Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

ÁLVAREZ-DÍAZ & VILLALÓN

ÁLVAREZ-DÍAZ & VILLALÓN

THE ART OF THE PIVOT

Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón® (AD&V®) is the largest Architecture and Interior Design Firm in Puerto Rico. The firm is dedicated to sustainable design that enhances people’s experience and improves their lives. Cristina Villalón, Co-Founder | Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, Co-Founder | Monique Lugo López, President Throughout AD&V’s ® history, they have been reinventing...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

MIDTOWN YOUTH ACADEMY

Fighting for youth through boxing and books

In establishing Midtown Youth Academy in 1977, Golden Gloves champ Eugene “Thunder” Hughes began with a make-shift boxing ring and a noble goal: draw at-risk youth away from the mean and drug-infested streets of Washington, D.C., and guide them to a successful path in life. “We let them knock themselves...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

ARTHUR L. IRVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE

IS A CREATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE SPACE OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS IN ATLANTIC CANADA

Students come to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre from all disciplines and for many reasons. Some come with an idea they want to test. Others come to learn the habits and skills of an entrepreneurial mindset – skills like agility, resiliency, design thinking, and leadership. Some come looking for...

INNOVATION Quebec

ÉCONOMIE DU SAVOIR MAURICIE (ESM)

STIMULATING INNOVATION IN THE MAURICIE: THE HEART OF OUR MISSION

In 2011, economic development actors in the Mauricie region were visionary in creating an organization dedicated to innovation. Claude Bourassa, General Manager “Innovation is no longer optional, but rather a mandatory management method for business sustainability and growth!”– Claude Bourassa, General Manager of ESM and ERAC Mauricie Over the years, Économie...

INNOVATION Quebec

L’INSTITUT D’IA APPLIQUÉE DE CONCORDIA (IA2)

L’INSTITUT D’IA APPLIQUÉE DE CONCORDIA (IA2) EST UNE UNITÉ DE RECHERCHE APPLIQUÉE MULTIDISCIPLINAIRE QUI REPRÉSENTE PLUS DE 120 PROFESSEURS ET LEURS ÉTUDIANTS GRADUÉS AFFILIÉS AUX 4 FACULTÉS DE L’UNIVERSITÉ CONCORDIA : ARTS ET SCIENCES, BEAUX ARTS, ÉCOLE DE GÉNIE ET D’INFORMATIQUE GINA CODY, ET ÉCOLE DE GESTION JOHN MOLSON. Organisés...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

South Australia loves a party. We are the festival state – one proud to break new ground. Innovation is crucial when delivering major events, and so too is fostering a culture in which they continue to thrive. Our place as host of the best, brightest celebrations is directly linked to...

INNOVATE® Nashville

VANDERBILT CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

THIS IS A COMMUNITY OF LEARNING DEDICATED TO THE FULFILLMENT OF HUMAN POTENTIAL

If you woke up with the opportunity to help empower the next generation of change makers, how would you maximize that opportunity? That’s the question we have the privilege of answering every day for our students. In the 150 years since Vanderbilt University’s founding, we’ve grown from a regional university into...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CAPITAL WORKFORCE INNOVATION CONSORTIUM

Empowering D.C.’s Future Through Workforce Innovation

The InnovationFounded in 2024, the Capital Workforce Innovation Consortium is a Next Generation Sector Partnership formed by the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) and convened by BuildWithin. This initiative serves as an engine for aligning local talent with market demands through robust public-private partnerships, particularly in the...

INNOVATE® Seattle

First Mode

Accelerating a Diesel-Free Future - For People and Planet

ON THE PATH TO ZERO™ Decarbonization innovator First Mode develops and manufactures clean energy solutions for heavy industry, including the mining sector, which contributes 4-7% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. In 2022, First Mode in partnership with Anglo American debuted the world’s largest zero-emissions truck by retrofitting a Komatsu...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

Epochal Intelligence

The Focus is Unlocking Access to Information and Building Communities Within the IT Space

The Midwest’s tech scene isn’t just growing – it’s booming, with Wisconsin heavily contributing. Milwaukee has transformed from an industrial powerhouse into a digital dynamo, attracting major players and cementing its status as an emerging tech hub where innovation meets Midwestern grit. The opportunities here are continuing to emerge every...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

LIVING OPERA

HITTING A HIGH NOTE WITH NFTS

Classical musicians and technologists rarely interact with one another, but the people behind Living Opera believe that they can be important allies in the journey to produce transformative content that makes societies better off. Living Opera demonstrates how the collaboration of artists and technologists will be a pivotal element in...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Gemba Systems

Empowering People with Smarter Technologies

In the heart of Greenville, South Carolina, Gemba Systems Inc. is redefining what “smart manufacturing” really means. Rather than chasing automation for its own sake, the company focuses on empowering people with smarter technologies – solutions that give manufacturers the visibility, insight, and control they need to perform at their...

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® New Jersey Vol.2

Provident Bank

Wants to Create Advocates for Life by Creating an Innovative, First-Class Employee an

Provident Bank, the oldest and second largest financial institution headquartered in NJ, was established in 1839 in a one-room office in Jersey City, New Jersey. Since its inception, it has continually reaffirmed its commitment to the customers and communities it serves, as well as its employees across New Jersey, New...

Global Innovation Spotlight

The Future of Crypto Payments in E-Commerce

Discover how blockchain innovations, stablecoins, and new regulations are driving crypto adoption by merchants and consumers in e-commerce.

Cryptocurrencies are poised to reshape online retail payments by offering near-instant global transfers and lower fees compared to traditional methods. These advantages appeal to both merchants and consumers: a survey found about 46% of crypto users cite transaction speed and efficiency, and 41% value crypto’s borderless reach. Savvy retailers are...

INNOVATE® Detroit

StockX

Leading Next Gen Retail

The Birth of a Marketplace Revolution. In 2016, in downtown Detroit, a disruptive idea took shape—one that would forever change the way people buy and sell limited-edition sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles. StockX, the brainchild of Greg Schwartz, Josh Luber, Dan Gilbert, and Chris Kaufman, was built on a simple yet...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

CONTABILIZEI

INNOVATES WITH A PROJECT THAT INTEGRATES THE ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR COMPANIES

Over more than a decade, Contabilizei has been offering products and services that simplify and strengthen the work of entrepreneurs in Brazil. The company is established as the largest accounting company in the country and leader in starting companies processes and accounting management for legal entities. Created and headquartered in...

Global Innovation Spotlight

The Rise of Borderless Startups and the Digital Tools Powering Them

Previously, opening a business largely depended on location. A startup owner was expected to establish an office, hire staff in their home city or country, and run their company in that location. However, there’s a growing number of startups that operate internationally from the day they launch, mainly due to...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

UIQ

THE BOLD STEP TOWARDS INNOVATION

University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) is a 76-acres destination that is currently being revitalized to become a world-class innovation district. Imagine UIQ as a driving force for the future of innovation in Calgary. The outcome is unmatched. A dense destination where research and discoveries are made and talent clusters. A place...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

CLEANSPARK

CLEANSPARK

A LEADING SUSTAINABLE BITCOIN MINER WITH AN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND

CleanSpark is a NASDAQ-listed, sustainable bitcoin mining and energy technology company headquartered in Henderson, Nevada. CleanSpark’s mission is to transform how bitcoin is mined by being the world’s most trusted and transparent bitcoin miner. They are leading the proof-of work mining industry with sustainable business practices. CleanSpark is addressing some...

INNOVATION Quebec

RQIS

FAIRE BATTRE LE CŒUR DE L’INNOVATION SOCIALE AU SERVICE DU DÉVELOPPEMENT DU QUÉBEC

Le Réseau québécois en innovation sociale (RQIS) est un espace de partage et de mobilisation des savoirs et des expériences qui contribue à faire de l’innovation sociale un levier indispensable au développement durable du Québec. Né en 2005 au sein du réseau de l’Université du Québec, le RQIS s’affaire d’abord...

INNOVATION Quebec

INO

INNOVATION AS A DRIVING FORCE

INO is the largest center of expertise in optics and photonics in Canada and is among the best technological research centres in the world. For the past 35 years, it has created and developed innovative and valuable solutions to meet the needs of businesses in Quebec and throughout Canada. Through...

INNOVATION Quebec

POLYTECHNIQUE MONTRÉAL

UNE RECHERCHE DE POINTE EN MOBILITÉ MULTIMODALE, DURABLE ET INTELLIGENTE

Comment aider les dirigeants à prendre les bonnes décisions pour offrir une alternative de transport (confortable, sécuritaire et efficace) à l’automobile privée et assurer ainsi une répartition plus équitable des espaces publics entre les usages et modes de transport? Comment mieux répondre aux attentes et besoins de toute la population,...

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® Puerto Rico

ÁLVAREZ-DÍAZ & VILLALÓN

ÁLVAREZ-DÍAZ & VILLALÓN

THE ART OF THE PIVOT

Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón® (AD&V®) is the largest Architecture and Interior Design Firm in Puerto Rico. The firm is dedicated to sustainable design that enhances people’s experience and improves their lives. Cristina Villalón, Co-Founder | Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, Co-Founder | Monique Lugo López, President Throughout AD&V’s ® history, they have been reinventing...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

MIDTOWN YOUTH ACADEMY

Fighting for youth through boxing and books

In establishing Midtown Youth Academy in 1977, Golden Gloves champ Eugene “Thunder” Hughes began with a make-shift boxing ring and a noble goal: draw at-risk youth away from the mean and drug-infested streets of Washington, D.C., and guide them to a successful path in life. “We let them knock themselves...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

ARTHUR L. IRVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE

IS A CREATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE SPACE OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS IN ATLANTIC CANADA

Students come to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre from all disciplines and for many reasons. Some come with an idea they want to test. Others come to learn the habits and skills of an entrepreneurial mindset – skills like agility, resiliency, design thinking, and leadership. Some come looking for...

INNOVATION Quebec

ÉCONOMIE DU SAVOIR MAURICIE (ESM)

STIMULATING INNOVATION IN THE MAURICIE: THE HEART OF OUR MISSION

In 2011, economic development actors in the Mauricie region were visionary in creating an organization dedicated to innovation. Claude Bourassa, General Manager “Innovation is no longer optional, but rather a mandatory management method for business sustainability and growth!”– Claude Bourassa, General Manager of ESM and ERAC Mauricie Over the years, Économie...

INNOVATION Quebec

L’INSTITUT D’IA APPLIQUÉE DE CONCORDIA (IA2)

L’INSTITUT D’IA APPLIQUÉE DE CONCORDIA (IA2) EST UNE UNITÉ DE RECHERCHE APPLIQUÉE MULTIDISCIPLINAIRE QUI REPRÉSENTE PLUS DE 120 PROFESSEURS ET LEURS ÉTUDIANTS GRADUÉS AFFILIÉS AUX 4 FACULTÉS DE L’UNIVERSITÉ CONCORDIA : ARTS ET SCIENCES, BEAUX ARTS, ÉCOLE DE GÉNIE ET D’INFORMATIQUE GINA CODY, ET ÉCOLE DE GESTION JOHN MOLSON. Organisés...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

South Australia loves a party. We are the festival state – one proud to break new ground. Innovation is crucial when delivering major events, and so too is fostering a culture in which they continue to thrive. Our place as host of the best, brightest celebrations is directly linked to...

INNOVATE® Nashville

VANDERBILT CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

THIS IS A COMMUNITY OF LEARNING DEDICATED TO THE FULFILLMENT OF HUMAN POTENTIAL

If you woke up with the opportunity to help empower the next generation of change makers, how would you maximize that opportunity? That’s the question we have the privilege of answering every day for our students. In the 150 years since Vanderbilt University’s founding, we’ve grown from a regional university into...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CAPITAL WORKFORCE INNOVATION CONSORTIUM

Empowering D.C.’s Future Through Workforce Innovation

The InnovationFounded in 2024, the Capital Workforce Innovation Consortium is a Next Generation Sector Partnership formed by the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) and convened by BuildWithin. This initiative serves as an engine for aligning local talent with market demands through robust public-private partnerships, particularly in the...

INNOVATE® Seattle

First Mode

Accelerating a Diesel-Free Future - For People and Planet

ON THE PATH TO ZERO™ Decarbonization innovator First Mode develops and manufactures clean energy solutions for heavy industry, including the mining sector, which contributes 4-7% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. In 2022, First Mode in partnership with Anglo American debuted the world’s largest zero-emissions truck by retrofitting a Komatsu...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

Epochal Intelligence

The Focus is Unlocking Access to Information and Building Communities Within the IT Space

The Midwest’s tech scene isn’t just growing – it’s booming, with Wisconsin heavily contributing. Milwaukee has transformed from an industrial powerhouse into a digital dynamo, attracting major players and cementing its status as an emerging tech hub where innovation meets Midwestern grit. The opportunities here are continuing to emerge every...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

LIVING OPERA

HITTING A HIGH NOTE WITH NFTS

Classical musicians and technologists rarely interact with one another, but the people behind Living Opera believe that they can be important allies in the journey to produce transformative content that makes societies better off. Living Opera demonstrates how the collaboration of artists and technologists will be a pivotal element in...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Gemba Systems

Empowering People with Smarter Technologies

In the heart of Greenville, South Carolina, Gemba Systems Inc. is redefining what “smart manufacturing” really means. Rather than chasing automation for its own sake, the company focuses on empowering people with smarter technologies – solutions that give manufacturers the visibility, insight, and control they need to perform at their...

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® New Jersey Vol.2

Provident Bank

Wants to Create Advocates for Life by Creating an Innovative, First-Class Employee an

Provident Bank, the oldest and second largest financial institution headquartered in NJ, was established in 1839 in a one-room office in Jersey City, New Jersey. Since its inception, it has continually reaffirmed its commitment to the customers and communities it serves, as well as its employees across New Jersey, New...

Global Innovation Spotlight

The Future of Crypto Payments in E-Commerce

Discover how blockchain innovations, stablecoins, and new regulations are driving crypto adoption by merchants and consumers in e-commerce.

Cryptocurrencies are poised to reshape online retail payments by offering near-instant global transfers and lower fees compared to traditional methods. These advantages appeal to both merchants and consumers: a survey found about 46% of crypto users cite transaction speed and efficiency, and 41% value crypto’s borderless reach. Savvy retailers are...

INNOVATE® Detroit

StockX

Leading Next Gen Retail

The Birth of a Marketplace Revolution. In 2016, in downtown Detroit, a disruptive idea took shape—one that would forever change the way people buy and sell limited-edition sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles. StockX, the brainchild of Greg Schwartz, Josh Luber, Dan Gilbert, and Chris Kaufman, was built on a simple yet...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

CONTABILIZEI

INNOVATES WITH A PROJECT THAT INTEGRATES THE ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR COMPANIES

Over more than a decade, Contabilizei has been offering products and services that simplify and strengthen the work of entrepreneurs in Brazil. The company is established as the largest accounting company in the country and leader in starting companies processes and accounting management for legal entities. Created and headquartered in...

Global Innovation Spotlight

The Rise of Borderless Startups and the Digital Tools Powering Them

Previously, opening a business largely depended on location. A startup owner was expected to establish an office, hire staff in their home city or country, and run their company in that location. However, there’s a growing number of startups that operate internationally from the day they launch, mainly due to...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

UIQ

THE BOLD STEP TOWARDS INNOVATION

University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) is a 76-acres destination that is currently being revitalized to become a world-class innovation district. Imagine UIQ as a driving force for the future of innovation in Calgary. The outcome is unmatched. A dense destination where research and discoveries are made and talent clusters. A place...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

CLEANSPARK

CLEANSPARK

A LEADING SUSTAINABLE BITCOIN MINER WITH AN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND

CleanSpark is a NASDAQ-listed, sustainable bitcoin mining and energy technology company headquartered in Henderson, Nevada. CleanSpark’s mission is to transform how bitcoin is mined by being the world’s most trusted and transparent bitcoin miner. They are leading the proof-of work mining industry with sustainable business practices. CleanSpark is addressing some...

INNOVATION Quebec

RQIS

FAIRE BATTRE LE CŒUR DE L’INNOVATION SOCIALE AU SERVICE DU DÉVELOPPEMENT DU QUÉBEC

Le Réseau québécois en innovation sociale (RQIS) est un espace de partage et de mobilisation des savoirs et des expériences qui contribue à faire de l’innovation sociale un levier indispensable au développement durable du Québec. Né en 2005 au sein du réseau de l’Université du Québec, le RQIS s’affaire d’abord...

INNOVATION Quebec

INO

INNOVATION AS A DRIVING FORCE

INO is the largest center of expertise in optics and photonics in Canada and is among the best technological research centres in the world. For the past 35 years, it has created and developed innovative and valuable solutions to meet the needs of businesses in Quebec and throughout Canada. Through...

INNOVATION Quebec

POLYTECHNIQUE MONTRÉAL

UNE RECHERCHE DE POINTE EN MOBILITÉ MULTIMODALE, DURABLE ET INTELLIGENTE

Comment aider les dirigeants à prendre les bonnes décisions pour offrir une alternative de transport (confortable, sécuritaire et efficace) à l’automobile privée et assurer ainsi une répartition plus équitable des espaces publics entre les usages et modes de transport? Comment mieux répondre aux attentes et besoins de toute la population,...

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...

Ecosystems