken Comes First, Then The Egg
Bethesda Farm began as a dream to provide the best-tasting, healthiest local eggs available and to use the profits to benefit the community. In 2016, brothers Sean and Jack Hellein received the first organic hens on pastures near Jacksonville. From the beginning, the welfare of the hens at Bethesda...
INNOVATE® South Florida
SUSTAINABASE
INNOVATING FOR THE PLANET TO EMPOWER GLOBAL AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
SUSTAINABASE, A CARBON ACCOUNTING SOLUTION, EMPOWERS COMPANIES AND COMMUNITIES TO DE-RISK IN THE GROWING LOW-CARBON ECONOMY. In the heart of South Florida, often cited as ground zero for climate change and a burgeoning climate tech hub, SustainaBase stands out as a beacon of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Founded on the...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
KIUD
TURNING TEXTILE WASTE INTO REUSABLE PACKAGING
The Estonian material technology company KIUD, founded in 2022, is addressing two major global waste problems simultaneously: textile waste and packaging waste. The company has developed a patented mechanical process to transform synthetic and mixed textile waste into rigid, reusable packaging — offering a sustainable alternative to cardboard and plastic....
INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath
Altus
Making Financial Services Faster
Our mission is to eliminate paper from financial services; leaving our clients free to focus on a digital future and reducing costs for consumers. In 2005 a small group of technical evangelists concluded it was time to tackle the mountains of paper still driving large parts of the financial services...
Global Innovation Spotlight
Where to Find South African Food in Canada
HowZit Canada Leads the Way
For South African expats in Canada craving a taste of home—think boerewors, biltong, or rooibos tea—knowing where to find South African food in Canada can feel like a treasure hunt. Fortunately, a groundbreaking platform, HowZit Canada (howzitcanada.ca), launched by the South African Institute of Canada (SAIC), is revolutionizing the search....
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
UFPR
FOUNDED IN 1912, UFPR IS THE OLDEST UNIVERSITY IN BRAZIL.
It was initially known as the University of Paraná, and it has been since then a national reference when it comes to teaching, research, and outreach services. Therefore, the UFPR historic building, located at Praça Santos Andrade, was chosen by Curitiba residents as the very symbol of the city. Initially,...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
Saunum
Revolution in Sauna Technology
SAUNUM’S UNIQUE BENEFITS SAUNUM’S UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION: HEALTH, INNOVATION, AND MARKET DIFFERENTIATION The Story of Saunum Andrus Vare, Thermal Engineer and The Creator of Saunum: “Inspired by the experience of my grandparents’ 100-year-old smoke sauna, I set out to create an innovative solution that combines the best features of a...
INNOVATION Quebec
ZONE AGTECH
STIMULATING THE EMERGENCE AND PROPELLING INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES IN QUEBEC
Since 2020, Quebec has been a pioneer in innovative agricultural technologies and plant bioproducts thanks to the development of Zone Agtech, a localized innovation ecosystem near the city of Montreal in the MRC of L’Assomption. Its mission? It is to intensify the development of clean, efficient and viable innovative technologies...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
VLAAMSE REGERING
INNOVATION IS THE KEY TO CREATING GROWTH AND VALUE
One of the most inspiring stories in Greek mythology tells how Prometheus, ‘the visionary’, out of love for mankind, stole the fire from the Olympian gods and gave it to mankind. From that day on, the rise of human genius and technological progress was unstoppable. The human ability to bring...
INNOVATE® Detroit
DETROIT’S ECONOMIC RENAISSANCE
The Detroit Development Fund’s 25-Year Journey
DETROIT’S ECONOMIC RENAISSANCE-The Detroit Development Fund’s 25-Year Journey Towards Inclusive Prosperity In the heart of Detroit’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, the Detroit Development Fund (DDF) has emerged as a devoted ally for local businesses, catalyzing economic growth and fostering lasting community development. Over the past 25 years, this organization, originally known...
INNOVATION Quebec
IRIPII
CCTT SUR L’IMMIGRATION ET SUR LES PRATIQUES INTERCULTURELLES ET INCLUSIVES
Créée en 2009 au Collège de Maisonneuve, l’institut de recherche sur l’immigration et sur les pratiques interculturelles et inclusives IRIPII est l’un des rares organismes au Québec qui, dans le domaine de l’immigration, de par sa position d’interface entre les milieux de recherche et les différents milieux de pratiques, a...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
CYBER OPS
INNOVATION AND CYBER SECURITY GO HAND-IN-HAND
In 2016 the founders of CyberOps brought together their decades of experience in national and global technology and advisory roles to form a company to help service the growing need for expert technical advice in the Defence, space and Cyber Industries. The aim was to deliver innovative services and to...
INNOVATION Quebec
CQMF
LE CENTRE QUÉBÉCOIS SUR LES MATÉRIAUX FONCTIONNELS (CQMF) EST UN REGROUPEMENT STRATÉGIQUE DU FRQNT1 QUI RASSEMBLE PLUS DE 100 GROUPES DE RECHERCHE UNIVERSITAIRES ET COLLÉGIAUX, AINSI QUE PLUSIEURS PLATEFORMES SCIENTIFIQUES. Le CQMF adresse les grands défis de société par le biais des matériaux ayant des fonctionnalités avancées2 développés en étroite...
Global Innovation Spotlight
Where to Get South African Goodies 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™ Flanders
Sightera
Complex Patient-Derived Biology Meets AI-Drug Design
Sightera Biosciences accelerates drug discovery with an innovative approach that combines chemical structure analysis with complex patient-relevant preclinical models to design novel therapies. Due to the organization’s exclusive research collaboration with the DrugVision.AI screening platform of the University of Antwerp/UZA, it can produce exclusive datasets from patient-derived models to train...
INNOVATE® Nashville
CATWALK CONSULTING
GROUNDED IN RESEARCH, EXPERIENCE AND CULTURAL FLUENCY
Catwalk Consulting Group is a strategic marketing and communications firm specializing in the entertainment industry. We are known for innovative, future-focused approaches to positioning artists, executives, brands and organizations for what’s next. Our work centers on customized positioning and intentional audience development designed to elevate visibility, relevance and long-term impact....
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
BEKTEK
INNOVATING MANAGEMENT: CUTTING-EDGE HR, PAYROLL, AND MORE FOR TODAY’S WORKFORCE
INTRODUCTIONSince our inception, Bektek has been on a remarkable journey of innovation and growth. What began as a pioneering venture into Time and Attendance management, with the introduction of HostedTime, our flagship software, has evolved into a one stop solution for today’s workforce. OUR STORYAt Bektek, our story is one...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
KOLT Creatives
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
Untapped potential: a breeding ground for innovation and disruption. South Africa is overflowing with infinite talent. Unlocking their potential means unlocking opportunities. Millennials are excelling by themselves and for themselves. South Africa’s students and junior talent are the very essence of untapped potential. They are breaking down barriers. Alexa Georga...
INNOVATE™ Stockholm
Imagi
Reimagining Technology Education for an Inclusive Future
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, imagi stands at the forefront of transforming education to ensure that the digital and AI revolution is inclusive, equitable, and future-proof. Founded with the vision of creating an environment where every child, regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic background see themselves as creators...
INNOVATE® Nashville
FIRSTBANK
PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW WAVE
It’s not often you hear about companies that thrive for over a century, but FirstBank, from its humble start in rural West Tennessee in 1906 continues to evolve and conquer 117 years later. From its original mission of serving a small-town farming community, FirstBank, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee with a...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
MOVE THE NEEDLE
FOSTERING INCLUSIVE INNOVATION IN JERSEY CITY’S MELTING POT
In the vibrant heart of downtown Jersey City, a city that boasts one of the most diverse populations in the nation, Move The Needle at the Brand Experience Lab (a retail technology showroom) stands as a testament to the power of inclusive innovation. Founded by Jose Espinoza, a visionary entrepreneur...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
MadeiraMadeira
GET TO KNOW THE CURITIBA UNICORN THAT TRANSFORMED THE FURNITURE AND DECORATION MARKET IN THE COUNTRY
Established in 2009, MadeiraMadeira is now the largest online furniture and decoration platform in Latin America. Prior to its foundation, the company’s story began with brothers Daniel Scandian and Marcelo Scandian. Coming from an entrepreneurial family background, they grew up with the same values. During a challenging period in both...
INNOVATE® Jacksonville
Hazlnut
The Company Helping To Bring New-Age Technology To The Small Businesses In Their Community
Meet Hazlnut, the company helping to bring new-age technology to the small businesses in their community. Today, people expect to have access to restaurants and retail stores on the web. Hazlnut is an all-in-one integrated solution that helps companies develop relationships with their customers through beautifully designed websites and custom...
INNOVATE® Miami
Miami DDA
An independent agency of the City of Miami
The Miami DDA is committed to fulfilling its mission collaboratively, ethically and professionally, consistent with the Authority’s public purpose. The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) is an independent agency of the City of Miami funded by a special tax levy on properties within its district boundaries. The agency is...
INNOVATE® Jacksonville
At Bethesda Farm, The Chicken Comes First, Then The Egg
Bethesda Farm began as a dream to provide the best-tasting, healthiest local eggs available and to use the profits to benefit the community. In 2016, brothers Sean and Jack Hellein received the first organic hens on pastures near Jacksonville. From the beginning, the welfare of the hens at Bethesda...
INNOVATE® South Florida
SUSTAINABASE
INNOVATING FOR THE PLANET TO EMPOWER GLOBAL AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
SUSTAINABASE, A CARBON ACCOUNTING SOLUTION, EMPOWERS COMPANIES AND COMMUNITIES TO DE-RISK IN THE GROWING LOW-CARBON ECONOMY. In the heart of South Florida, often cited as ground zero for climate change and a burgeoning climate tech hub, SustainaBase stands out as a beacon of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Founded on the...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
KIUD
TURNING TEXTILE WASTE INTO REUSABLE PACKAGING
The Estonian material technology company KIUD, founded in 2022, is addressing two major global waste problems simultaneously: textile waste and packaging waste. The company has developed a patented mechanical process to transform synthetic and mixed textile waste into rigid, reusable packaging — offering a sustainable alternative to cardboard and plastic....
INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath
Altus
Making Financial Services Faster
Our mission is to eliminate paper from financial services; leaving our clients free to focus on a digital future and reducing costs for consumers. In 2005 a small group of technical evangelists concluded it was time to tackle the mountains of paper still driving large parts of the financial services...
Global Innovation Spotlight
Where to Find South African Food in Canada
HowZit Canada Leads the Way
For South African expats in Canada craving a taste of home—think boerewors, biltong, or rooibos tea—knowing where to find South African food in Canada can feel like a treasure hunt. Fortunately, a groundbreaking platform, HowZit Canada (howzitcanada.ca), launched by the South African Institute of Canada (SAIC), is revolutionizing the search....
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
UFPR
FOUNDED IN 1912, UFPR IS THE OLDEST UNIVERSITY IN BRAZIL.
It was initially known as the University of Paraná, and it has been since then a national reference when it comes to teaching, research, and outreach services. Therefore, the UFPR historic building, located at Praça Santos Andrade, was chosen by Curitiba residents as the very symbol of the city. Initially,...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
Saunum
Revolution in Sauna Technology
SAUNUM’S UNIQUE BENEFITS SAUNUM’S UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION: HEALTH, INNOVATION, AND MARKET DIFFERENTIATION The Story of Saunum Andrus Vare, Thermal Engineer and The Creator of Saunum: “Inspired by the experience of my grandparents’ 100-year-old smoke sauna, I set out to create an innovative solution that combines the best features of a...
INNOVATION Quebec
ZONE AGTECH
STIMULATING THE EMERGENCE AND PROPELLING INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES IN QUEBEC
Since 2020, Quebec has been a pioneer in innovative agricultural technologies and plant bioproducts thanks to the development of Zone Agtech, a localized innovation ecosystem near the city of Montreal in the MRC of L’Assomption. Its mission? It is to intensify the development of clean, efficient and viable innovative technologies...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
VLAAMSE REGERING
INNOVATION IS THE KEY TO CREATING GROWTH AND VALUE
One of the most inspiring stories in Greek mythology tells how Prometheus, ‘the visionary’, out of love for mankind, stole the fire from the Olympian gods and gave it to mankind. From that day on, the rise of human genius and technological progress was unstoppable. The human ability to bring...
INNOVATE® Detroit
DETROIT’S ECONOMIC RENAISSANCE
The Detroit Development Fund’s 25-Year Journey
DETROIT’S ECONOMIC RENAISSANCE-The Detroit Development Fund’s 25-Year Journey Towards Inclusive Prosperity In the heart of Detroit’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, the Detroit Development Fund (DDF) has emerged as a devoted ally for local businesses, catalyzing economic growth and fostering lasting community development. Over the past 25 years, this organization, originally known...
INNOVATION Quebec
IRIPII
CCTT SUR L’IMMIGRATION ET SUR LES PRATIQUES INTERCULTURELLES ET INCLUSIVES
Créée en 2009 au Collège de Maisonneuve, l’institut de recherche sur l’immigration et sur les pratiques interculturelles et inclusives IRIPII est l’un des rares organismes au Québec qui, dans le domaine de l’immigration, de par sa position d’interface entre les milieux de recherche et les différents milieux de pratiques, a...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
CYBER OPS
INNOVATION AND CYBER SECURITY GO HAND-IN-HAND
In 2016 the founders of CyberOps brought together their decades of experience in national and global technology and advisory roles to form a company to help service the growing need for expert technical advice in the Defence, space and Cyber Industries. The aim was to deliver innovative services and to...
INNOVATION Quebec
CQMF
LE CENTRE QUÉBÉCOIS SUR LES MATÉRIAUX FONCTIONNELS (CQMF) EST UN REGROUPEMENT STRATÉGIQUE DU FRQNT1 QUI RASSEMBLE PLUS DE 100 GROUPES DE RECHERCHE UNIVERSITAIRES ET COLLÉGIAUX, AINSI QUE PLUSIEURS PLATEFORMES SCIENTIFIQUES. Le CQMF adresse les grands défis de société par le biais des matériaux ayant des fonctionnalités avancées2 développés en étroite...
Global Innovation Spotlight
Where to Get South African Goodies 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™ Flanders
Sightera
Complex Patient-Derived Biology Meets AI-Drug Design
Sightera Biosciences accelerates drug discovery with an innovative approach that combines chemical structure analysis with complex patient-relevant preclinical models to design novel therapies. Due to the organization’s exclusive research collaboration with the DrugVision.AI screening platform of the University of Antwerp/UZA, it can produce exclusive datasets from patient-derived models to train...
INNOVATE® Nashville
CATWALK CONSULTING
GROUNDED IN RESEARCH, EXPERIENCE AND CULTURAL FLUENCY
Catwalk Consulting Group is a strategic marketing and communications firm specializing in the entertainment industry. We are known for innovative, future-focused approaches to positioning artists, executives, brands and organizations for what’s next. Our work centers on customized positioning and intentional audience development designed to elevate visibility, relevance and long-term impact....
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
BEKTEK
INNOVATING MANAGEMENT: CUTTING-EDGE HR, PAYROLL, AND MORE FOR TODAY’S WORKFORCE
INTRODUCTIONSince our inception, Bektek has been on a remarkable journey of innovation and growth. What began as a pioneering venture into Time and Attendance management, with the introduction of HostedTime, our flagship software, has evolved into a one stop solution for today’s workforce. OUR STORYAt Bektek, our story is one...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
KOLT Creatives
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
Untapped potential: a breeding ground for innovation and disruption. South Africa is overflowing with infinite talent. Unlocking their potential means unlocking opportunities. Millennials are excelling by themselves and for themselves. South Africa’s students and junior talent are the very essence of untapped potential. They are breaking down barriers. Alexa Georga...
INNOVATE™ Stockholm
Imagi
Reimagining Technology Education for an Inclusive Future
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, imagi stands at the forefront of transforming education to ensure that the digital and AI revolution is inclusive, equitable, and future-proof. Founded with the vision of creating an environment where every child, regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic background see themselves as creators...
INNOVATE® Nashville
FIRSTBANK
PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW WAVE
It’s not often you hear about companies that thrive for over a century, but FirstBank, from its humble start in rural West Tennessee in 1906 continues to evolve and conquer 117 years later. From its original mission of serving a small-town farming community, FirstBank, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee with a...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
MOVE THE NEEDLE
FOSTERING INCLUSIVE INNOVATION IN JERSEY CITY’S MELTING POT
In the vibrant heart of downtown Jersey City, a city that boasts one of the most diverse populations in the nation, Move The Needle at the Brand Experience Lab (a retail technology showroom) stands as a testament to the power of inclusive innovation. Founded by Jose Espinoza, a visionary entrepreneur...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
MadeiraMadeira
GET TO KNOW THE CURITIBA UNICORN THAT TRANSFORMED THE FURNITURE AND DECORATION MARKET IN THE COUNTRY
Established in 2009, MadeiraMadeira is now the largest online furniture and decoration platform in Latin America. Prior to its foundation, the company’s story began with brothers Daniel Scandian and Marcelo Scandian. Coming from an entrepreneurial family background, they grew up with the same values. During a challenging period in both...