Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Kansas City

GOOGLE FIBER

GFIBER HAS WORKED TO ENSURE IT IS DOING ITS PART TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE PARTICULARLY IN TRADITIONALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

“As a Google Fiber team member since 2011, it fills me with immense pride to reflect on our journey – from the selection of Kansas City as our inaugural home to our expansion from coast-to-coast in the last decade. We’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of ultra-high-speed internet in fueling...

INNOVATE® Seattle

BRINC

TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SAFETY: THE FUTURE OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Blake Resnick, the founder and CEO of BRINC, started his engineering career at McLaren Automotive at 14. He later worked at Tesla Motors and DJI, the world’s largest drone company. Growing up in Las Vegas, the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting deeply impacted Blake, leading him to focus on public...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

BOTSWANA DIGITAL AND INNOVATION HUB

THE MANDATE OF THE BDIH IS TO CATALYSE THE DIVERSIFICATION OF BOTSWANA’S ECONOMY, TOWARDS A KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

The Hub works closely with innovation ecosystem players to commercialise innovative and tech driven solutions. The Hub does this by: The BDIH owns two subsidiary companies, the first being the Botswana Innovation Hub Property (Pty) Ltd (BIHP). BIHP leverages the strategic infrastructure that includes the Science and Technology Park and...

INNOVATE® Nashville

NASHVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NASHVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-Since 1847

Since 1847, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has increased economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership

Since 1847, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has been working for Middle Tennessee businesses. The Chamber is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. The Nashville Area Chamber is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing more than 1,700 member businesses in 10 counties (Davidson,...

SharpSpring

SharpSpring - The company

The company, built in Gainesville, is committed to fueling growth and deepening roots in its hometown

When SharpSpring CEO Rick Carlson gets questions about moving his growing tech company to a larger, more metropolitan city, his answer is always the same. “We have no plans to go anywhere. The talent coming out of the university is fueling the emergence of a true tech center in Gainesville,...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

GLOBAL ESTONIAN

BRIDGING BORDERS, BUILDING THE FUTURE

When a nation of just over a million people finds nearly 200,000 of its own scattered across the globe, the question of how to maintain bonds becomes both practical and existential. Estonia’s answer to that challenge is Global Estonian, a government-backed initiative designed to serve as a bridge between Estonia...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

GOPURSUE

Empowering the Next Generation

GoPursue is a revolutionary organization transforming the landscape of career exploration for K-12 students. This vibrant social impact company has carved a unique niche in the educational technology space, addressing critical gaps in workforce development and career preparedness. Founded by Kathryn Adabonyan, a former math teacher and career and technical...

INNOVATION Quebec

Entrepreneuriat ULaval (« EUL »)

Est l’incubateur d’entreprises innovantes et responsables de l’Université Laval, à Québec

EUL propulse vers le succès les entrepreneures et entrepreneurs de la communauté universitaire qui rêvent grand et dont l’entreprise a des potentiels de croissance et d’impact sociétal élevés. Louis-Philippe Pleau, CEO & Co-Founder of LumIR Lasers EUL accompagne des jeunes pousses dans le domaine de la haute technologie appliquée principalement...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

AIR PROMO FULL EXPERIENCE

SIMPLICITY IS THE FOUNDATION OF EVOLUTION

When there is an understanding of the essence of words and terms, it is possible for one to achieve what he or she intends to achieve. Thus, supported by the concept of simple, Air Promo embarked on its journey of evolution and expansion. The secret to evolve through simplicity comes...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

EL CAMINO TRAVEL

Pioneering the Future of Travel

Pioneering the Future of Travel El Camino Travel is revolutionizing the world of travel for the modern, adventurous woman. With a daring vision and a commitment to responsible tourism, El Camino Travel has redefined what it means to explore the world. Led by the passionate CEO, Katalina Mayorga, the company’s...

Global Innovation Spotlight

3 Proven Ways to Get Office Privacy Instantly

Modern open office with computer workstations

3 Proven Ways to Get Office Privacy Instantly Three proven ways to get office privacy instantly include deploying modular acoustic pods, installing flexible acoustic partitions, and adopting smart scheduling protocols.  In open-plan offices, 63% of employees report lacking quiet space for focused work, negatively affecting their productivity, satisfaction, and well-being,...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

FOXTRAIL CANADA

(RE)DISCOVERING VANCOUVER WITH THE CLEVER FOX

What if you were challenged to go outside to solve puzzles, find and play with hidden objects, and enjoy sightseeing and off-the-beaten-path gems in beautiful Vancouver? Yes, we know you’d say yes. Foxtrail is a popular outdoor self-guided team-building adventure that combines scavenger hunts, escape games, and sightseeing. Founded 21...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAPIO

CHANGE AS A RESPONSE TO HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES

Swedish healthcare is in the midst of profound change. An ageing population, rising demand for care, and persistent staff shortages mean that resources must be used differently. For the system to remain sustainable, both new organisational models and more efficient ways of working are needed. Capio, one of Sweden’s largest...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

LUCENT BIOSCIENCES

GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

In the upcoming decades, global food systems will profoundly change as we adapt to more sustainable food production and distribution approaches. Farmers are currently being challenged to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Backed by years of research...

INNOVATION Quebec

GOSEC

20 ANS D’EXCELLENCE EN MATIÈRE D’INNOVATION, GOSEC ÉTABLIT LA NORME

De retour pour sa 20e année, GoSec est une conférence annuelle où les meilleurs et les plus brillants experts en sécurité informatique de divers secteurs facilitent l’échange d’idées, la discussion ouverte, la diffusion des idées et le développement des relations durables qui renforcent la communauté de la cybersécurité. Situé dans...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

CREDIBOM

CREDIBOM-Working Everyday In The Interest Of Our Customers And Society

Working Everyday In The Interest Of Our Customers And Society

As part of the Crédit Agricole Group – one of the largest European banking groups – Credibom is a bank specialized in consumer credit and a leader in Portugal, particularly in automotive financing. Established in 1995, Credibom focus is to adapt its products and services to the needs of its...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

UMKC Innovation Center

THE UMKC INNOVATION CENTER UNLOCKS THE POTENTIAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY HELPING PEOPLE TURN THEIR IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS INTO VENTURES THAT SHAPE AN ECONOMY OF HOPE.

Founded with the vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,the UMKC Innovation Center was established in 2003 to transform Kansas City into a thriving hub of entrepreneurial activity. The center’s purpose is to nurture and support entrepreneurs, from fledgling startups to established businesses, by providing vital resources, coaching, and connections. By...

INNOVATION Quebec

ARTENSO

CCTT IN ART AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Artenso—a French acronym for art and social engagement—strongly believes that culture can be a vehicle for economic and social development within communities. Affiliated with Montreal’s Cégep de Saint-Laurent, our CCTT boasts cross-disciplinary expertise in the fields of public policy, artistic practices, digital culture and social innovation. Our interdisciplinary team carries...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Electric Outdoors

Building Sustainable Off-Grid Camping Systems for a New Era of Outdoor Adventure

Based in Detroit, Michigan, and founded in 2023, clean tech startup Electric Outdoors is on a path to transform off-grid camping and sustainability in the outdoors. Its mission is driven by what the company has identified as a huge gap in the current outdoor recreation market: Connected glamping in remote...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Big Data Jax

Big Data Jax - Focusing on all things data—from analytics and statistics to machine learning and AI

Focusing on all things data—from analytics and statistics to machine learning and AI

A meetup group that serves as a forum for professionals to network and learn from industry leaders about the latest in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Big Data Jax focuses on all things data—from analytics and statistics to machine learning and AI. This 2,400-member group consists of the...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

IMBY

IMBY: NUTRITION THAT DELIGHTS YOUR PET & HEALS THE PLANET TURNING THE CONVENTIONAL PETFOOD INDUSTRY UPSIDE DOWN

NUTRITION THAT DELIGHTS YOUR PET & HEALS THE PLANET TURNING THE CONVENTIONAL PETFOOD INDUSTRY UPSIDE DOWN

Did you know that 20% of the global meat production is consumed by dogs and cats? And that meat is the number one cause of pet allergies? The meat industry has an enormous negative impact on greenhouse gas emissions and thereby contributes to numerous unwanted climate effects. Moreover, it harms...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

PLAYMAKER RECRUITING

Is here to level the playing field for student athletes and coaches, providing more access to opportunities and resources

Playmaker Recruiting was born from the broken system that is college athlete recruiting, with the mission to help students and coaches navigate the complicated recruiting process, and provide greater access to opportunities at the next level. Having seen friends and family go through the college recruiting process, it was apparent...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

AUREX CONSTRUCTORS

AUREX CONSTRUCTORS - HAS BEEN PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

HAS BEEN PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION, TURNAROUND AND MAINTENANCE PROJECT SERVICES TO BLUE-CHIP CUSTOMERS WITHIN THE ENERGY SECTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS

With experience in oil & gas, mining & metallurgy, infrastructure, petrochemical and clean power our team of experts perform structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, piping, platework (SMEIPP), tank, fabrication and management services for projects of all sizes and complexities within the company’s two business units, Construction and Turnarounds & Maintenance. The...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

GREENVILLE CITY

POWERED BY INNOVATION, TO PUNCH ABOVE OUR WEIGHT

WE THRIVE ON COLLABORATION Public-private partnerships are how we do business. Our established clusters — Automotive, Production Technology/Heavy Machinery, Advanced Materials, Life Sciences, Business Services and Fintech — provide a solid foundation for a resilient economy. Our fastest-growing cluster, Life Sciences, increased by 33% over the past five years. We’re...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

GOOGLE FIBER

GFIBER HAS WORKED TO ENSURE IT IS DOING ITS PART TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE PARTICULARLY IN TRADITIONALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

“As a Google Fiber team member since 2011, it fills me with immense pride to reflect on our journey – from the selection of Kansas City as our inaugural home to our expansion from coast-to-coast in the last decade. We’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of ultra-high-speed internet in fueling...

INNOVATE® Seattle

BRINC

TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SAFETY: THE FUTURE OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Blake Resnick, the founder and CEO of BRINC, started his engineering career at McLaren Automotive at 14. He later worked at Tesla Motors and DJI, the world’s largest drone company. Growing up in Las Vegas, the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting deeply impacted Blake, leading him to focus on public...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

BOTSWANA DIGITAL AND INNOVATION HUB

THE MANDATE OF THE BDIH IS TO CATALYSE THE DIVERSIFICATION OF BOTSWANA’S ECONOMY, TOWARDS A KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

The Hub works closely with innovation ecosystem players to commercialise innovative and tech driven solutions. The Hub does this by: The BDIH owns two subsidiary companies, the first being the Botswana Innovation Hub Property (Pty) Ltd (BIHP). BIHP leverages the strategic infrastructure that includes the Science and Technology Park and...

INNOVATE® Nashville

NASHVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NASHVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-Since 1847

Since 1847, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has increased economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership

Since 1847, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has been working for Middle Tennessee businesses. The Chamber is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. The Nashville Area Chamber is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing more than 1,700 member businesses in 10 counties (Davidson,...

SharpSpring

SharpSpring - The company

The company, built in Gainesville, is committed to fueling growth and deepening roots in its hometown

When SharpSpring CEO Rick Carlson gets questions about moving his growing tech company to a larger, more metropolitan city, his answer is always the same. “We have no plans to go anywhere. The talent coming out of the university is fueling the emergence of a true tech center in Gainesville,...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

GLOBAL ESTONIAN

BRIDGING BORDERS, BUILDING THE FUTURE

When a nation of just over a million people finds nearly 200,000 of its own scattered across the globe, the question of how to maintain bonds becomes both practical and existential. Estonia’s answer to that challenge is Global Estonian, a government-backed initiative designed to serve as a bridge between Estonia...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

GOPURSUE

Empowering the Next Generation

GoPursue is a revolutionary organization transforming the landscape of career exploration for K-12 students. This vibrant social impact company has carved a unique niche in the educational technology space, addressing critical gaps in workforce development and career preparedness. Founded by Kathryn Adabonyan, a former math teacher and career and technical...

INNOVATION Quebec

Entrepreneuriat ULaval (« EUL »)

Est l’incubateur d’entreprises innovantes et responsables de l’Université Laval, à Québec

EUL propulse vers le succès les entrepreneures et entrepreneurs de la communauté universitaire qui rêvent grand et dont l’entreprise a des potentiels de croissance et d’impact sociétal élevés. Louis-Philippe Pleau, CEO & Co-Founder of LumIR Lasers EUL accompagne des jeunes pousses dans le domaine de la haute technologie appliquée principalement...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

AIR PROMO FULL EXPERIENCE

SIMPLICITY IS THE FOUNDATION OF EVOLUTION

When there is an understanding of the essence of words and terms, it is possible for one to achieve what he or she intends to achieve. Thus, supported by the concept of simple, Air Promo embarked on its journey of evolution and expansion. The secret to evolve through simplicity comes...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

EL CAMINO TRAVEL

Pioneering the Future of Travel

Pioneering the Future of Travel El Camino Travel is revolutionizing the world of travel for the modern, adventurous woman. With a daring vision and a commitment to responsible tourism, El Camino Travel has redefined what it means to explore the world. Led by the passionate CEO, Katalina Mayorga, the company’s...

Global Innovation Spotlight

3 Proven Ways to Get Office Privacy Instantly

Modern open office with computer workstations

3 Proven Ways to Get Office Privacy Instantly Three proven ways to get office privacy instantly include deploying modular acoustic pods, installing flexible acoustic partitions, and adopting smart scheduling protocols.  In open-plan offices, 63% of employees report lacking quiet space for focused work, negatively affecting their productivity, satisfaction, and well-being,...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

FOXTRAIL CANADA

(RE)DISCOVERING VANCOUVER WITH THE CLEVER FOX

What if you were challenged to go outside to solve puzzles, find and play with hidden objects, and enjoy sightseeing and off-the-beaten-path gems in beautiful Vancouver? Yes, we know you’d say yes. Foxtrail is a popular outdoor self-guided team-building adventure that combines scavenger hunts, escape games, and sightseeing. Founded 21...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAPIO

CHANGE AS A RESPONSE TO HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES

Swedish healthcare is in the midst of profound change. An ageing population, rising demand for care, and persistent staff shortages mean that resources must be used differently. For the system to remain sustainable, both new organisational models and more efficient ways of working are needed. Capio, one of Sweden’s largest...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

LUCENT BIOSCIENCES

GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

In the upcoming decades, global food systems will profoundly change as we adapt to more sustainable food production and distribution approaches. Farmers are currently being challenged to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Backed by years of research...

INNOVATION Quebec

GOSEC

20 ANS D’EXCELLENCE EN MATIÈRE D’INNOVATION, GOSEC ÉTABLIT LA NORME

De retour pour sa 20e année, GoSec est une conférence annuelle où les meilleurs et les plus brillants experts en sécurité informatique de divers secteurs facilitent l’échange d’idées, la discussion ouverte, la diffusion des idées et le développement des relations durables qui renforcent la communauté de la cybersécurité. Situé dans...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

CREDIBOM

CREDIBOM-Working Everyday In The Interest Of Our Customers And Society

Working Everyday In The Interest Of Our Customers And Society

As part of the Crédit Agricole Group – one of the largest European banking groups – Credibom is a bank specialized in consumer credit and a leader in Portugal, particularly in automotive financing. Established in 1995, Credibom focus is to adapt its products and services to the needs of its...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

UMKC Innovation Center

THE UMKC INNOVATION CENTER UNLOCKS THE POTENTIAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY HELPING PEOPLE TURN THEIR IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS INTO VENTURES THAT SHAPE AN ECONOMY OF HOPE.

Founded with the vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,the UMKC Innovation Center was established in 2003 to transform Kansas City into a thriving hub of entrepreneurial activity. The center’s purpose is to nurture and support entrepreneurs, from fledgling startups to established businesses, by providing vital resources, coaching, and connections. By...

INNOVATION Quebec

ARTENSO

CCTT IN ART AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Artenso—a French acronym for art and social engagement—strongly believes that culture can be a vehicle for economic and social development within communities. Affiliated with Montreal’s Cégep de Saint-Laurent, our CCTT boasts cross-disciplinary expertise in the fields of public policy, artistic practices, digital culture and social innovation. Our interdisciplinary team carries...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Electric Outdoors

Building Sustainable Off-Grid Camping Systems for a New Era of Outdoor Adventure

Based in Detroit, Michigan, and founded in 2023, clean tech startup Electric Outdoors is on a path to transform off-grid camping and sustainability in the outdoors. Its mission is driven by what the company has identified as a huge gap in the current outdoor recreation market: Connected glamping in remote...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Big Data Jax

Big Data Jax - Focusing on all things data—from analytics and statistics to machine learning and AI

Focusing on all things data—from analytics and statistics to machine learning and AI

A meetup group that serves as a forum for professionals to network and learn from industry leaders about the latest in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Big Data Jax focuses on all things data—from analytics and statistics to machine learning and AI. This 2,400-member group consists of the...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

IMBY

IMBY: NUTRITION THAT DELIGHTS YOUR PET & HEALS THE PLANET TURNING THE CONVENTIONAL PETFOOD INDUSTRY UPSIDE DOWN

NUTRITION THAT DELIGHTS YOUR PET & HEALS THE PLANET TURNING THE CONVENTIONAL PETFOOD INDUSTRY UPSIDE DOWN

Did you know that 20% of the global meat production is consumed by dogs and cats? And that meat is the number one cause of pet allergies? The meat industry has an enormous negative impact on greenhouse gas emissions and thereby contributes to numerous unwanted climate effects. Moreover, it harms...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

PLAYMAKER RECRUITING

Is here to level the playing field for student athletes and coaches, providing more access to opportunities and resources

Playmaker Recruiting was born from the broken system that is college athlete recruiting, with the mission to help students and coaches navigate the complicated recruiting process, and provide greater access to opportunities at the next level. Having seen friends and family go through the college recruiting process, it was apparent...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

AUREX CONSTRUCTORS

AUREX CONSTRUCTORS - HAS BEEN PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

HAS BEEN PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION, TURNAROUND AND MAINTENANCE PROJECT SERVICES TO BLUE-CHIP CUSTOMERS WITHIN THE ENERGY SECTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS

With experience in oil & gas, mining & metallurgy, infrastructure, petrochemical and clean power our team of experts perform structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, piping, platework (SMEIPP), tank, fabrication and management services for projects of all sizes and complexities within the company’s two business units, Construction and Turnarounds & Maintenance. The...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

GREENVILLE CITY

POWERED BY INNOVATION, TO PUNCH ABOVE OUR WEIGHT

WE THRIVE ON COLLABORATION Public-private partnerships are how we do business. Our established clusters — Automotive, Production Technology/Heavy Machinery, Advanced Materials, Life Sciences, Business Services and Fintech — provide a solid foundation for a resilient economy. Our fastest-growing cluster, Life Sciences, increased by 33% over the past five years. We’re...

Ecosystems