Stories of Innovation

INNOVATION Quebec

VECTOR INSTITUTE

VECTOR INSTITUTE-CONNECTING ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY TO ADVANCE RESEARCH AND ACCELERATE RESPONSIBLE ADOPTION OF AI

CONNECTING ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY TO ADVANCE RESEARCH AND ACCELERATE RESPONSIBLE ADOPTION OF AI

As the city where Geoffrey Hinton pioneered deep learning, Toronto has deep roots in artificial intelligence research. The Vector Institute amplifies and leverages this strength in fundamental research for Ontario’s economic benefit by smoothing the path from lab discovery to commercial use.   With marquee facilities for collaboration, Vector hosts...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

AZUMO

AZUMO-Manufacturer of LCD 2.0

Manufacturer of LCD 2.0, A Breakthrough Display Technology Revolutionizing A $130B Industry

Displays have become ubiquitous in our society. We find them in smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, drive through restaurants, ATM machines, thermostats, gas station pumps…the list is endless. Even still, there are notable negative impacts of displays which we have become accustomed to – excessive power consumption, subpar viewability in bright...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Holland & Knight

Service Without Boundaries

Founded in 1889, Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers and other professionals in 35 offices throughout the world. The Firm’s lawyers provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with efficient access to...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

CSX

PULLING FOR AMERICA

Driving Growth and Connectivity Across South Carolina For nearly two centuries, CSX has been a cornerstone of America’s economic engine, connecting businesses and communities with safe, efficient, and innovative freight solutions. Today, as one of North America’s leading railroads, CSX continues to deliver what matters most—reliability, flexibility, and value—while powering...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Intention 2 Impact

Innovating Social Impact Measurement

Intention 2 Impact (I2I) is a dynamic social change organization at the forefront of impact measurement. Founded in October 2018 by the visionary Nina Sabarre, I2I is a minority, women-owned small business known for disrupting the status quo in philanthropy through innovative and equity-centered monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL)...

INNOVATION Quebec

I2E3

50 years of bio-based innovations

The Innovations Institute in Eco-materials, Eco-products and Eco-energies (I2E3) is a multidisciplinary entity participating in the advancement of the bio-sourced economy in a green, circular and regional economy perspective. The I2E3 is the strategic evolution of a pulp and paper research centre that began its activities at the Université du...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

Next Agents

Driving Sustainability and Innovation in Stockholm

HOW NEXT AGENTS IS SHAPING THE FUTURE Stockholm is globally recognized as a hub for innovation, particularly in sustainability, and Next Agents plays a pivotal role in advancing this ecosystem. Sustainability-driven innovation lies at the heart of Next Agents’ mission to empower businesses to create solutions that benefit people, the...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

FinEst Centre

Creating Smarter Cities Through Collaborative Innovation

FinEst Centre for Smart Cities is a research and development centre driven by the passion to enhance the quality of life in urban areas. It brings together cities, researchers and entrepreneurs to co-create scalable, research-based solutions for the most pressing urban challenges. Based in Tallinn, Estonia, the centre serves as...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

ARLEQUIM

IS A BRAZILIAN COMPANY HEADQUARTERED IN CURITIBA WITH A NATIONWIDE PRESENCE

PITCHArlequim Technologies S.A. – www.arlequim.com – is a Brazilian company headquartered in Curitiba with a nationwide presence. With ambitious international expansion plans, Arlequim aims to revolutionize how people use personal computers for work, business, and pleasure through an innovative Desktop as a Service (DaaS) model. OUR HISTORYFounded by the end...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

ESFANDIARI

DESIGNING A NEW FUTURE FOR FASHION

Born just outside Stockholm in 2000, Samantha Esfandiari has quickly emerged as a powerful new voice in the Swedish fashion industry. One that merges skilled craftsmanship with a deep commitment to sustainability and circular design. As a designer, entrepreneur, and educator, she is shaping a bold vision of what fashion...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Therme Group US

Innovating Wellbeing for All

In a world where health and wellbeing often seem like luxuries reserved for a privileged few, Therme Group US is on a mission to change that narrative. With over two decades of experience, the Therme Group is redefining the concept of wellbeing, making it accessible, relaxing, and fun for people...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

ASTELLAS FARMA PORTUGAL

ASTELLAS FARMA PORTUGAL-WE LIVE THE ASTELLAS WAY

WE LIVE THE ASTELLAS WAY

Astellas Farma Portugal is an affiliate of Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, and globally one of the companies most focused on the investigation of innovative pharmaceutical products.   Research and Development are at the center of everything we do, and this not only drives our work today, but also...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

BAILEY ABBOTT

Exploring the art of possible

WHEN THE PHONE WOULDN’T STOP RINGING WITH FORMER COLLEAGUES REACHING OUT AFTER LOSING THEIR JOBS IN THE PANDEMIC, TOM CARLTON HAD HEARD ENOUGH. IT WAS TIME TO ACT. Tom knew there was a better way to not only do business, but to empower teams. When other consultancies were downsizing in...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

KNEAD

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF FOOD RESCUE: KNEAD TECHNOLOGIES LEADS THE CHARGE TOWARDS ZERO WASTE

In a world where nearly 40% of produced food goes to waste, Knead Technologies has emerged as a trailblazer, revolutionizing the fight against food waste (Parfitt et al., 2021, p. 6). With their innovative logistics solutions, this software development company is redefining how food rescue organizations operate worldwide. By seamlessly...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

PS27's Leadership Week

PS27's Leadership Week: Turning Entrepreneurs Into Leaders

Turning Entrepreneurs Into Leaders

Each year in November, teams come together to invest their time in themselves to better their companies. Emotional intelligence, public speaking and teamwork are all elements that go into creating a successful leader. When small businesses begin to tackle big issues, PS27 Ventures, a Jacksonville venture capital firm, works with...

INNOVATE® Detroit

PURPOSE JOBS

The Startup Storytellers

Everyone has heard about Apple, or Meta, or Uber. But what about StockX, or Autobooks, or KLA? When the economy crashed in 2008, it was standard for Michiganders to graduate from school here and find work in another state. Many flocked to tech jobs on the coasts. But in the...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

CYTOIMMUNE THERAPEUTICS

CYTOIMMUNE THERAPEUTICS-PUERTO RICO’S SIX DECADES PHARMA JOURNEY AND GOING….

PUERTO RICO’S SIX DECADES PHARMA JOURNEY AND GOING….

Puerto Rico (PR) has been one of the few countries fortunate to have lived the evolution of healthcare with the presence of pharmaceutical operations for more than six decades. The island’s pharmaceutical industry professionals have witnessed big changes from chemical synthesis derived compounds to complex biological molecules manufactured using biotechnology...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

CareerBeacon

A Human Approach to HR Technology

While the recruitment industry changes faster than ever, CareerBeacon stands apart through a fundamental principle often overlooked in tech innovation: empathy. When Yves Boudreau and co-founder Benoit Bourque acquired CareerBeacon in 2021, they saw more than just a job board – they saw the opportunity to transform how talent connects...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

CREATIVEYEWORKS

CREATIVEYEWORKS- HAVING THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SOCIAL IMPACT AND CREATING A REALISTIC SOCIAL

HAVING THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SOCIAL IMPACT AND CREATING A REALISTIC SOCIAL, CIRCULARECONOMIC SELF-SUSTAINING SYSTEM. THIS IS THE MISSION OF THE CREATIVEYEWORKS PROJECT. THE PROJECT AIMS TO CREATE A GREAT ADDED VALUE THAT FLOWS COMPLETELY BACK TO SOCIETY

I am Koen Van Pottelbergh and due to a serious accident where I lost half of my sight, my view on life changed drastically. That is why I created the concept “CreativEyeworks”. Because everyone in the world has the right to see well, and to take all opportunities life has...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

AGGREKO

AGGREKO- GOING GREEN – MEETING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS WITH CLEAN ENERGY

GOING GREEN – MEETING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS WITH CLEAN ENERGY

South Africa will have to make a distinct shift to embrace the new norms in global climate and energy landscape discussions. Current infrastructure relies heavily on fuels that are not necessarily the most environmentally friendly, and this poses a threat to the country’s role in a global energy sector with...

INNOVATION Quebec

LA VAGUE

THE ISLAND ACCELERATOR

The Corporation d’innovation et de développement des Îles, LA VAGUE, is an organization that creates a place of excellence to foster synergy between socio-economic stakeholders from the Magdalen Islands and elsewhere. Its vision is oriented towards a sustainable and wealth-creating Island economy. It offers specialized support to accelerate innovative projects...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

UNFOLD HOSPITALITY

Innovating D.C.’s Culinary Scene

Unfold Hospitality is the brainchild of Richard Brandenburg and Rubén García, two culinary powerhouses with a shared passion for transforming the food and hospitality industry. Both have extensive experience working under the legendary chef José Andrés, where they earned the nickname “Delta Force” for their ability to conceptualize and execute...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

KU LEUVEN

KU LEUVEN-INNOVATION PARTNER PAR EXCELLENCE IN THE MECHELEN-KEMPEN REGION

INNOVATION PARTNER PAR EXCELLENCE IN THE MECHELEN-KEMPEN REGION

The Geel and De Nayer (Sint-Katelijne-Waver) campuses are part of the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven. Here, high-quality education and research go hand-in-hand: not only do these campuses train passionate engineers, they also offer many opportunities for companies that want to innovate. Our campuses play an active role...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

2U

2U’S- BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

A BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

FOUNDED IN 2008 IN MARYLAND WASHINGTON DC, 2U, INC. SET OUT TO CREATE THE WORLD’S BEST ONLINE EDUCATION AND THEY’VE BEEN DEFYING THE ODDS EVER SINCE. ALSO AROUND THE EXACT SAME TIME AND COINCIDING WITH THE BEGINNING OF THE MOOC REVOLUTION, GETSMARTER WAS ALSO FOUNDED. Early on in the industry,...

INNOVATION Quebec

VECTOR INSTITUTE

VECTOR INSTITUTE-CONNECTING ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY TO ADVANCE RESEARCH AND ACCELERATE RESPONSIBLE ADOPTION OF AI

CONNECTING ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY TO ADVANCE RESEARCH AND ACCELERATE RESPONSIBLE ADOPTION OF AI

As the city where Geoffrey Hinton pioneered deep learning, Toronto has deep roots in artificial intelligence research. The Vector Institute amplifies and leverages this strength in fundamental research for Ontario’s economic benefit by smoothing the path from lab discovery to commercial use.   With marquee facilities for collaboration, Vector hosts...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

AZUMO

AZUMO-Manufacturer of LCD 2.0

Manufacturer of LCD 2.0, A Breakthrough Display Technology Revolutionizing A $130B Industry

Displays have become ubiquitous in our society. We find them in smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, drive through restaurants, ATM machines, thermostats, gas station pumps…the list is endless. Even still, there are notable negative impacts of displays which we have become accustomed to – excessive power consumption, subpar viewability in bright...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Holland & Knight

Service Without Boundaries

Founded in 1889, Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers and other professionals in 35 offices throughout the world. The Firm’s lawyers provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with efficient access to...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

CSX

PULLING FOR AMERICA

Driving Growth and Connectivity Across South Carolina For nearly two centuries, CSX has been a cornerstone of America’s economic engine, connecting businesses and communities with safe, efficient, and innovative freight solutions. Today, as one of North America’s leading railroads, CSX continues to deliver what matters most—reliability, flexibility, and value—while powering...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Intention 2 Impact

Innovating Social Impact Measurement

Intention 2 Impact (I2I) is a dynamic social change organization at the forefront of impact measurement. Founded in October 2018 by the visionary Nina Sabarre, I2I is a minority, women-owned small business known for disrupting the status quo in philanthropy through innovative and equity-centered monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL)...

INNOVATION Quebec

I2E3

50 years of bio-based innovations

The Innovations Institute in Eco-materials, Eco-products and Eco-energies (I2E3) is a multidisciplinary entity participating in the advancement of the bio-sourced economy in a green, circular and regional economy perspective. The I2E3 is the strategic evolution of a pulp and paper research centre that began its activities at the Université du...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

Next Agents

Driving Sustainability and Innovation in Stockholm

HOW NEXT AGENTS IS SHAPING THE FUTURE Stockholm is globally recognized as a hub for innovation, particularly in sustainability, and Next Agents plays a pivotal role in advancing this ecosystem. Sustainability-driven innovation lies at the heart of Next Agents’ mission to empower businesses to create solutions that benefit people, the...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

FinEst Centre

Creating Smarter Cities Through Collaborative Innovation

FinEst Centre for Smart Cities is a research and development centre driven by the passion to enhance the quality of life in urban areas. It brings together cities, researchers and entrepreneurs to co-create scalable, research-based solutions for the most pressing urban challenges. Based in Tallinn, Estonia, the centre serves as...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

ARLEQUIM

IS A BRAZILIAN COMPANY HEADQUARTERED IN CURITIBA WITH A NATIONWIDE PRESENCE

PITCHArlequim Technologies S.A. – www.arlequim.com – is a Brazilian company headquartered in Curitiba with a nationwide presence. With ambitious international expansion plans, Arlequim aims to revolutionize how people use personal computers for work, business, and pleasure through an innovative Desktop as a Service (DaaS) model. OUR HISTORYFounded by the end...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

ESFANDIARI

DESIGNING A NEW FUTURE FOR FASHION

Born just outside Stockholm in 2000, Samantha Esfandiari has quickly emerged as a powerful new voice in the Swedish fashion industry. One that merges skilled craftsmanship with a deep commitment to sustainability and circular design. As a designer, entrepreneur, and educator, she is shaping a bold vision of what fashion...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Therme Group US

Innovating Wellbeing for All

In a world where health and wellbeing often seem like luxuries reserved for a privileged few, Therme Group US is on a mission to change that narrative. With over two decades of experience, the Therme Group is redefining the concept of wellbeing, making it accessible, relaxing, and fun for people...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

ASTELLAS FARMA PORTUGAL

ASTELLAS FARMA PORTUGAL-WE LIVE THE ASTELLAS WAY

WE LIVE THE ASTELLAS WAY

Astellas Farma Portugal is an affiliate of Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, and globally one of the companies most focused on the investigation of innovative pharmaceutical products.   Research and Development are at the center of everything we do, and this not only drives our work today, but also...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

BAILEY ABBOTT

Exploring the art of possible

WHEN THE PHONE WOULDN’T STOP RINGING WITH FORMER COLLEAGUES REACHING OUT AFTER LOSING THEIR JOBS IN THE PANDEMIC, TOM CARLTON HAD HEARD ENOUGH. IT WAS TIME TO ACT. Tom knew there was a better way to not only do business, but to empower teams. When other consultancies were downsizing in...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

KNEAD

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF FOOD RESCUE: KNEAD TECHNOLOGIES LEADS THE CHARGE TOWARDS ZERO WASTE

In a world where nearly 40% of produced food goes to waste, Knead Technologies has emerged as a trailblazer, revolutionizing the fight against food waste (Parfitt et al., 2021, p. 6). With their innovative logistics solutions, this software development company is redefining how food rescue organizations operate worldwide. By seamlessly...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

PS27's Leadership Week

PS27's Leadership Week: Turning Entrepreneurs Into Leaders

Turning Entrepreneurs Into Leaders

Each year in November, teams come together to invest their time in themselves to better their companies. Emotional intelligence, public speaking and teamwork are all elements that go into creating a successful leader. When small businesses begin to tackle big issues, PS27 Ventures, a Jacksonville venture capital firm, works with...

INNOVATE® Detroit

PURPOSE JOBS

The Startup Storytellers

Everyone has heard about Apple, or Meta, or Uber. But what about StockX, or Autobooks, or KLA? When the economy crashed in 2008, it was standard for Michiganders to graduate from school here and find work in another state. Many flocked to tech jobs on the coasts. But in the...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

CYTOIMMUNE THERAPEUTICS

CYTOIMMUNE THERAPEUTICS-PUERTO RICO’S SIX DECADES PHARMA JOURNEY AND GOING….

PUERTO RICO’S SIX DECADES PHARMA JOURNEY AND GOING….

Puerto Rico (PR) has been one of the few countries fortunate to have lived the evolution of healthcare with the presence of pharmaceutical operations for more than six decades. The island’s pharmaceutical industry professionals have witnessed big changes from chemical synthesis derived compounds to complex biological molecules manufactured using biotechnology...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

CareerBeacon

A Human Approach to HR Technology

While the recruitment industry changes faster than ever, CareerBeacon stands apart through a fundamental principle often overlooked in tech innovation: empathy. When Yves Boudreau and co-founder Benoit Bourque acquired CareerBeacon in 2021, they saw more than just a job board – they saw the opportunity to transform how talent connects...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

CREATIVEYEWORKS

CREATIVEYEWORKS- HAVING THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SOCIAL IMPACT AND CREATING A REALISTIC SOCIAL

HAVING THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SOCIAL IMPACT AND CREATING A REALISTIC SOCIAL, CIRCULARECONOMIC SELF-SUSTAINING SYSTEM. THIS IS THE MISSION OF THE CREATIVEYEWORKS PROJECT. THE PROJECT AIMS TO CREATE A GREAT ADDED VALUE THAT FLOWS COMPLETELY BACK TO SOCIETY

I am Koen Van Pottelbergh and due to a serious accident where I lost half of my sight, my view on life changed drastically. That is why I created the concept “CreativEyeworks”. Because everyone in the world has the right to see well, and to take all opportunities life has...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

AGGREKO

AGGREKO- GOING GREEN – MEETING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS WITH CLEAN ENERGY

GOING GREEN – MEETING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS WITH CLEAN ENERGY

South Africa will have to make a distinct shift to embrace the new norms in global climate and energy landscape discussions. Current infrastructure relies heavily on fuels that are not necessarily the most environmentally friendly, and this poses a threat to the country’s role in a global energy sector with...

INNOVATION Quebec

LA VAGUE

THE ISLAND ACCELERATOR

The Corporation d’innovation et de développement des Îles, LA VAGUE, is an organization that creates a place of excellence to foster synergy between socio-economic stakeholders from the Magdalen Islands and elsewhere. Its vision is oriented towards a sustainable and wealth-creating Island economy. It offers specialized support to accelerate innovative projects...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

UNFOLD HOSPITALITY

Innovating D.C.’s Culinary Scene

Unfold Hospitality is the brainchild of Richard Brandenburg and Rubén García, two culinary powerhouses with a shared passion for transforming the food and hospitality industry. Both have extensive experience working under the legendary chef José Andrés, where they earned the nickname “Delta Force” for their ability to conceptualize and execute...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

KU LEUVEN

KU LEUVEN-INNOVATION PARTNER PAR EXCELLENCE IN THE MECHELEN-KEMPEN REGION

INNOVATION PARTNER PAR EXCELLENCE IN THE MECHELEN-KEMPEN REGION

The Geel and De Nayer (Sint-Katelijne-Waver) campuses are part of the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven. Here, high-quality education and research go hand-in-hand: not only do these campuses train passionate engineers, they also offer many opportunities for companies that want to innovate. Our campuses play an active role...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

2U

2U’S- BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

A BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

FOUNDED IN 2008 IN MARYLAND WASHINGTON DC, 2U, INC. SET OUT TO CREATE THE WORLD’S BEST ONLINE EDUCATION AND THEY’VE BEEN DEFYING THE ODDS EVER SINCE. ALSO AROUND THE EXACT SAME TIME AND COINCIDING WITH THE BEGINNING OF THE MOOC REVOLUTION, GETSMARTER WAS ALSO FOUNDED. Early on in the industry,...

Ecosystems