Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Nashville

FIRST SOUTH FINANCIAL

BANKING WITH FRIENDS

The Story of First South Financial’s Strength, Innovation, and Community Impact. For nearly seven decades, First South Financial has stood as a trusted partner in helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals. What began as a modest effort to provide accessible banking services has grown into one...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

SERTIFI

Sertifi- Our Mission Is To Help The World Finalize Business Faster By Removing Friction During The Agreement Process

Our Mission Is To Help The World Finalize Business Faster By Removing Friction During The Agreement Process

Our solution offers a platform that accelerates the process of collaborating on agreements, signing contracts utilizing electronic signatures and providing the easiest, most convenient way to pay. We may have finally replaced the fax machine and are swiftly on our way to automating many of the redundant and repetitive tasks...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

MetaVRse

MetaVRse - Is On A Mission To Unlock The Power Of XR For Everyone

Is On A Mission To Unlock The Power Of XR For Everyone

MetaVRse is a proprietary, code-optional, web platform that makes it easy to create & share interactive 3D/XR experiences instantly to over 7b compatible devices from a one-click publish. In 2010, we introduced Emulator, the world’s first touchscreen performance system for DJ’s. After being invited to perform at Curiosity Camp (Eric...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

TERRADEPTH

Terradepth- Is composed of a team of ocean enthusiasts

Is composed of a team of ocean enthusiasts, technologists, problem solvers, and makers dedicated to advancing ocean exploration

We exist to empower humanity with full access and visibility of deep sea data that enables a deeper understanding and accountability of impact to drive better decision making.   We believe that a deeper understanding of the oceans is achievable through technological advancements in robotic autonomy and data visualization —...

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™ South Africa

JOE PUBLIC

JOE PUBLIC-OUR PURPOSE IS GROWTH. TO BE THE FERTILE SOIL THAT GROWS OUR PEOPLE

OUR PURPOSE IS GROWTH. TO BE THE FERTILE SOIL THAT GROWS OUR PEOPLE, OUR CLIENTS AND OUR COUNTRY.

Joe Public was established in Cape Town in 1998 by Gareth Leck and Pepe Marais. They opened the agency’s doors to the public with something completely new, Take-Away Advertising. This revolutionary model allowed hungry clients to order an ad off a menu with a price list, making Joe Public a...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CIRCLE

Pioneering the Future of Finance

“Circle is focused on raising global economic prosperity through the frictionless exchange of value by empowering businesses with digital currencies and blockchain technology.” Founded with the ambitious goal of raising global economic prosperity through the frictionless exchange of value, Circle leverages the power of digital currencies and blockchain technology to...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

TIMBETER

FOUNDED AT THE GARAGE48 HACKATHON, TIMBETER LAUNCHED GLOBALLY IN 2016 AND HAS SINCE BECOME A RECOGNIZED LEADER IN DIGITAL TIMBER MEASUREMENT

Timbeter is an Estonian company whose digital solutions bring transparency, traceability, and efficiency to timber measurement from the forest to the factory. Its core products include a mobile app for logs and lumber measurement, a cloud platform for data management, and a dashboard for traceability and reporting. By applying AI,...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Potluck

And the Reimagining of Social Tech

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...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Fairfax County EDA

Igniting Innovation and Growth in Fairfax County.

Fairfax County is not just a hub for innovation; it’s a powerhouse supported by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). Chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and governed by a board of county business leaders, FCEDA is dedicated to transforming Fairfax County into one of the world’s premier business...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

ABCO SYSTEMS

Driving Efficiency, Accuracy, and Sustainability in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Driving Efficiency, Accuracy, and Sustainability in Warehouses and Distribution Centers Meeting the ever-growing demands of modern distribution and order fulfillment requires more than incremental improvements—it demands innovative solutions that revolutionize how businesses operate. FastFetch, powered by ABCO Systems, has emerged as a transformative tool that combines efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Quang Pham

“People have asked me why i started Espero Biopharma in jacksonville when there is no industry and few talent locally”   Here are the reasons. Few American cities of any size are home to so many facilities, among them Ackerman Cancer Center, Baptist Health, Brooks Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Memorial Hospital,...

INNOVATION Quebec

CEDFOB

CCTT EN FORÊT BORÉALE

Le CEDFOB est un CCTT affilié au Cégep de Baie-Comeau qui a pour mission de réaliser, en collaboration avec les milieux, des travaux de recherche et de développement sur la forêt boréale et mettre en valeur ses ressources dans une optique de développement durable. Le but est de favoriser l’appropriation...

INNOVATE® Georgia

Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG)

We Are At The Forefront Of Efforts To Bridge The Skills Gap By Offering Programs That Are Closely Aligned With Industry Demands.

With 22 colleges and 88 campuses across Georgia, The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) provides quality technical education for more than 148,000 students (AY24). Founded on the principles of accessibility, affordability, and excellence in postsecondary education, TCSG has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

ASQ

PIONEERING QUALITY FOR A THRIVING FUTURE

For nearly eight decades, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) has been a global leader in quality management. From its origins in the post-World War II era to its role today, ASQ has driven innovation, guided industries through transformation, and fostered continuous improvement. Headquartered in Milwaukee, ASQ is instrumental in...

INNOVATE® Miami

Code Explorers

Code Explorers - Preparing The Next Generation For The 4th Industrial Revolution

Preparing the Next Generation for the 4th Industrial Revolution

Code Explorers is a technology research and training development organization. Today’s global workforce faces an urgent need to gain new skills to keep up-to-date with the changing requirements of their jobs. Similarly, the global workforce of tomorrow – today’s children and youth – urgently need an education that sets them...

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® South Florida

ISACA South Florida Chapter

EMPOWERING SOUTH FLORIDA’S INNOVATORS THROUGH IT RISK MANAGEMENT & CYBERSECURITY

EMPOWERING SOUTH FLORIDA’S INNOVATORSTHROUGH IT RISK MANAGEMENT & CYBERSECURITY ISACA South Florida Overview ISACA South Florida is a prominent chapter of the global Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), dedicated to advancing professionals in IT governance, risk management, cybersecurity, and related fields. Chartered on December 2, 1978, as the...

INNOVATE® Detroit

POCKETNEST

Financial Wellness for the Next Generation

Many people think having a “financial plan” means having a budget, a retirement savings account, and maybe a small cash reserve. But, those basic financials are only scratching the surface and exclude some key details like estate documents, saving strategies, or debt elimination plans. With that popular—and lacking—mindset, it’s perhaps...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

Maria Middelares

Innovation at the Heart of Patient Care

Maria Middelares, a non-profit organisation that comprises two general hospitals, two medical centres and a logistics center, has evolved from a centuries-long tradition to a center of innovation, prioritizing organizational excellence and enriched patient experience. With a clear and straightforward objective, Maria Middelares is committed to keeping people healthy through...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

VIKING VILLAGE

KEEPING ESTONIA’S VIKING SPIRIT ALIVE

Just 15 minutes from Tallinn, in the village of Saula, lies one of Northern Estonia’s most renowned holiday centres: Viking Village. Here, history, legend, and adventure merge into an unforgettable experience. With free admission and open doors year-round, the village welcomes individuals, families, school groups, and corporate teams alike. A...

INNOVATION Quebec

CRIAQ

AU CŒUR DE L’INNOVATION EN AÉROSPATIALE

Le CRIAQ joue un rôle clé pour assurer le développement de nouvelles technologies en aérospatiale qui permettent à l’ensemble de l’écosystème de prospérer. Le Québec est l’un des 3 principaux pôles en aérospatiale dans le monde et l’effervescence de ses industriels et ses centres de recherche en font un lieu...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

NEDBANK

NEDBANK -A SIGNIFICANT FOCUS ON DIGITISATION ALLOWS NEDBANK TO MEET FAST-CHANGING BANKING CUSTOMER NEEDS

A SIGNIFICANT FOCUS ON DIGITISATION ALLOWS NEDBANK TO MEET FAST-CHANGING BANKING CUSTOMER NEEDS

Digitisation and technological innovation are nothing new to the South African banking industry, but those banks that had made significant progress on their digital journeys before the Covid-19 pandemic, have been best placed to meet the fast-changing needs of their clients and, as is the case with Nedbank, gain efficiencies...

INNOVATION Quebec

INNOVATION MARITIME

CCTT IN THE MARITIME SECTOR

Creativity and expertise serving the maritime industry. Affiliated with the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ), Innovation maritime (IMAR) is an applied research centre that has been active in the maritime sector for over twenty years. Our mission is to contribute to the development of the maritime sector and stimulate excellence...

INNOVATE® Nashville

FIRST SOUTH FINANCIAL

BANKING WITH FRIENDS

The Story of First South Financial’s Strength, Innovation, and Community Impact. For nearly seven decades, First South Financial has stood as a trusted partner in helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals. What began as a modest effort to provide accessible banking services has grown into one...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

SERTIFI

Sertifi- Our Mission Is To Help The World Finalize Business Faster By Removing Friction During The Agreement Process

Our Mission Is To Help The World Finalize Business Faster By Removing Friction During The Agreement Process

Our solution offers a platform that accelerates the process of collaborating on agreements, signing contracts utilizing electronic signatures and providing the easiest, most convenient way to pay. We may have finally replaced the fax machine and are swiftly on our way to automating many of the redundant and repetitive tasks...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

MetaVRse

MetaVRse - Is On A Mission To Unlock The Power Of XR For Everyone

Is On A Mission To Unlock The Power Of XR For Everyone

MetaVRse is a proprietary, code-optional, web platform that makes it easy to create & share interactive 3D/XR experiences instantly to over 7b compatible devices from a one-click publish. In 2010, we introduced Emulator, the world’s first touchscreen performance system for DJ’s. After being invited to perform at Curiosity Camp (Eric...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

TERRADEPTH

Terradepth- Is composed of a team of ocean enthusiasts

Is composed of a team of ocean enthusiasts, technologists, problem solvers, and makers dedicated to advancing ocean exploration

We exist to empower humanity with full access and visibility of deep sea data that enables a deeper understanding and accountability of impact to drive better decision making.   We believe that a deeper understanding of the oceans is achievable through technological advancements in robotic autonomy and data visualization —...

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™ South Africa

JOE PUBLIC

JOE PUBLIC-OUR PURPOSE IS GROWTH. TO BE THE FERTILE SOIL THAT GROWS OUR PEOPLE

OUR PURPOSE IS GROWTH. TO BE THE FERTILE SOIL THAT GROWS OUR PEOPLE, OUR CLIENTS AND OUR COUNTRY.

Joe Public was established in Cape Town in 1998 by Gareth Leck and Pepe Marais. They opened the agency’s doors to the public with something completely new, Take-Away Advertising. This revolutionary model allowed hungry clients to order an ad off a menu with a price list, making Joe Public a...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CIRCLE

Pioneering the Future of Finance

“Circle is focused on raising global economic prosperity through the frictionless exchange of value by empowering businesses with digital currencies and blockchain technology.” Founded with the ambitious goal of raising global economic prosperity through the frictionless exchange of value, Circle leverages the power of digital currencies and blockchain technology to...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

TIMBETER

FOUNDED AT THE GARAGE48 HACKATHON, TIMBETER LAUNCHED GLOBALLY IN 2016 AND HAS SINCE BECOME A RECOGNIZED LEADER IN DIGITAL TIMBER MEASUREMENT

Timbeter is an Estonian company whose digital solutions bring transparency, traceability, and efficiency to timber measurement from the forest to the factory. Its core products include a mobile app for logs and lumber measurement, a cloud platform for data management, and a dashboard for traceability and reporting. By applying AI,...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Potluck

And the Reimagining of Social Tech

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...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Fairfax County EDA

Igniting Innovation and Growth in Fairfax County.

Fairfax County is not just a hub for innovation; it’s a powerhouse supported by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). Chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and governed by a board of county business leaders, FCEDA is dedicated to transforming Fairfax County into one of the world’s premier business...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

ABCO SYSTEMS

Driving Efficiency, Accuracy, and Sustainability in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Driving Efficiency, Accuracy, and Sustainability in Warehouses and Distribution Centers Meeting the ever-growing demands of modern distribution and order fulfillment requires more than incremental improvements—it demands innovative solutions that revolutionize how businesses operate. FastFetch, powered by ABCO Systems, has emerged as a transformative tool that combines efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Quang Pham

“People have asked me why i started Espero Biopharma in jacksonville when there is no industry and few talent locally”   Here are the reasons. Few American cities of any size are home to so many facilities, among them Ackerman Cancer Center, Baptist Health, Brooks Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Memorial Hospital,...

INNOVATION Quebec

CEDFOB

CCTT EN FORÊT BORÉALE

Le CEDFOB est un CCTT affilié au Cégep de Baie-Comeau qui a pour mission de réaliser, en collaboration avec les milieux, des travaux de recherche et de développement sur la forêt boréale et mettre en valeur ses ressources dans une optique de développement durable. Le but est de favoriser l’appropriation...

INNOVATE® Georgia

Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG)

We Are At The Forefront Of Efforts To Bridge The Skills Gap By Offering Programs That Are Closely Aligned With Industry Demands.

With 22 colleges and 88 campuses across Georgia, The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) provides quality technical education for more than 148,000 students (AY24). Founded on the principles of accessibility, affordability, and excellence in postsecondary education, TCSG has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

ASQ

PIONEERING QUALITY FOR A THRIVING FUTURE

For nearly eight decades, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) has been a global leader in quality management. From its origins in the post-World War II era to its role today, ASQ has driven innovation, guided industries through transformation, and fostered continuous improvement. Headquartered in Milwaukee, ASQ is instrumental in...

INNOVATE® Miami

Code Explorers

Code Explorers - Preparing The Next Generation For The 4th Industrial Revolution

Preparing the Next Generation for the 4th Industrial Revolution

Code Explorers is a technology research and training development organization. Today’s global workforce faces an urgent need to gain new skills to keep up-to-date with the changing requirements of their jobs. Similarly, the global workforce of tomorrow – today’s children and youth – urgently need an education that sets them...

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® South Florida

ISACA South Florida Chapter

EMPOWERING SOUTH FLORIDA’S INNOVATORS THROUGH IT RISK MANAGEMENT & CYBERSECURITY

EMPOWERING SOUTH FLORIDA’S INNOVATORSTHROUGH IT RISK MANAGEMENT & CYBERSECURITY ISACA South Florida Overview ISACA South Florida is a prominent chapter of the global Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), dedicated to advancing professionals in IT governance, risk management, cybersecurity, and related fields. Chartered on December 2, 1978, as the...

INNOVATE® Detroit

POCKETNEST

Financial Wellness for the Next Generation

Many people think having a “financial plan” means having a budget, a retirement savings account, and maybe a small cash reserve. But, those basic financials are only scratching the surface and exclude some key details like estate documents, saving strategies, or debt elimination plans. With that popular—and lacking—mindset, it’s perhaps...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

Maria Middelares

Innovation at the Heart of Patient Care

Maria Middelares, a non-profit organisation that comprises two general hospitals, two medical centres and a logistics center, has evolved from a centuries-long tradition to a center of innovation, prioritizing organizational excellence and enriched patient experience. With a clear and straightforward objective, Maria Middelares is committed to keeping people healthy through...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

VIKING VILLAGE

KEEPING ESTONIA’S VIKING SPIRIT ALIVE

Just 15 minutes from Tallinn, in the village of Saula, lies one of Northern Estonia’s most renowned holiday centres: Viking Village. Here, history, legend, and adventure merge into an unforgettable experience. With free admission and open doors year-round, the village welcomes individuals, families, school groups, and corporate teams alike. A...

INNOVATION Quebec

CRIAQ

AU CŒUR DE L’INNOVATION EN AÉROSPATIALE

Le CRIAQ joue un rôle clé pour assurer le développement de nouvelles technologies en aérospatiale qui permettent à l’ensemble de l’écosystème de prospérer. Le Québec est l’un des 3 principaux pôles en aérospatiale dans le monde et l’effervescence de ses industriels et ses centres de recherche en font un lieu...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

NEDBANK

NEDBANK -A SIGNIFICANT FOCUS ON DIGITISATION ALLOWS NEDBANK TO MEET FAST-CHANGING BANKING CUSTOMER NEEDS

A SIGNIFICANT FOCUS ON DIGITISATION ALLOWS NEDBANK TO MEET FAST-CHANGING BANKING CUSTOMER NEEDS

Digitisation and technological innovation are nothing new to the South African banking industry, but those banks that had made significant progress on their digital journeys before the Covid-19 pandemic, have been best placed to meet the fast-changing needs of their clients and, as is the case with Nedbank, gain efficiencies...

INNOVATION Quebec

INNOVATION MARITIME

CCTT IN THE MARITIME SECTOR

Creativity and expertise serving the maritime industry. Affiliated with the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ), Innovation maritime (IMAR) is an applied research centre that has been active in the maritime sector for over twenty years. Our mission is to contribute to the development of the maritime sector and stimulate excellence...

Ecosystems