Stories of Innovation

Since 2016, we have firmly embraced the notion that by promoting collaboration and the mutual exchange of practices and resources (movement) among all those involved in accelerating startup growth (accelerators), we can amplify the impact of startups (innovation) from all regions of Quebec. Our goal is to ensure that every...

The hardy spekboom is considered a pioneer species within the Karoo thicket biome. This means that the plant itself can assist in the regeneration of the indigenous brush, with many other species benefitting from its shade and the nutrients it brings into the soil. As a succulent, spekboom is the...

You know how to lend. But, to whom do you lend, when you don’t have the right data? Too many business lenders are constrained by partial data and manual processes. And, speed is paramount. Keren Moynihan, CEOBoss Insights empowers fintechs and lenders to respond faster, make underwriting decisions more quickly,...

As AI reshapes industries, CodeBaby leads in emotionally intelligent, human-centric AI. Specializing in real-time, 3D animated avatars, CodeBaby bridges the gap between automation and authentic interaction—enhancing, rather than replacing, human capacity. Founded to improve communication and accessibility, CodeBaby redefines engagement in education, healthcare, customer service and workforce training. By merging...

Founded in 2006, Fbits was born in Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná, located in the southern region of Brazil, as a result of the Tecnoparque program, which drives innovative local projects. Curitiba is a reference in innovation and was recently elected the Smartest City in the World....

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...

Cavrnus, Inc. is an innovative technology startup that enables every enterprise, brand and creator to intuitively design, build and share their vision of immersive reality with anyone, anywhere, and on any device. The Cavrnus metaverse builder platform delivers highly realistic visuals and interactions that bring any experience–from virtual product showrooms...

INVID Group was founded in 2003 in the garage of Alberto Lugo’s parents’ house. Back then, his main drive was to create exciting jobs on the island and have a positive work environment that would stimulate innovation and contribute to the economic growth of Puerto Rico. Since then, INVID has...

The way the world makes, moves, and sells goods is changing. While technology has increased consumer choice, society expects businesses to reduce the environmental impact of meeting that demand. The time has come to transform how we get products to people. CHEP built one of the world’s most sustainable logistics...

Running a startup without paid subscriptions forces every choice to be practical. The best setup is a small group of browser-based services that handle writing, planning, files, design, communication, and basic finance. I keep the workflow lean because every recurring fee reduces runway, and the ability to edit PDF documents...

Ülemiste City is one of Europe’s most forward-looking urban districts where innovation is built on long-term vision, data and daily collaboration. From self-driving buses and delivery robots to AI-powered energy tools, Ülemiste is the place where new solutions meet real complexity and context. The challenge of building an agile smart...

Our core business is big distribution of baby items in- and outside the EU in a multi-channel setting. That means a lot of requirements by country legal systems and specific customer demands. Customers in more the 45 countries have different needs and requests. They must be reached to be successful....

FOUNDING STORYTindo Solar has been making solar PV modules in South Australia since 2011, producing more than 280,000 panels and even exporting to Asia. The company was aptly named with ‘Tindo’ meaning ‘sun’ in the Kaurna language. Australians are now demanding sovereign capability for high-quality, durable panels that are custom-made...

Founded in Stockholm, IAYS (I AM YOUR SISTER) is a Scandinavian knitwear brand built on premium design, craftsmanship and cultural relevance. With high-end knitwear at its core, the company represents a modern approach to luxury, one that combines quality and minimalist aesthetics with a purposeful message of connection and sisterhood....

We know that women approach job applications differently than men do. They are far less likely to apply for positions that are more senior than the one they’re in currently, whereas men are less concerned by that. Still, recruiters and hiring managers are comfortable accepting “women aren’t applying” as a...

INNOVATION IN WATER MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Since 1994, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) has captured and cleaned an impressive 98.6% of the water entering the regional sewers from its 423-square-mile service area. This is a significant achievement, considering that many metropolitan areas struggle to capture and clean the...

SUPPORT ON DIGITIZATION UNDP helps countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress. UNDP is working for a Lesotho that is empowered and more resilient to create and sustain growth that will improve people’s lives. LEHOKELA DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR COMMUNITY POLICING UNDP Lesotho, through...

Coral Gables was founded on innovation, being one of the very first planned communities in the United States. Today, we’re known internationally as a Smart City, leveraging information and communication technologies and intelligent connected infrastructure to benefit our residents, employees, businesses, and visitors, as well as make our city more...

A 501(c)3 nonprofit charity dedicated to communities, leaders, and organizations by offering innovative consultant services. In 2018, UKnightedXP, Inc. (UKXP) was like all ventures in the beginning – an idea and a dream. Devastated by hurricane Michael, the Panhandle of Florida was reeling from one of the most devastating category...

INVESTING IN OPPORTUNITIES WHEREINNOVATION MEETS GROWTH. Voyager Capital thrives on working with early-stage entrepreneurs who drive innovation and take risks to create new markets. Founded in 1997 in Seattle, WA, Voyager is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in B2B companies in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and Alberta. When you...

In 2022 the construction of the Power to Methanol Antwerp plant starts in the Port of Antwerp. The plant has a production capacity of 8,000 tonnes of sustainable methanol, produced from hydrogen generated from renewable energy and captured CO2. A consortium of seven companies is setting up the pilot plant...

In an era where connections and networking are paramount to success, Owwll emerges as a groundbreaking platform dedicated to fostering meaningful professional relationships. Offering instant networking with top professionals to create endless opportunities, Owwll, founded by visionary entrepreneur Jason R. Hill, is transforming how professionals connect, seek knowledge, and build...

The Bristol Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) mission is to generate significant health gain and improvements in service delivery in the region by integrating, promoting and developing our strengths in health services, research, innovation and education. We are a strategic collaboration between the city region’s universities, major health...

PechaKucha was born in 2003 because people talk too much. That’s what happens when passionate people gather together to share ideas and creations. PechaKucha, which means “chit-chat” in Japanese, was founded in Tokyo by architects Mark Dytham and Astrid Klein of Klein Dytham architecture. It originated as a “20×20’’ live...