Stories of Innovation

Despite significant progress in the fight against poverty in Latin America, inequality remains stubbornly high. In 2018, Santiago Alvarez and Virgilio Barco created impact fund manager ALIVE Ventures to channel investment to innovative companies tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing low-income communities in Latam, helping to reduce inequality....

In an era dominated by likes, follows, and infinite scrolls, Justin Gray, founder of Potluck, is betting on a different future—one where social technology isn’t about building an audience, but about deepening real-life connections with the people we actually see: our friends, families, neighbors, and coworkers. Potluck is more than...

BRBATEL WAS FOUNDED IN NOVEMBER 2020 BY ENTREPRENEURS LUCAS FLORES, GABRIEL NASSER, AND MARCOS MENDONÇA WITH THE GOAL OF BRINGING TECHNOLOGY TO THE DEBT CAPITAL MARKET (DCM), USING A UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY FOR ORIGINATION AND STRUCTURING DEVELOPED BY THE COMPANY ITSELF. The company originated more than 1,100 deals through its over...

It all began with a visit to the Masiphumelele township in Cape Town, in 1999, when John and Carol Thompson from the US, were holidaying in South Africa, and ventured inside what was previously known as ‘’Site 5’’. Like most townships in South Africa, Masi (short for Masiphumelele) was established...

Long before a vessel reaches open water, inspectors, welders, and engineers influence how it will perform under pressure. That responsibility continues shaping the work of the Naval Welding Institute, a Philadelphia-based organization focused on strengthening America’s industrial workforce through advanced manufacturing education, technical training, and workforce development. When Kristoffer Jones...

SmartBarrel is the ultimate construction workforce management solution. Solar powered, self connected and loaded with the latest computer vision technologies, it’s able to manage labor workforces from anywhere.  SmartBarrel was founded by Albert Bou Fadel, a glazing (glass) project manager with years of experience in construction. The concept sprouted from...

SAGE is a specialist industrial digitalisation services provider, combining the best thinking with world-leading technology to deliver the best outcome. SAGE’s specialist businesses – SAGE Automation, Nukon, Skills Lab and Embedded Expertise – work with organisations to deliver strategy and horizon phasing, automation of industrial operations, data-driven business transformation, training...

Founded in 1890, the Associação Comercial do Paraná – ACP meets the needs of its members with ethics, competence and speed through institutional representation and provision of services. The entity offers, in partnership with Boa Vista Equifax, intelligent solutions for small, medium and large companies, from all sectors, working in...

Founded in 2010 by Dan Gilbert, the visionary behind Rocket Companies and Rocket Mortgage, Detroit Venture Partners (DVP) is at the forefront of Detroit’s entrepreneurial renaissance. Gilbert’s leadership in reshaping industries through his companies extends seamlessly into DVP, a venture capital firm committed to investing in bold entrepreneurs and game-changing...

At Concurrency, the journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to transforming businesses through cutting-edge technology solutions. As a distinguished 12-time Microsoft Partner of the Year winner and a top AI Partner, Concurrency is at the forefront of the digital revolution, empowering organizations...

L’innovation fait partie intégrante de l’ADN de l’Université de Sherbrooke. Pour innover, elle ose penser autrement et prendre appui dans sa culture partenariale. Depuis sa création, l’UdeS a développé une étroite collaboration avec les différents milieux, tant celui des affaires, des industries que le monde communautaire. Aujourd’hui, cette proximité en...

Digital innovation is constantly pushing back the limits of what is possible. At the same time, cybersecurity stands as a bulwark against all the vulnerabilities caused by these technological advances. It protects these innovations so that they can play their role as levers of economic growth. The challenges and issues...

Q-lite is specialised in designing, producing and maintaining digital information systems and the accompanying software. Their wide product range includes pharmacy crosses, the zone-30 traffic signs that slow you down, the digital scoreboard of your favourite football team, transparent LED screens and parking guidance systems for cars and bicycles from...

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...

For as long as internal combustion engines have required maintenance, the oil change has been viewed as a necessary, albeit messy, evil. Between the risk of skin contact with scalding fluids and the inevitable “oil bath” that occurs when a filter is breached, the process has remained stubbornly primitive. However,...

Mannesoft (software solutions) originated in Brazil, in the city of Curitiba in 1993, founded by Luis Armando Dias, a student who discovered his passion for technology. With an entrepreneurial vision, he recognized the potential of information technology, leading to the creation of various software solutions. The company evolved alongside technological...

Lumira Ventures is one of the most active and dynamic healthcare venture capital firms in North America. Our mission is to generate the greatest impact in the healthcare ecosystem through investments in transformative biopharmaceutical and medical device companies across North America. By investing in exceptional entrepreneurs and building transformative life...

Sizzle, smoke, and flames. Family, friends, and summer afternoons. Backyard barbeques are known for their music, drinks, and tasty food. When walking up to the FreshJax kitchen and distribution center in Jacksonville, FL, the sweet smell of cooking spices fills the air. FreshJax is changing the way people cook with...

In a world where investment landscapes favor men, Citrine Angels emerges as a game-changer for its support of female founders and funders. Founded in 2019 by Allyson Redpath along with DC power players Lisa Friedlander, Stephanie Bauer Marshall and Aurelia Flores, Citrine Angels is a dynamic, female-only membership group based...

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) stands as a beacon of innovation, driving forward the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering, business, technology and nursing. With a legacy that intertwines with the heart of Milwaukee’s development, MSOE has become synonymous with excellence, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. At the...

DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ENGINEERING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE For over 30 years, Helmes has been a trusted partner in digital transformation, specializing in software engineering and consulting services. Headquartered in Estonia—a global leader in digital innovation—Helmes operates in 20 locations worldwide with a team of over 1,500 experts. The company...

McVantage Packaging stands as a testament to resilience and forward-thinking in the wood pallet, crate, industrial lumber, and supply chain industry. Founded nearly 75 years ago in Tuscumbia, Alabama, the company has evolved from a family-run lumber operation into a regional powerhouse serving the Central-Southeastern United States. With plants in...

In the heart of Curitiba, Brazil, Grupo Senff’s journey started in 1892 within the walls of a humble bakery, laying the foundation for 130 years of continuous innovation. This financial stalwart reached a pivotal juncture in 1977 by evolving into the acclaimed Parati Supermarket Chain. A transformative moment occurred in...

Its vision is simple: to prepare students for a world where today’s jobs may not exist in the future. Global in outlook, bold in its approach, DIDI instils youth with the confidence to take risks, push boundaries, and challenge ways of thinking, making and creating.   The private non-profit university...