Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ Toronto

OMERS VENTURES

OMERS VENTURES-REAL CHANGE DOESN’T HAVE A ROADMAP – WE BACK TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTORS WHO ARE NAVIGATING UNCHARTERED TERRITORY – IN SEARCH OF NEW SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

REAL CHANGE DOESN’T HAVE A ROADMAP – WE BACK TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTORS WHO ARE NAVIGATING UNCHARTERED TERRITORY – IN SEARCH OF NEW SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

OMERS Ventures has been backing early-stage technology companies for more than a decade.   Currently managing CAD$2 billion, with close to 60 investments in disruptive technology companies across North America and Europe, we are proud to support some of the world’s biggest thinkers and builders.   Spanning three countries, OMERS...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

DATAPROM

SMART SOLUTIONS FOR MOBILITY

DATAPROM is a Brazilian company, headquartered in Curitiba/PR and has nine branch offices in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. We were born in August 1988 from the creativity of engineers Marcos Olandoski, Alberto Abujamra and Carlos Perufo, who came together to develop innovative systems, capable of combining applicability and technology. At...

INNOVATE® Nashville

KENNIE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY ONE PLAY AT A TIME

Let a theatrical play be the way that immerses you in storytelling so powerful, it will live with you forever. Kennie Playhouse Theatre (KPT) is one of the city’s hidden jewels, a thriving artistic hub that brings dynamic, thought-provoking, and spirit-lifting stories to the stage for everyone to enjoy. From...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

SMALL & LOCAL

REDEFINING LOCAL CONNECTIONS: THE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PLATFORM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & BUY LOCAL SHOPPERS

Many online users face a similar dilemma: they love supporting local but are too tempted by the ease of filling up their Big Box Store online shopping cart and pressing “Order.” If only there was another option—one that could effortlessly help users find and buy from local businesses instead. Good...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

MAVERIX PRIVATE EQUITY

MAVERIX PRIVATE EQUITY- Closing The Canadian Investment Gap

Closing The Canadian Investment Gap

Currently amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we are witnessing unprecedented technological change triggered by a multitude of disruptive forces. These changes have shaken Canada’s business ecosystem, causing new players to rise and existing leaders to fall.   Consequently, incumbents are faced with a harsh reality where constant innovation and technological...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

AHRENS

120 YEARS FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Proudly, Ahrens is a 120-year-old family-owned SA company, spanning five generations, delivering a diverse range of high-quality and cost-effective products, projects and services. Beginning in 1902 as a one-dimensional business in Sheaoak Log, on the edge of the Barossa Valley, and offering blacksmithing services of its time, the business has...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

UFPR

FOUNDED IN 1912, UFPR IS THE OLDEST UNIVERSITY IN BRAZIL.

It was initially known as the University of Paraná, and it has been since then a national reference when it comes to teaching, research, and outreach services. Therefore, the UFPR historic building, located at Praça Santos Andrade, was chosen by Curitiba residents as the very symbol of the city. Initially,...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Bees in the D

Revitalizing Detroit’s Ecosystem, One Pollinator at a Time

In the heart of Detroit’s revitalization, an organization is buzzing with purpose – Bees in the D. Founded in 2016 by Brian Peterson-Roest, a lifelong educator and conservationist, this nonprofit has grown into a movement dedicated to protecting pollinators, restoring native habitats, and educating communities on the critical role these...

INNOVATION Quebec

Montréal InVivo

Montréal InVivo- Au cœur de l’écosystème des sciences de la vie et des technologies de la santé du Grand Montréal

At the heart of Greater Montréal’s life sciences and health technology ecosystem

Montréal InVivo is a network for exchange, mobilization and collaboration in the life sciences and health technologies (LSHT) ecosystem. Founded in 2007 and headed by Frank Béraud since 2015, the mission of this non-profit organization is to advance and develop the LSHT cluster in the Montréal region by establishing a...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Clemson University

A national leader in automotive and advanced manufacturing.

Clemson University stands at the forefront of automotive and manufacturing innovation, serving as a vital asset for both research and workforce development for South Carolina’s economic engine. Clemson is home, for example, to the nation’s only graduate program in automotive engineering, offering M.S. and Ph.D. degrees that prepare students to...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES

MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES-FOOD

FOOD, HOPE, DIGNITY … AND THE MOST TALKED ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

What started as five men in Austin, Texas answering God’s call to “love your neighbor” by serving meals out of the back of a green minivan has turned into one of the country’s most innovative approaches for mitigating homelessness. In 1998, the seed of the idea for Mobile Loaves &...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CGI FEDERAL

SHADMAN HOSSAIN: DRIVING WEB3 ADOPTION IN GOVERNMENT AND BEYOND”

Shadman Hossain, Manager of Emerging Technologies Practice at CGI Federal, is playing a key role in bringing Web3 technology to government. As a leader in the fi eld of digital transformation, CGI Federal specializes in providing cutting-edge technology solutions to government and commercial clients. Hossain, with his expertise in emerging...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

First Class Recruiting

Elevating Talent, Powering Industry

In the heart of South Carolina’s booming Upstate region, where aerospace, manufacturing, and technology sectors thrive, First Class Recruiting is building more than just careers – it’s building futures. Helmed by U.S. Air Force veteran and industry trailblazer Lindsay Hansel, this boutique executive search firm has become synonymous with precision...

INNOVATION Quebec

HEXAGRAM

RÉSEAU DE RECHERCHE-CRÉATION EN ARTS, CULTURES ET TECHNOLOGIES

Hexagram est un regroupement stratégique interuniversitaire des Fonds de recherche du Québec dédié à la recherche-création abordant les relations entre les arts, les cultures et les technologies. Fondé en 2001, le réseau regroupe aujourd’hui 45 membres chercheurs et environ 200 membres étudiants issus de 8 institutions d’enseignement supérieur au Québec...

INNOVATION Quebec

The CRIBIQ

The CRIBIQ-A Catalyst of Innovation in the Province’s Biobased Economy

A Catalyst of Innovation in the Province’s Biobased Economy

Established in 2008, the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Industrial Bioprocesses in Quebec (CRIBIQ) is considered the catalyst of innovation in the province’s biobased economy – also known as biosourced economy. By bringing together applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the CRIBIQ supports the agrifood, environmental, and industrial bioproducts sectors...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce:

4 Tools For Productivity And Innovation 

Employees are undeniably the lifeblood of any organization, as they bring energy (a pulse) that beats through every project, idea, and achievement, so a thriving workforce isn’t just a strategic necessity but the secret to success in business. Your business depends on a strong workforce, now and in the future,...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Tips for Passing Your Road Test on the First Try

Are you preparing to take your road test? Passing on your first attempt is not only a confidence booster but can also save you time and money. This guide, inspired by the expert advice from CoreWay Driving School in Brooklyn, New York, will help you navigate the challenges of the road...

Practical AI for Non-Techies

Fireflies.AI

The AI-Powered Meeting Assistant That Works While You Work

How to Use Fireflies.ai: The AI-Powered Meeting Assistant That Works While You Work In today’s fast-paced work environment, meetings can feel overwhelming. Managing note-taking, tracking tasks, and ensuring follow-ups can quickly become chaotic. Enter Fireflies.ai, the AI-powered meeting assistant designed to streamline your workflow by automating the most tedious aspects...

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® Puerto Rico

BUENA VIBRA

Thriving in the ‘Multicooltural’ Creative Business-How culture shapes the entertainment business in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

For years, the founders of Buena Vibra asked themselves how to praise the Puerto Rican talent. They were always aware of all the potential that the island held, recognizing the fast evolution and future globalization of the latin music, star product of the island that gave them life. They had...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

LIFE SCIENCES NOVA SCOTIA

BUILDING A THRIVING COMMUNITY

Life Sciences Nova Scotia (LSNS) is more than just an organization; it is the cornerstone of Nova Scotia’s life sciences community, fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration across the province and Atlantic Canada. At its core, LSNS is driven by the belief that transformative ideas in biotechnology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals can...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

BRANSON CENTRE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SOUTH AFRICA

BRANSON CENTRE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SOUTH AFRICA- SCREW IT

SCREW IT, LET’S DO IT!

The world is obsessed with changing businesses for good. Ask the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship South Africa (Branson Centre) for its take on that, and it’ll tell you that is actually a misnomer. Fundamentally, business is good. The focus of the Branson Centre is entrepreneurialism and social responsibility. The Branson...

INNOVATE® Detroit

M1 Concourse

The Heart of Automotive Passion

Along the legendary Woodward Avenue in Pontiac, Michigan, M1 Concourse is a world-class motorsports and automotive event destination. Spanning an impressive 87 acres, it is a hub for high-speed excitement and unmatched automotive culture. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie looking for high-speed track adventures, or someone...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

IDERIS

6-YEARS OF HISTORY OF BRAZIL’S LARGEST MARKETPLACE INTEGRATOR

Ideris was born in Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná, located in the southern region of Brazil, in the year 2017. The company is the result of the Tecnoparque program, which drives innovative local projects. Curitiba is a reference for innovation in Brazil, and in 2023, it was...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

OMERS VENTURES

OMERS VENTURES-REAL CHANGE DOESN’T HAVE A ROADMAP – WE BACK TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTORS WHO ARE NAVIGATING UNCHARTERED TERRITORY – IN SEARCH OF NEW SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

REAL CHANGE DOESN’T HAVE A ROADMAP – WE BACK TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTORS WHO ARE NAVIGATING UNCHARTERED TERRITORY – IN SEARCH OF NEW SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

OMERS Ventures has been backing early-stage technology companies for more than a decade.   Currently managing CAD$2 billion, with close to 60 investments in disruptive technology companies across North America and Europe, we are proud to support some of the world’s biggest thinkers and builders.   Spanning three countries, OMERS...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

DATAPROM

SMART SOLUTIONS FOR MOBILITY

DATAPROM is a Brazilian company, headquartered in Curitiba/PR and has nine branch offices in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. We were born in August 1988 from the creativity of engineers Marcos Olandoski, Alberto Abujamra and Carlos Perufo, who came together to develop innovative systems, capable of combining applicability and technology. At...

INNOVATE® Nashville

KENNIE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY ONE PLAY AT A TIME

Let a theatrical play be the way that immerses you in storytelling so powerful, it will live with you forever. Kennie Playhouse Theatre (KPT) is one of the city’s hidden jewels, a thriving artistic hub that brings dynamic, thought-provoking, and spirit-lifting stories to the stage for everyone to enjoy. From...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

SMALL & LOCAL

REDEFINING LOCAL CONNECTIONS: THE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PLATFORM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & BUY LOCAL SHOPPERS

Many online users face a similar dilemma: they love supporting local but are too tempted by the ease of filling up their Big Box Store online shopping cart and pressing “Order.” If only there was another option—one that could effortlessly help users find and buy from local businesses instead. Good...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

MAVERIX PRIVATE EQUITY

MAVERIX PRIVATE EQUITY- Closing The Canadian Investment Gap

Closing The Canadian Investment Gap

Currently amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we are witnessing unprecedented technological change triggered by a multitude of disruptive forces. These changes have shaken Canada’s business ecosystem, causing new players to rise and existing leaders to fall.   Consequently, incumbents are faced with a harsh reality where constant innovation and technological...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

AHRENS

120 YEARS FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Proudly, Ahrens is a 120-year-old family-owned SA company, spanning five generations, delivering a diverse range of high-quality and cost-effective products, projects and services. Beginning in 1902 as a one-dimensional business in Sheaoak Log, on the edge of the Barossa Valley, and offering blacksmithing services of its time, the business has...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

UFPR

FOUNDED IN 1912, UFPR IS THE OLDEST UNIVERSITY IN BRAZIL.

It was initially known as the University of Paraná, and it has been since then a national reference when it comes to teaching, research, and outreach services. Therefore, the UFPR historic building, located at Praça Santos Andrade, was chosen by Curitiba residents as the very symbol of the city. Initially,...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Bees in the D

Revitalizing Detroit’s Ecosystem, One Pollinator at a Time

In the heart of Detroit’s revitalization, an organization is buzzing with purpose – Bees in the D. Founded in 2016 by Brian Peterson-Roest, a lifelong educator and conservationist, this nonprofit has grown into a movement dedicated to protecting pollinators, restoring native habitats, and educating communities on the critical role these...

INNOVATION Quebec

Montréal InVivo

Montréal InVivo- Au cœur de l’écosystème des sciences de la vie et des technologies de la santé du Grand Montréal

At the heart of Greater Montréal’s life sciences and health technology ecosystem

Montréal InVivo is a network for exchange, mobilization and collaboration in the life sciences and health technologies (LSHT) ecosystem. Founded in 2007 and headed by Frank Béraud since 2015, the mission of this non-profit organization is to advance and develop the LSHT cluster in the Montréal region by establishing a...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Clemson University

A national leader in automotive and advanced manufacturing.

Clemson University stands at the forefront of automotive and manufacturing innovation, serving as a vital asset for both research and workforce development for South Carolina’s economic engine. Clemson is home, for example, to the nation’s only graduate program in automotive engineering, offering M.S. and Ph.D. degrees that prepare students to...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES

MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES-FOOD

FOOD, HOPE, DIGNITY … AND THE MOST TALKED ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

What started as five men in Austin, Texas answering God’s call to “love your neighbor” by serving meals out of the back of a green minivan has turned into one of the country’s most innovative approaches for mitigating homelessness. In 1998, the seed of the idea for Mobile Loaves &...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CGI FEDERAL

SHADMAN HOSSAIN: DRIVING WEB3 ADOPTION IN GOVERNMENT AND BEYOND”

Shadman Hossain, Manager of Emerging Technologies Practice at CGI Federal, is playing a key role in bringing Web3 technology to government. As a leader in the fi eld of digital transformation, CGI Federal specializes in providing cutting-edge technology solutions to government and commercial clients. Hossain, with his expertise in emerging...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

First Class Recruiting

Elevating Talent, Powering Industry

In the heart of South Carolina’s booming Upstate region, where aerospace, manufacturing, and technology sectors thrive, First Class Recruiting is building more than just careers – it’s building futures. Helmed by U.S. Air Force veteran and industry trailblazer Lindsay Hansel, this boutique executive search firm has become synonymous with precision...

INNOVATION Quebec

HEXAGRAM

RÉSEAU DE RECHERCHE-CRÉATION EN ARTS, CULTURES ET TECHNOLOGIES

Hexagram est un regroupement stratégique interuniversitaire des Fonds de recherche du Québec dédié à la recherche-création abordant les relations entre les arts, les cultures et les technologies. Fondé en 2001, le réseau regroupe aujourd’hui 45 membres chercheurs et environ 200 membres étudiants issus de 8 institutions d’enseignement supérieur au Québec...

INNOVATION Quebec

The CRIBIQ

The CRIBIQ-A Catalyst of Innovation in the Province’s Biobased Economy

A Catalyst of Innovation in the Province’s Biobased Economy

Established in 2008, the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Industrial Bioprocesses in Quebec (CRIBIQ) is considered the catalyst of innovation in the province’s biobased economy – also known as biosourced economy. By bringing together applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the CRIBIQ supports the agrifood, environmental, and industrial bioproducts sectors...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce:

4 Tools For Productivity And Innovation 

Employees are undeniably the lifeblood of any organization, as they bring energy (a pulse) that beats through every project, idea, and achievement, so a thriving workforce isn’t just a strategic necessity but the secret to success in business. Your business depends on a strong workforce, now and in the future,...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Tips for Passing Your Road Test on the First Try

Are you preparing to take your road test? Passing on your first attempt is not only a confidence booster but can also save you time and money. This guide, inspired by the expert advice from CoreWay Driving School in Brooklyn, New York, will help you navigate the challenges of the road...

Practical AI for Non-Techies

Fireflies.AI

The AI-Powered Meeting Assistant That Works While You Work

How to Use Fireflies.ai: The AI-Powered Meeting Assistant That Works While You Work In today’s fast-paced work environment, meetings can feel overwhelming. Managing note-taking, tracking tasks, and ensuring follow-ups can quickly become chaotic. Enter Fireflies.ai, the AI-powered meeting assistant designed to streamline your workflow by automating the most tedious aspects...

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® Puerto Rico

BUENA VIBRA

Thriving in the ‘Multicooltural’ Creative Business-How culture shapes the entertainment business in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

For years, the founders of Buena Vibra asked themselves how to praise the Puerto Rican talent. They were always aware of all the potential that the island held, recognizing the fast evolution and future globalization of the latin music, star product of the island that gave them life. They had...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

LIFE SCIENCES NOVA SCOTIA

BUILDING A THRIVING COMMUNITY

Life Sciences Nova Scotia (LSNS) is more than just an organization; it is the cornerstone of Nova Scotia’s life sciences community, fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration across the province and Atlantic Canada. At its core, LSNS is driven by the belief that transformative ideas in biotechnology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals can...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

BRANSON CENTRE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SOUTH AFRICA

BRANSON CENTRE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SOUTH AFRICA- SCREW IT

SCREW IT, LET’S DO IT!

The world is obsessed with changing businesses for good. Ask the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship South Africa (Branson Centre) for its take on that, and it’ll tell you that is actually a misnomer. Fundamentally, business is good. The focus of the Branson Centre is entrepreneurialism and social responsibility. The Branson...

INNOVATE® Detroit

M1 Concourse

The Heart of Automotive Passion

Along the legendary Woodward Avenue in Pontiac, Michigan, M1 Concourse is a world-class motorsports and automotive event destination. Spanning an impressive 87 acres, it is a hub for high-speed excitement and unmatched automotive culture. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie looking for high-speed track adventures, or someone...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

IDERIS

6-YEARS OF HISTORY OF BRAZIL’S LARGEST MARKETPLACE INTEGRATOR

Ideris was born in Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná, located in the southern region of Brazil, in the year 2017. The company is the result of the Tecnoparque program, which drives innovative local projects. Curitiba is a reference for innovation in Brazil, and in 2023, it was...

Ecosystems