Stories of Innovation
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
Reliance Foundry has deep roots as a maker, designer, and supplier of architectural site furnishings, metal castings, and industrial wheels—but just because they are an old company doesn’t mean they’re laggards behind a changing world. Founded in 1925 in Vancouver, BC, Reliance grew to become the area’s largest working foundry,...
INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath
FOURTH FLOOR
We Bring Brands And Influencers Together, To Make Content That Engages Audiences And Builds Emotional Connections
Back in 2017 the nascent practice of influencer marketing had problems. Stuck on the idea of a quick buck, agencies seemed to lack a real understanding of online content creators or their audiences, or the power available to branded content campaigns when done well. Put simply, not enough care...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
BENEDICT COLLEGE
Pioneering an Entrepreneurial Revolution
In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, Benedict College is redefining the landscape of higher education by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. At the forefront of this transformation is the Burroughs Enterprise, Startup, and Technology (B.E.S.T.) Innovation Lab, a dynamic hub that empowers students, faculty, and entrepreneurs to...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
INC.AFRICA
WHY AFRICA’S INNOVATION STORY MUST BE TOLD AND WHY INC.AFRICA IS WRITING THE NARRATIVE
Why are there so many books about Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in online book stores and libraries, but so few of the innovators redefining Africa? “All you have to do is Google an African innovator and almost nothing pops up,” says researcher Nnamdi Oranye, who is also...
INNOVATION Quebec
CHAUDIÈRES-APPALACHES ÉCONOMIQUE
BUSINESS ACCELERATOR AND INCUBATOR
For nearly 15 years, our mission at ChaudièresAppalaches Économique (CAE) has been to stimulate economic development by pooling our members’ assets and services, as well as those of our economic development partners. CAE’s services include business mentoring, entrepreneurship outreach, and support for eco-friendly businesses and eco-innovation. Since 2018, CAE has...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
NAYLOR AND CROY PHYSIOTHERAPY
SMARTS FOR SPORT
Young girls can dare to dream big and aspire to greatness. Rene Naylor has 130 caps as part of the Springbok Rugby’s medical and management team. While Naylor is a physiotherapist, she is also a motivational speaker taking her story to girls and boys from all walks of life in...
INNOVATE® Nashville
HeroWear
Evolving work, improving life: HeroWear exosuits help prevent backpain to improve worker quality of life.
Serious back injuries in the workplace are often preventable. The logistics, manufacturing, and construction industries have long struggled to prevent worker injuries, which impact the quality of life for workers and collectively cost companies billions of dollars each year. In fact, workers in warehousing and transportation who are keeping our...
INNOVATE® Georgia
MEPTIK
MEPTIK UPSETS REALITY™ WITH IMMERSIVE VISUAL EXPERIENCES
We are entering a new era of visual experiences. From in-camera visual effects in virtual film production and complex real-time data visualization in broadcasts to fully immersive experiences for live attendees – one thing is clear: audiences are demanding more. More visually stunning content, more intricate installations, and more mesmerizing...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
GLENROSE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
REIMAGINING HUMAN ABILITY
THE GLENROSE REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (GRH)The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH) is the largest free-standing, comprehensive tertiary rehabilitation hospital in Canada, serving patients of all ages who require complex rehabilitation to enable them to participate in life to the fullest. The 244-bed facility provides specialized physical rehabilitation and therapeutic services across 16...
INNOVATE® Jacksonville
PS27's Leadership Week
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™ Curitiba
CONTABILIZEI
INNOVATES WITH A PROJECT THAT INTEGRATES THE ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR COMPANIES
Over more than a decade, Contabilizei has been offering products and services that simplify and strengthen the work of entrepreneurs in Brazil. The company is established as the largest accounting company in the country and leader in starting companies processes and accounting management for legal entities. Created and headquartered in...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
CarpeDM
Innovating the Dating Experience for Professional Black Women
“CarpeDM can have a massive positive impact on the collective economic and health status of the Black community.” Swiping right and superficial connections often dominate the realm of online dating. Naza Shelley founded CarpeDM to revolutionize how professional Black women find love in Washington, D.C., and beyond. This exclusive, member-only...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
Edmonton Regional Innovation Network
Connecting and Building a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem
The Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) is a coalition of organisations in the Edmonton region that helps entrepreneurs start and grow innovative businesses. The ERIN aims to create a Regional Innovation Network that is accessible, inclusive of diverse thoughts and ways of doing, and meets the needs of the innovation...
INNOVATION Quebec
Kemitek
CCTT IN GREEN CHEMISTRY AND PROCESS SCALE-UP
Founded in 2002, Kemitek is both a CCTT and a Canadian Technology Access Centre (TAC) affiliated with the Cégep de Thetford. Our mission is to help companies innovate in the fields of green chemistry and process scale-up while actively contributing to the continued existence of a regional centre of excellence...
INNOVATION Quebec
THE INSTITUT QUANTIQUE OF UNIVERSITÉ DE SHERBROOKE
Founded in 2016, the Institut quantique (IQ) of the Université de Sherbrooke brings together more than 300 world-renowned scientists specializing in quantum materials, information and engineering to conduct fundamental research and develop quantum technologies. From the architecture of quantum computers to superconductivity and the exploration of new states of matter,...
INNOVATE® Nashville
Global Health Connector
Nashville Becomes U.S. Hub for Global Health Innovation: Global Health Connector Expands to Accelerate Change
Nashville, Tennessee – a city once known primarily for country music – is now becoming synonymous with health innovation. With the establishment of its U.S. Operations Hub, Global Health Connector has solidified its presence in a city poised to lead a new era of healthcare transformation. As a global nonprofit...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
iTOUCH
FROM ZERO TO BILLION$
In a world where data has become the currency of our supposed future resulting in valuations of businesses from zero to billions within a relatively short while, you need to ask yourself this question; How am I benefitting from the data-sets I have in my business, if at all? And...
INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1
86 REPAIRS
TAKE REPAIRS OFF YOUR PLATE
86 Repairs is the repair and maintenance management platform built for the restaurant industry. Our tech-enabled solution includes on-demand repair management and preventative maintenance. With 86 Repairs, restaurants have access to data-driven insights and 24/7 support to control their facilities, reduce their R&M costs, and spend less of their team’s...
INNOVATE® Detroit
Duolingo
Duolingo's Detroit Journey: From Gunner to Hobbes and Animated Innovation.
In Detroit, two motion design studios were making waves in the animation world: Gunner, known for its bold illustration and character animation, and Hobbes, a leader in product-driven animation. The companies earned reputations for creativity and emotional intelligence, collaborating with high-profile clients for years. However, everything changed when Duolingo—the world’s...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
SCRA
A Unique and Pivotal Player in SC’s Innovation Ecosystem
The South Carolina Research Authority has the distinct honor and responsibility to fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy. In 2024, it contributed over $1.33 billion to the state’s economy and supported 6624 South Carolina-based jobs. The average annual salary of these jobs was almost $92,000, 71% higher than the statewide average....
INNOVATION Quebec
CMQ
The Centre de métallurgie du Québec (CMQ) is a college center for the transfer of technologies (CCTT) attached to the Cégep de Trois-Rivières. Created in 1985, the CMQ aims to “support the competitiveness of the metallurgy industry through research and technological development in a collaborative approach with private and public partners while supporting technical education at the college level and the transfer of knowledge to businesses”
The Centre’s team of 60 people, including 10 to 15 college and university students per year, focuses on applied research and technology transfer to support the growth and strategic positioning of companies with activities related to metal processing. In addition to providing advanced training in metallurgy and non-destructive testing, the...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
HOTEL & CONGRES TER ELST
A PLACE TO ENJOY THE PEACE AND QUIET YOU NEED IN GREEN SURROUNDINGS, AND ONLY A STONE’S THROW AWAY FROM THE HEART OF ANTWERP
After Hotel & Congress Ter Elst was taken over in 2011 and thanks to a full transformation of the company, it became one of the major key players in the Meetings & Events industry in the Antwerp region. “We don’t do anything else, we just do it a different way”...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
SC Competes | SC Logistics
South Carolina's Logistics Cluster
SC Logistics is South Carolina’s statewide logistics and supply chain cluster initiative managed by South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) alongside its collaborative partners. The cluster operates as an open network built to serve South Carolina’s full logistics ecosystem along rail, across the sea, over the road, and through...
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™ Vancouver Vol.2
Reliance Foundry has deep roots as a maker, designer, and supplier of architectural site furnishings, metal castings, and industrial wheels—but just because they are an old company doesn’t mean they’re laggards behind a changing world. Founded in 1925 in Vancouver, BC, Reliance grew to become the area’s largest working foundry,...
INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath
FOURTH FLOOR
We Bring Brands And Influencers Together, To Make Content That Engages Audiences And Builds Emotional Connections
Back in 2017 the nascent practice of influencer marketing had problems. Stuck on the idea of a quick buck, agencies seemed to lack a real understanding of online content creators or their audiences, or the power available to branded content campaigns when done well. Put simply, not enough care...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
BENEDICT COLLEGE
Pioneering an Entrepreneurial Revolution
In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, Benedict College is redefining the landscape of higher education by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. At the forefront of this transformation is the Burroughs Enterprise, Startup, and Technology (B.E.S.T.) Innovation Lab, a dynamic hub that empowers students, faculty, and entrepreneurs to...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
INC.AFRICA
WHY AFRICA’S INNOVATION STORY MUST BE TOLD AND WHY INC.AFRICA IS WRITING THE NARRATIVE
Why are there so many books about Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in online book stores and libraries, but so few of the innovators redefining Africa? “All you have to do is Google an African innovator and almost nothing pops up,” says researcher Nnamdi Oranye, who is also...
INNOVATION Quebec
CHAUDIÈRES-APPALACHES ÉCONOMIQUE
BUSINESS ACCELERATOR AND INCUBATOR
For nearly 15 years, our mission at ChaudièresAppalaches Économique (CAE) has been to stimulate economic development by pooling our members’ assets and services, as well as those of our economic development partners. CAE’s services include business mentoring, entrepreneurship outreach, and support for eco-friendly businesses and eco-innovation. Since 2018, CAE has...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
NAYLOR AND CROY PHYSIOTHERAPY
SMARTS FOR SPORT
Young girls can dare to dream big and aspire to greatness. Rene Naylor has 130 caps as part of the Springbok Rugby’s medical and management team. While Naylor is a physiotherapist, she is also a motivational speaker taking her story to girls and boys from all walks of life in...
INNOVATE® Nashville
HeroWear
Evolving work, improving life: HeroWear exosuits help prevent backpain to improve worker quality of life.
Serious back injuries in the workplace are often preventable. The logistics, manufacturing, and construction industries have long struggled to prevent worker injuries, which impact the quality of life for workers and collectively cost companies billions of dollars each year. In fact, workers in warehousing and transportation who are keeping our...
INNOVATE® Georgia
MEPTIK
MEPTIK UPSETS REALITY™ WITH IMMERSIVE VISUAL EXPERIENCES
We are entering a new era of visual experiences. From in-camera visual effects in virtual film production and complex real-time data visualization in broadcasts to fully immersive experiences for live attendees – one thing is clear: audiences are demanding more. More visually stunning content, more intricate installations, and more mesmerizing...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
GLENROSE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
REIMAGINING HUMAN ABILITY
THE GLENROSE REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (GRH)The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH) is the largest free-standing, comprehensive tertiary rehabilitation hospital in Canada, serving patients of all ages who require complex rehabilitation to enable them to participate in life to the fullest. The 244-bed facility provides specialized physical rehabilitation and therapeutic services across 16...
INNOVATE® Jacksonville
PS27's Leadership Week
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™ Curitiba
CONTABILIZEI
INNOVATES WITH A PROJECT THAT INTEGRATES THE ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR COMPANIES
Over more than a decade, Contabilizei has been offering products and services that simplify and strengthen the work of entrepreneurs in Brazil. The company is established as the largest accounting company in the country and leader in starting companies processes and accounting management for legal entities. Created and headquartered in...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
CarpeDM
Innovating the Dating Experience for Professional Black Women
“CarpeDM can have a massive positive impact on the collective economic and health status of the Black community.” Swiping right and superficial connections often dominate the realm of online dating. Naza Shelley founded CarpeDM to revolutionize how professional Black women find love in Washington, D.C., and beyond. This exclusive, member-only...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
Edmonton Regional Innovation Network
Connecting and Building a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem
The Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) is a coalition of organisations in the Edmonton region that helps entrepreneurs start and grow innovative businesses. The ERIN aims to create a Regional Innovation Network that is accessible, inclusive of diverse thoughts and ways of doing, and meets the needs of the innovation...
INNOVATION Quebec
Kemitek
CCTT IN GREEN CHEMISTRY AND PROCESS SCALE-UP
Founded in 2002, Kemitek is both a CCTT and a Canadian Technology Access Centre (TAC) affiliated with the Cégep de Thetford. Our mission is to help companies innovate in the fields of green chemistry and process scale-up while actively contributing to the continued existence of a regional centre of excellence...
INNOVATION Quebec
THE INSTITUT QUANTIQUE OF UNIVERSITÉ DE SHERBROOKE
Founded in 2016, the Institut quantique (IQ) of the Université de Sherbrooke brings together more than 300 world-renowned scientists specializing in quantum materials, information and engineering to conduct fundamental research and develop quantum technologies. From the architecture of quantum computers to superconductivity and the exploration of new states of matter,...
INNOVATE® Nashville
Global Health Connector
Nashville Becomes U.S. Hub for Global Health Innovation: Global Health Connector Expands to Accelerate Change
Nashville, Tennessee – a city once known primarily for country music – is now becoming synonymous with health innovation. With the establishment of its U.S. Operations Hub, Global Health Connector has solidified its presence in a city poised to lead a new era of healthcare transformation. As a global nonprofit...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
iTOUCH
FROM ZERO TO BILLION$
In a world where data has become the currency of our supposed future resulting in valuations of businesses from zero to billions within a relatively short while, you need to ask yourself this question; How am I benefitting from the data-sets I have in my business, if at all? And...
INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1
86 REPAIRS
TAKE REPAIRS OFF YOUR PLATE
86 Repairs is the repair and maintenance management platform built for the restaurant industry. Our tech-enabled solution includes on-demand repair management and preventative maintenance. With 86 Repairs, restaurants have access to data-driven insights and 24/7 support to control their facilities, reduce their R&M costs, and spend less of their team’s...
INNOVATE® Detroit
Duolingo
Duolingo's Detroit Journey: From Gunner to Hobbes and Animated Innovation.
In Detroit, two motion design studios were making waves in the animation world: Gunner, known for its bold illustration and character animation, and Hobbes, a leader in product-driven animation. The companies earned reputations for creativity and emotional intelligence, collaborating with high-profile clients for years. However, everything changed when Duolingo—the world’s...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
SCRA
A Unique and Pivotal Player in SC’s Innovation Ecosystem
The South Carolina Research Authority has the distinct honor and responsibility to fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy. In 2024, it contributed over $1.33 billion to the state’s economy and supported 6624 South Carolina-based jobs. The average annual salary of these jobs was almost $92,000, 71% higher than the statewide average....
INNOVATION Quebec
CMQ
The Centre de métallurgie du Québec (CMQ) is a college center for the transfer of technologies (CCTT) attached to the Cégep de Trois-Rivières. Created in 1985, the CMQ aims to “support the competitiveness of the metallurgy industry through research and technological development in a collaborative approach with private and public partners while supporting technical education at the college level and the transfer of knowledge to businesses”
The Centre’s team of 60 people, including 10 to 15 college and university students per year, focuses on applied research and technology transfer to support the growth and strategic positioning of companies with activities related to metal processing. In addition to providing advanced training in metallurgy and non-destructive testing, the...
INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1
HOTEL & CONGRES TER ELST
A PLACE TO ENJOY THE PEACE AND QUIET YOU NEED IN GREEN SURROUNDINGS, AND ONLY A STONE’S THROW AWAY FROM THE HEART OF ANTWERP
After Hotel & Congress Ter Elst was taken over in 2011 and thanks to a full transformation of the company, it became one of the major key players in the Meetings & Events industry in the Antwerp region. “We don’t do anything else, we just do it a different way”...
INNOVATE® South Carolina
SC Competes | SC Logistics
South Carolina's Logistics Cluster
SC Logistics is South Carolina’s statewide logistics and supply chain cluster initiative managed by South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) alongside its collaborative partners. The cluster operates as an open network built to serve South Carolina’s full logistics ecosystem along rail, across the sea, over the road, and through...
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...