Stories of Innovation
INNOVATE™ South Africa
HAVE YOU HEARD
WE ARE A MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY, HOWEVER, OUR DNA, HOW WE STARTED AND OUR REASON FOR BEING HAS ALWAYS MADE US DIFFERENT
We were never just advertising people wanting to do big TV ads, we were entrepreneurs wanting to build brands and businesses. We were also very inexperienced and naïve and while that made things much more challenging in the early years, it has made us more effective the more time has...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
JUST VERTICAL
FURNITURE THAT FEEDS YOU - INDOOR GARDENS BUILT BY PLANT SCIENCE FOR EVERY GROWER AND EVERY HOME.
How salmon & sangria started a green revolution.Some of the most inspiring inventions come at the most innocuous times. In 2017, Just Vertical co-founders Conner Tidd and Kevin Jakiela were completing their Masters of Science at the University of Toronto. Bright eyed and full of enthusiasm, they hoped to equip...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
OSCARS ARC
DOG ADOPTION. INSPIRED ADOPTION RATES IN SOUTH AFRICA ARE LESS THAN 10%. WOOF PROJECT IS CHANGING THE STATUS QUO
WOOF Project is a dynamic ‘pop–up’ mobile dog adoption initiative by Oscars Arc, a NPO born to inspire dog adoption and to save dogs’ lives. It was founded by Joanne Lefson in honour of Oscar, the adopted dog with whom she travelled around the world, visiting 43 countries across 5...
INNOVATE® Maryland
Upace
Revolutionizing How Members Engage with Recreation Centers
In 2014, Rachel Koretsky founded Upace, which has since skyrocketed to become the top mobile app engagement and reservation platform, supporting over one million members of community recreation centers across the US and Canada. Her journey started at American University, driven by a mission to make going to a recreation...
INNOVATE® Georgia
COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY
INNOVATING PARTNERSHIPS
Columbus State University is a just-the-right-size institution that serves workforce needs with a wide array of affordable, relevant programs — several of which have become nationally distinctive. Built on an exceptional history of partnerships, Columbus State has created two campuses that create a foundation for students to succeed in the...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
GRUPO SENFF
CRAFTING A LEGACY: GRUPO SENFF’S 130 YEARS OF INNOVATION
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...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
OMNICHAT
LEADER IN CHAT COMMERCE IN BRAZIL
OmniChat is a company founded in Curitiba, in 2017, with the mission of transforming conversations into sales through chat commerce. Official provider of Meta since 2021, the startup offers the most advanced conversational technology on the market, capable of centralizing the management of all chat channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
THE GOOD THINGS GUY
BEST KNOWN AS A SOURCE OF GOOD NEWS AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES BY SOUTH AFRICANS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS. SPARKED BY AN ONLINE VIRAL MOVEMENT, THE GOOD THINGS GUY IS NOW A GLOBAL MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA COMPANY DELIVERING GOOD NEWS DAILY TO SOUTH AFRICANS
Kindness is the only thing that mattersSouth Africa’s news feeds are filled with hard news, stories of murder, corruption, robberies, and failing state-owned enterprises. Is there a space for good news – and do South Africans have an appetite for it? Brent Lindeque founded the Good Things Guy on 1...
INNOVATION Quebec
2 DEGRÉS
EST UN INCUBATEUR SPÉCIALISÉ EN TECHNOLOGIES PROPRES AU QUÉBEC
2 Degrés accompagne des startups au stade de pré-démarrage, jusqu’au démarrage, qui proposent une solution innovante démontrant un fort potentiel de croissance et d’impact dans les secteurs des énergies, des matières résiduelles et de l’eau. Basé dans la Ville de Québec, 2 Degrés est né d’un rassemblement de jeunes gens...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
VIZWORX
Creating Visibly Better Enterprise Software Solutions Through Advanced Technology
Delivering enterprise-class digital experiences, VizworX is an advanced software solutions services company. Leveraging the latest in augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, complex data visualization, web and mobile technologies and techniques, VizworX supports numerous industries around the world by turning complex data into easily understandable and actionable information. We enable...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
ALTUS ASSESSMENTS
USING DATA AND TECH TO BRING THE HUMAN SIDE OF HEALTH CARE EDUCATION BACK INTO FOCUS
Over 33,000 Canadians have died of Covid-19, most of whom were alone in the hospital or in long-term care homes known for poor conditions and mistreatment of residents. Against the backdrop of a long-existing labour shortage, health care workers’ resilience and compassion are being tested, and many are quitting. It’s...
INNOVATION Quebec
PROPULSION QUÉBEC
Propulsion Québec en quelques motsLa volonté de l’industrie et du gouvernement québécois d’accélérer le développement du secteur québécois des véhicules électriques et intelligents (TEI) a mené à la création de Propulsion Québec, la grappe industrielle des transports électriques et intelligents du Québec le 20 avril 2017. En tant que grappe...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
FLOORSPACE
TRANSFORMING THE COMMERCIAL BROKERAGE - FLOORSPACE’S EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH
Floorspace originated from Matt Carlson’s experience in the industry, while working as Executive Vice President at a prominent commercial real estate brokerage. During his tenure, Matt observed the challenges faced by both seasoned brokers and young professionals aspiring to enter the commercial real estate industry. Certain hurdles like limited and...
INNOVATION Quebec
Agrinova
CCTT IN AGRICULTURE
Agrinova is a college centre for the transfer of technology dedicated to applied research. In partnership with companies and organizations, we conduct concrete research with specific practical objectives tailored to their needs. Since the CCTT was created in 1996, we have carried out more than 1200 research and innovation projects...
Global Innovation Spotlight
SLOVAK BUSINESS AGENCY (SBA)
Is The Oldest Specialised Non-Profit Organization In Slovakia Offering Comprehensive Support To Small And Medium-Sized Businesses (SMEs).
SBA was founded in 1993 by a common initiative of the European Union and the Government of the Slovak Republic. Its founders are the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia, and Slovak Association of Crafts. The mission of the SBA is to provide complex assistance...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
ACELERA BRASIL
TRANSFORMING CORPORATE TRAVEL INTO UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
The corporate travel agency market closed 2023 with a record turnover, indicating a promising future for the sector. It is in this context that Acelera Brasil has been operating since 2017, with a keen focus on the use of Advanced Technology, Service Personalization, Sustainability, Risk Management, Value-Added Offer, Service Integration,...
INNOVATE® Puerto Rico
PILOTO 151
PUERTO RICO’S LAUNCHPAD FOR INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION
The year was 2012. Stolberg siblings, Sofia and Juan Carlos, had just moved back to their native Puerto Rico, ran their own businesses, and were searching for a coworking space to network with like-minded individuals. Noticing that coworking was not a thing on the Island, they took it upon themselves...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
APXIUM
THE “SAAS+FINTECH” PLAYBOOK TAKING ON THE BANKS AND GOING GLOBAL
From joint manager of the world’s largest gold hedging book – to precious metals trader of a global commodities group in the U.K. – Jeremy Coombe is not your typical tech startup Founder. So, how does one break the mould of the “institutionalised mindset” that is the very cause of...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
TARTU CENTRE FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Nurturing Creative Entrepreneurship The Tartu Centre for Creative Industries (TCCI) distinguishes itself in Europe through its dedicated regional focus on South Estonia’s creative sector, enabling tailored support. TCCI actively fosters cross-sectoral collaboration through high-profile events like sTARTUp Day’s Creative Industries Pitching Competition and the Estonian Fashion Festival, connecting creatives with...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
PRINCETON CONSULTANTS
To innovate through AI and Optimization, many of the best managed organizations in North America trust Princeton Consultants
Founded by CEO Steve Sashihara in 1980 and still headquartered in Princeton, we help clients improve performance through the successful deployment of AI and Optimization. Blending world-class technical expertise and deep business insight, our consultants work in small, agile teams to provide transformational solutions and services that drive innovation. Our...
INNOVATE® Nashville
NASHVILLE INNOVATION ALLIANCE
FUELING INNOVATION FOR A THRIVING NASHVILLE
The Nashville Innovation Alliance aims to make Nashville one of America’s leading centers of technology innovation by bringing the community together to create a shared vision, set ambitious goals and advance strategic initiatives. Established by Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Vanderbilt University in 2024, and anchored by participation from LaunchTN, the...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
FCT FLAMES
Creating flames that inspire, from Adelaide to the World
FCT Flames specialises in the design, manufacture, and operation of spectacular flame effects for ceremonial and high-profile sporting events, including the Olympic Games. Billions of people around the world have seen their work, making their man-made flame effects the most watched in history. The Sydney Olympic torches? FCT Flames.The Olympic...
Global Innovation Spotlight
The New Generation of Climate Entrepreneurs Building a Greener Economy
While climate change seems like an enormous challenge, many young entrepreneurs are not sitting around, waiting for others to resolve the problem. Instead, they are starting their ventures focused on renewable energy, improved food systems, transportation, reduction of waste and more sustainable cities. The founders of these ventures are far...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
HAVE YOU HEARD
WE ARE A MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY, HOWEVER, OUR DNA, HOW WE STARTED AND OUR REASON FOR BEING HAS ALWAYS MADE US DIFFERENT
We were never just advertising people wanting to do big TV ads, we were entrepreneurs wanting to build brands and businesses. We were also very inexperienced and naïve and while that made things much more challenging in the early years, it has made us more effective the more time has...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
JUST VERTICAL
FURNITURE THAT FEEDS YOU - INDOOR GARDENS BUILT BY PLANT SCIENCE FOR EVERY GROWER AND EVERY HOME.
How salmon & sangria started a green revolution.Some of the most inspiring inventions come at the most innocuous times. In 2017, Just Vertical co-founders Conner Tidd and Kevin Jakiela were completing their Masters of Science at the University of Toronto. Bright eyed and full of enthusiasm, they hoped to equip...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
OSCARS ARC
DOG ADOPTION. INSPIRED ADOPTION RATES IN SOUTH AFRICA ARE LESS THAN 10%. WOOF PROJECT IS CHANGING THE STATUS QUO
WOOF Project is a dynamic ‘pop–up’ mobile dog adoption initiative by Oscars Arc, a NPO born to inspire dog adoption and to save dogs’ lives. It was founded by Joanne Lefson in honour of Oscar, the adopted dog with whom she travelled around the world, visiting 43 countries across 5...
INNOVATE® Maryland
Upace
Revolutionizing How Members Engage with Recreation Centers
In 2014, Rachel Koretsky founded Upace, which has since skyrocketed to become the top mobile app engagement and reservation platform, supporting over one million members of community recreation centers across the US and Canada. Her journey started at American University, driven by a mission to make going to a recreation...
INNOVATE® Georgia
COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY
INNOVATING PARTNERSHIPS
Columbus State University is a just-the-right-size institution that serves workforce needs with a wide array of affordable, relevant programs — several of which have become nationally distinctive. Built on an exceptional history of partnerships, Columbus State has created two campuses that create a foundation for students to succeed in the...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
GRUPO SENFF
CRAFTING A LEGACY: GRUPO SENFF’S 130 YEARS OF INNOVATION
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...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
OMNICHAT
LEADER IN CHAT COMMERCE IN BRAZIL
OmniChat is a company founded in Curitiba, in 2017, with the mission of transforming conversations into sales through chat commerce. Official provider of Meta since 2021, the startup offers the most advanced conversational technology on the market, capable of centralizing the management of all chat channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
THE GOOD THINGS GUY
BEST KNOWN AS A SOURCE OF GOOD NEWS AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES BY SOUTH AFRICANS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS. SPARKED BY AN ONLINE VIRAL MOVEMENT, THE GOOD THINGS GUY IS NOW A GLOBAL MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA COMPANY DELIVERING GOOD NEWS DAILY TO SOUTH AFRICANS
Kindness is the only thing that mattersSouth Africa’s news feeds are filled with hard news, stories of murder, corruption, robberies, and failing state-owned enterprises. Is there a space for good news – and do South Africans have an appetite for it? Brent Lindeque founded the Good Things Guy on 1...
INNOVATION Quebec
2 DEGRÉS
EST UN INCUBATEUR SPÉCIALISÉ EN TECHNOLOGIES PROPRES AU QUÉBEC
2 Degrés accompagne des startups au stade de pré-démarrage, jusqu’au démarrage, qui proposent une solution innovante démontrant un fort potentiel de croissance et d’impact dans les secteurs des énergies, des matières résiduelles et de l’eau. Basé dans la Ville de Québec, 2 Degrés est né d’un rassemblement de jeunes gens...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
VIZWORX
Creating Visibly Better Enterprise Software Solutions Through Advanced Technology
Delivering enterprise-class digital experiences, VizworX is an advanced software solutions services company. Leveraging the latest in augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, complex data visualization, web and mobile technologies and techniques, VizworX supports numerous industries around the world by turning complex data into easily understandable and actionable information. We enable...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
ALTUS ASSESSMENTS
USING DATA AND TECH TO BRING THE HUMAN SIDE OF HEALTH CARE EDUCATION BACK INTO FOCUS
Over 33,000 Canadians have died of Covid-19, most of whom were alone in the hospital or in long-term care homes known for poor conditions and mistreatment of residents. Against the backdrop of a long-existing labour shortage, health care workers’ resilience and compassion are being tested, and many are quitting. It’s...
INNOVATION Quebec
PROPULSION QUÉBEC
Propulsion Québec en quelques motsLa volonté de l’industrie et du gouvernement québécois d’accélérer le développement du secteur québécois des véhicules électriques et intelligents (TEI) a mené à la création de Propulsion Québec, la grappe industrielle des transports électriques et intelligents du Québec le 20 avril 2017. En tant que grappe...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
FLOORSPACE
TRANSFORMING THE COMMERCIAL BROKERAGE - FLOORSPACE’S EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH
Floorspace originated from Matt Carlson’s experience in the industry, while working as Executive Vice President at a prominent commercial real estate brokerage. During his tenure, Matt observed the challenges faced by both seasoned brokers and young professionals aspiring to enter the commercial real estate industry. Certain hurdles like limited and...
INNOVATION Quebec
Agrinova
CCTT IN AGRICULTURE
Agrinova is a college centre for the transfer of technology dedicated to applied research. In partnership with companies and organizations, we conduct concrete research with specific practical objectives tailored to their needs. Since the CCTT was created in 1996, we have carried out more than 1200 research and innovation projects...
Global Innovation Spotlight
SLOVAK BUSINESS AGENCY (SBA)
Is The Oldest Specialised Non-Profit Organization In Slovakia Offering Comprehensive Support To Small And Medium-Sized Businesses (SMEs).
SBA was founded in 1993 by a common initiative of the European Union and the Government of the Slovak Republic. Its founders are the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia, and Slovak Association of Crafts. The mission of the SBA is to provide complex assistance...
INNOVATE™ Curitiba
ACELERA BRASIL
TRANSFORMING CORPORATE TRAVEL INTO UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
The corporate travel agency market closed 2023 with a record turnover, indicating a promising future for the sector. It is in this context that Acelera Brasil has been operating since 2017, with a keen focus on the use of Advanced Technology, Service Personalization, Sustainability, Risk Management, Value-Added Offer, Service Integration,...
INNOVATE® Puerto Rico
PILOTO 151
PUERTO RICO’S LAUNCHPAD FOR INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION
The year was 2012. Stolberg siblings, Sofia and Juan Carlos, had just moved back to their native Puerto Rico, ran their own businesses, and were searching for a coworking space to network with like-minded individuals. Noticing that coworking was not a thing on the Island, they took it upon themselves...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
APXIUM
THE “SAAS+FINTECH” PLAYBOOK TAKING ON THE BANKS AND GOING GLOBAL
From joint manager of the world’s largest gold hedging book – to precious metals trader of a global commodities group in the U.K. – Jeremy Coombe is not your typical tech startup Founder. So, how does one break the mould of the “institutionalised mindset” that is the very cause of...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
TARTU CENTRE FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Nurturing Creative Entrepreneurship The Tartu Centre for Creative Industries (TCCI) distinguishes itself in Europe through its dedicated regional focus on South Estonia’s creative sector, enabling tailored support. TCCI actively fosters cross-sectoral collaboration through high-profile events like sTARTUp Day’s Creative Industries Pitching Competition and the Estonian Fashion Festival, connecting creatives with...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
PRINCETON CONSULTANTS
To innovate through AI and Optimization, many of the best managed organizations in North America trust Princeton Consultants
Founded by CEO Steve Sashihara in 1980 and still headquartered in Princeton, we help clients improve performance through the successful deployment of AI and Optimization. Blending world-class technical expertise and deep business insight, our consultants work in small, agile teams to provide transformational solutions and services that drive innovation. Our...
INNOVATE® Nashville
NASHVILLE INNOVATION ALLIANCE
FUELING INNOVATION FOR A THRIVING NASHVILLE
The Nashville Innovation Alliance aims to make Nashville one of America’s leading centers of technology innovation by bringing the community together to create a shared vision, set ambitious goals and advance strategic initiatives. Established by Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Vanderbilt University in 2024, and anchored by participation from LaunchTN, the...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
FCT FLAMES
Creating flames that inspire, from Adelaide to the World
FCT Flames specialises in the design, manufacture, and operation of spectacular flame effects for ceremonial and high-profile sporting events, including the Olympic Games. Billions of people around the world have seen their work, making their man-made flame effects the most watched in history. The Sydney Olympic torches? FCT Flames.The Olympic...
Global Innovation Spotlight
The New Generation of Climate Entrepreneurs Building a Greener Economy
While climate change seems like an enormous challenge, many young entrepreneurs are not sitting around, waiting for others to resolve the problem. Instead, they are starting their ventures focused on renewable energy, improved food systems, transportation, reduction of waste and more sustainable cities. The founders of these ventures are far...