Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Miami

Penpal Schools

Helping teachers connect their students to learn with penpals around the world and from different backgrounds

PenPal Schools PenPal Schools is the world’s largest project-based learning community, with over a quarter million students in 150 countries. Students collaborate through online projects ranging from human rights and the environment to fake news and robotics, all while practicing literacy, technology, and social-emotional skills. PenPal Schools was recognized by...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

SENTRY EQUIPMENT

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER, SAFER WORLD

Building the foundation for a better, safer world. For the general public, words such as “innovative” and “dynamic” aren’t commonly used to describe the manufacturing industry. But in an industry criticized for being slow to change, Sentry Equipment—a century-old, Oconomowoc-based manufacturing powerhouse—has solidified its position as a proud outlier driving...

INNOVATE® Maryland

BioHealth Innovation

Translating Breakthroughs into Impact

In Maryland, scientific discovery rarely slows progress. Laboratories across the state generate breakthrough therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical technologies at remarkable speed. Moving those innovations beyond the lab and into the hands of patients and investors requires a different kind of expertise, grounded in market insight, capital strategy, and disciplined execution....

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

Stockholm Stad

Stockholm is Building Tomorrow's Innovation Leaders

Stockholm has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most dynamic innovation and technology hubs. Known for its thriving startup ecosystem, cutting-edge research, and a strong culture of collaboration, the Swedish capital consistently ranks among the top cities for entrepreneurship and technological advancement. With a highly educated workforce, a...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

Aeroplicity

Simplifying Aerospace and Defense: The Aeroplicity Story

Aeroplicity has emerged as a transformative force in the aerospace and defense industry, with a mission to simplify and modernize supply chain and aftermarket operations. Leveraging cutting-edge aerospace-grade technologies, the company is reshaping how organizations manage data, compliance, and operational efficiency. At its core, Aeroplicity addresses the industry’s most pressing...

INNOVATION Quebec

IVADO LABS

EMPOWERING YOUR BUSINESS WITH AI

IVADO Labs supports organizations wishing to innovate using artificial intelligence technologies by providing access to cutting-edge expertise in this field. Its mission is to design and deliver customized solutions to companies that wish to exploit the potential of artificial intelligence to solve their problems, explore new possibilities, and remain competitive....

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

LITERA

Is Changing The Way Organizations Perfect Their Documents And Manage Transactions.

Litera (then Microsystems) was born in 1995 to solve a specific problem: helping law firms transition their documents from Word Perfect to Microsoft Word....

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® Seattle

Madrona

A PARTNER AND BACKER OF FOUNDERS AT THE INNOVATION, EARLY AND ACCELERATION STAGES

A PARTNER AND BACKER OF FOUNDERS AT THE INNOVATION, EARLY AND ACCELERATION STAGES. Madrona starts working with leadership teams before the first investment, supporting them with capital and hard work. We have been doing this since 1995 and actively invest in AI, enterprise technology, marketplaces, and more. As the tech...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

GAMES INSTITUTE AUSTRIA

GAMES INSTITUTE AUSTRIA- THERE IS A GAME FOR EVERYONE

THERE IS A GAME FOR EVERYONE

GIA STORY“What if learning felt like a game?” This initial question was actually the starting point for the Games Institute. When Thomas Kunze stumbled over the topic of Game Based Learning in 2010, it was a question that never really left his thoughts again. Learning, especially in a digital world,...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

SC Competes | SC Fraunhofer

The Palmetto Applied Research Council

The SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance (the Alliance) is South Carolina’s unique applied research partnership designed to help companies innovate faster, de-risk new technologies, and strengthen the state’s competitiveness in advanced industries. Managed by the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) and its applied research arm, Palmetto Applied Research Council,...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

VERASONI

CEOs and CMOs are demanding more clarity, efficiency, performance and efficacy from their marketing enterprises. As marketing gets noisier, brands turn to Verasoni as a guiding light of calm and for measured strategies, and they have since 2005. Recognized for innovation and strategic guidance to clients ranging from Fortune 500...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAY COLLECTIVE

REDEFINING THE CREATIVE MARKET

In a world where creative talent often struggles to meet commerce, Cay Collective is shaping a new path. Founded in 2023 by Johanna Gauffin and Natalie Navia, the Stockholm-based platform serves as a marketplace for independent artists, fashion designers, and lifestyle creators offering more than just a digital storefront. Cay...

INNOVATION Quebec

LE CERFO

LE CENTRE D’ENSEIGNEMENT ET DE RECHERCHE EN FORESTERIE DE SAINTEFOY (CERFO) EST UN CENTRE COLLÉGIAL DE TRANSFERT TECHNOLOGIQUE (CCTT). Sa mission est de contribuer à la progression technologique et à l’essor des entreprises, des organismes et des maisons d’enseignement collégial associés au secteur forestier québécois, dans une perspective de développement...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

As the current Fall 2024 academic year unfolds, Clark Atlanta University is experiencing a remarkable surge in student interest and enrollment, cementing its position as one of the most sought-after Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. With a record-breaking number of applications and the largest incoming freshman...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

CROWDSCAN

CROWDSCAN- FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

Worldwide evolutions and events show that monitoring and managing crowds has become crucial. Just think of increasing urbanisation, the rise of mega-events and the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, there is a growing concern for privacy, resulting in ethical debates and, ultimately, appropriate legislation. CrowdScan balances both. CrowdScan originated...

INNOVATE® Georgia

ORTEC AMERICAS

PIONEERING INNOVATION IN ADVANCED ANALYTICSAND OPTIMIZATION

ORTEC Americas, a global leader in advanced analytics and optimization solutions, has a rich history rooted in innovation and a steadfast commitment to driving operational excellence for businesses across diverse industries. A Legacy of Innovation: The Origins of ORTEC Founded in 1981 in the Netherlands, ORTEC emerged as a trailblazer...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

DAILY MAVERICK

DAILY MAVERICK- SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

Innovation is the lifeblood of Daily Maverick – from its origins as a print magazine featuring long-form current affairs, to its current form as a digital news publisher with more than five million unique visitors every month.   Founded by Editor-in-chief Branko Brkic and CEO Styli Charalambous in 2009, eagle-eyed...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HASHLIPS

HASHLIPS-CODING ARTWORK

CODING ARTWORK

Have you heard about (HashLips)? Only about 0.7 percent of the world’s population knows about blockchain technology. Less than 4 percent of the globe’s people hold any cryptocurrency. And, only a percentage of those people actually own NFTs.   Have you heard about the Sketchy Apes Book Club NFT Collection?...

Global Innovation Spotlight

3 Equipment Innovations That Can Double Your Massage Bookings

Woman receiving leg massage at spa.

3 Equipment Innovations That Can Double Your Massage Bookings Three unbelievable tweaks that can potentially double massage bookings include upgrading to aerospace-grade carbon-fiber equipment for rapid room turnover.  Integrating IoT pressure-mapping sensors helps drive data-based client retention significantly. Additionally, adopting advanced ergonomic designs prolongs the therapist’s career longevity. These innovations...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

FREELY PAYMENTS

HARNESSING INNOVATION TO TRANSFORM FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

“We are not just facilitating transactions; we are redefining them to create tangible benefits for our clients.” In the bustling city of Washington, D.C., a pioneering force is reshaping the financial contours of the food and beverage industry. freely Payments, a visionary B2B payments gateway, has not just entered the...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

PHIGITALS

PHIGITALS

Fashion + Web3: The Road to Sustainability

Phigitals [Physical + Digital] is a web3 enabled B2B Saas solution for sustainable fashion resale, allowing e-commerce retail platforms to recapture margin in the circular economy, boosting profits while reducing their carbon footprint by up to 86% per transaction (source: Financial Times). The company tethers individual fashion items to NFTs...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

YOU CAN GET ANYWHERE FROM HERE

150+ Programs Eight Schools of Study make up a curriculum that is continously reviewed and optimized to meet workforce demand. Students are known by their name, not a number, with an average class size of 17. Over $150,000 in Scholarships Affordable tuition ensures students can complete their programs without substantial...

INNOVATION Quebec

ACCORD

FAIRE CROÎTRE LES ENTREPRISES ET LES RENDRE PLUS COMPÉTITIVES GRÂCE À LA DÉMARCHE ACCORD

Lancée en avril 2002, la démarche ACCORD vise à créer un environnement propice au développement des entreprises. Elle favorise la collaboration entre celles-ci et des organisations dans un domaine particulier et un territoire précis. Depuis plus de 20 ans, cette stratégiede développement régional demeure un outil important pour stimuler l’économie...

INNOVATE® Miami

Penpal Schools

Helping teachers connect their students to learn with penpals around the world and from different backgrounds

PenPal Schools PenPal Schools is the world’s largest project-based learning community, with over a quarter million students in 150 countries. Students collaborate through online projects ranging from human rights and the environment to fake news and robotics, all while practicing literacy, technology, and social-emotional skills. PenPal Schools was recognized by...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

SENTRY EQUIPMENT

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER, SAFER WORLD

Building the foundation for a better, safer world. For the general public, words such as “innovative” and “dynamic” aren’t commonly used to describe the manufacturing industry. But in an industry criticized for being slow to change, Sentry Equipment—a century-old, Oconomowoc-based manufacturing powerhouse—has solidified its position as a proud outlier driving...

INNOVATE® Maryland

BioHealth Innovation

Translating Breakthroughs into Impact

In Maryland, scientific discovery rarely slows progress. Laboratories across the state generate breakthrough therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical technologies at remarkable speed. Moving those innovations beyond the lab and into the hands of patients and investors requires a different kind of expertise, grounded in market insight, capital strategy, and disciplined execution....

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

Stockholm Stad

Stockholm is Building Tomorrow's Innovation Leaders

Stockholm has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most dynamic innovation and technology hubs. Known for its thriving startup ecosystem, cutting-edge research, and a strong culture of collaboration, the Swedish capital consistently ranks among the top cities for entrepreneurship and technological advancement. With a highly educated workforce, a...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

Aeroplicity

Simplifying Aerospace and Defense: The Aeroplicity Story

Aeroplicity has emerged as a transformative force in the aerospace and defense industry, with a mission to simplify and modernize supply chain and aftermarket operations. Leveraging cutting-edge aerospace-grade technologies, the company is reshaping how organizations manage data, compliance, and operational efficiency. At its core, Aeroplicity addresses the industry’s most pressing...

INNOVATION Quebec

IVADO LABS

EMPOWERING YOUR BUSINESS WITH AI

IVADO Labs supports organizations wishing to innovate using artificial intelligence technologies by providing access to cutting-edge expertise in this field. Its mission is to design and deliver customized solutions to companies that wish to exploit the potential of artificial intelligence to solve their problems, explore new possibilities, and remain competitive....

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

LITERA

Is Changing The Way Organizations Perfect Their Documents And Manage Transactions.

Litera (then Microsystems) was born in 1995 to solve a specific problem: helping law firms transition their documents from Word Perfect to Microsoft Word....

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® Seattle

Madrona

A PARTNER AND BACKER OF FOUNDERS AT THE INNOVATION, EARLY AND ACCELERATION STAGES

A PARTNER AND BACKER OF FOUNDERS AT THE INNOVATION, EARLY AND ACCELERATION STAGES. Madrona starts working with leadership teams before the first investment, supporting them with capital and hard work. We have been doing this since 1995 and actively invest in AI, enterprise technology, marketplaces, and more. As the tech...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

GAMES INSTITUTE AUSTRIA

GAMES INSTITUTE AUSTRIA- THERE IS A GAME FOR EVERYONE

THERE IS A GAME FOR EVERYONE

GIA STORY“What if learning felt like a game?” This initial question was actually the starting point for the Games Institute. When Thomas Kunze stumbled over the topic of Game Based Learning in 2010, it was a question that never really left his thoughts again. Learning, especially in a digital world,...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

SC Competes | SC Fraunhofer

The Palmetto Applied Research Council

The SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance (the Alliance) is South Carolina’s unique applied research partnership designed to help companies innovate faster, de-risk new technologies, and strengthen the state’s competitiveness in advanced industries. Managed by the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) and its applied research arm, Palmetto Applied Research Council,...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

VERASONI

CEOs and CMOs are demanding more clarity, efficiency, performance and efficacy from their marketing enterprises. As marketing gets noisier, brands turn to Verasoni as a guiding light of calm and for measured strategies, and they have since 2005. Recognized for innovation and strategic guidance to clients ranging from Fortune 500...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAY COLLECTIVE

REDEFINING THE CREATIVE MARKET

In a world where creative talent often struggles to meet commerce, Cay Collective is shaping a new path. Founded in 2023 by Johanna Gauffin and Natalie Navia, the Stockholm-based platform serves as a marketplace for independent artists, fashion designers, and lifestyle creators offering more than just a digital storefront. Cay...

INNOVATION Quebec

LE CERFO

LE CENTRE D’ENSEIGNEMENT ET DE RECHERCHE EN FORESTERIE DE SAINTEFOY (CERFO) EST UN CENTRE COLLÉGIAL DE TRANSFERT TECHNOLOGIQUE (CCTT). Sa mission est de contribuer à la progression technologique et à l’essor des entreprises, des organismes et des maisons d’enseignement collégial associés au secteur forestier québécois, dans une perspective de développement...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

As the current Fall 2024 academic year unfolds, Clark Atlanta University is experiencing a remarkable surge in student interest and enrollment, cementing its position as one of the most sought-after Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. With a record-breaking number of applications and the largest incoming freshman...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

CROWDSCAN

CROWDSCAN- FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

Worldwide evolutions and events show that monitoring and managing crowds has become crucial. Just think of increasing urbanisation, the rise of mega-events and the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, there is a growing concern for privacy, resulting in ethical debates and, ultimately, appropriate legislation. CrowdScan balances both. CrowdScan originated...

INNOVATE® Georgia

ORTEC AMERICAS

PIONEERING INNOVATION IN ADVANCED ANALYTICSAND OPTIMIZATION

ORTEC Americas, a global leader in advanced analytics and optimization solutions, has a rich history rooted in innovation and a steadfast commitment to driving operational excellence for businesses across diverse industries. A Legacy of Innovation: The Origins of ORTEC Founded in 1981 in the Netherlands, ORTEC emerged as a trailblazer...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

DAILY MAVERICK

DAILY MAVERICK- SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

Innovation is the lifeblood of Daily Maverick – from its origins as a print magazine featuring long-form current affairs, to its current form as a digital news publisher with more than five million unique visitors every month.   Founded by Editor-in-chief Branko Brkic and CEO Styli Charalambous in 2009, eagle-eyed...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HASHLIPS

HASHLIPS-CODING ARTWORK

CODING ARTWORK

Have you heard about (HashLips)? Only about 0.7 percent of the world’s population knows about blockchain technology. Less than 4 percent of the globe’s people hold any cryptocurrency. And, only a percentage of those people actually own NFTs.   Have you heard about the Sketchy Apes Book Club NFT Collection?...

Global Innovation Spotlight

3 Equipment Innovations That Can Double Your Massage Bookings

Woman receiving leg massage at spa.

3 Equipment Innovations That Can Double Your Massage Bookings Three unbelievable tweaks that can potentially double massage bookings include upgrading to aerospace-grade carbon-fiber equipment for rapid room turnover.  Integrating IoT pressure-mapping sensors helps drive data-based client retention significantly. Additionally, adopting advanced ergonomic designs prolongs the therapist’s career longevity. These innovations...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

FREELY PAYMENTS

HARNESSING INNOVATION TO TRANSFORM FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

“We are not just facilitating transactions; we are redefining them to create tangible benefits for our clients.” In the bustling city of Washington, D.C., a pioneering force is reshaping the financial contours of the food and beverage industry. freely Payments, a visionary B2B payments gateway, has not just entered the...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

PHIGITALS

PHIGITALS

Fashion + Web3: The Road to Sustainability

Phigitals [Physical + Digital] is a web3 enabled B2B Saas solution for sustainable fashion resale, allowing e-commerce retail platforms to recapture margin in the circular economy, boosting profits while reducing their carbon footprint by up to 86% per transaction (source: Financial Times). The company tethers individual fashion items to NFTs...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

YOU CAN GET ANYWHERE FROM HERE

150+ Programs Eight Schools of Study make up a curriculum that is continously reviewed and optimized to meet workforce demand. Students are known by their name, not a number, with an average class size of 17. Over $150,000 in Scholarships Affordable tuition ensures students can complete their programs without substantial...

INNOVATION Quebec

ACCORD

FAIRE CROÎTRE LES ENTREPRISES ET LES RENDRE PLUS COMPÉTITIVES GRÂCE À LA DÉMARCHE ACCORD

Lancée en avril 2002, la démarche ACCORD vise à créer un environnement propice au développement des entreprises. Elle favorise la collaboration entre celles-ci et des organisations dans un domaine particulier et un territoire précis. Depuis plus de 20 ans, cette stratégiede développement régional demeure un outil important pour stimuler l’économie...

Ecosystems