Stories of Innovation

Global Innovation Spotlight

HILCO CONSUMER - RETAIL

INNOVATING FOR THE RETAIL LIFECYCLE – FROM BEGINNING TO END AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Can a business founded as a retail liquidation firm innovate to save retail? Hilco Consumer-Retail (HCR) is undoubtedly trying – and succeeding in BIG WAYS! Retail – and the consumer product businesses that feed them inventory – is among the most troubled sectors in the United States and worldwide. This...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

ENLEDGER

ENLEDGER-

Is a story of fortuitous serendipity and strange coincidence, a random meeting of minds and a coming together of disparate expertise, chasing wild breakthrough ideas in data science and blockchain incentives engineering

Jason Dispenza, an energy exec running a solar energy and building performance company in D.C., meets Ryan Molecke, cryptocurrency exchange technical officer, on a tour bus taking the Icelandic Southern coastal tour, Jan 2016. By the next year, they are paired up with a new blockchain energy applications company, pitching...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

ROCKET

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN NICHE INNOVATION AND MAINSTREAM MEDIA

Having started in 2019 as a web-only reality show for local startups, Rocket has now developed into a full universe of multi-platform content and unforgettable live experiences with the goal to foment, give visibility, and highlight the positive impact of innovation and entrepreneurship in everyone’s lives. Though an important topic...

INNOVATE® Nashville

BELMONT UNIVERSITY

INCUBATING INNOVATION- Incubating Creativity and Innovation to Lead to Human Flourishing

Founded in Nashville in 1890 by Susan Heron and Ida B. Hood–two female school teachers–Belmont University has been defying conventional expectations of higher education and serving as an incubator of innovation ever since. Today, the University is comprised of nearly 9,000 students from every U.S. state and 33 countries. Nationally...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

JOHN OBERG ADVISORY & INVESTMENTS

JOHN OBERG ADVISORY & INVESTMENTS

MISSION-DRIVEN ADVISORY WITH AN EYE TO THE FINANCIAL SCOREBOARD

John Oberg Advisory and Investment (JOA) partners with organizations that are on a mission to positively impact our daily lives. Our clients and investments are primarily those that serve others across healthcare, technology, nonprofits, and institutions. Dr. John Oberg and the experienced team at JOA balance strategic direction and tactical...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

CSX

PULLING FOR AMERICA

Driving Growth and Connectivity Across South Carolina For nearly two centuries, CSX has been a cornerstone of America’s economic engine, connecting businesses and communities with safe, efficient, and innovative freight solutions. Today, as one of North America’s leading railroads, CSX continues to deliver what matters most—reliability, flexibility, and value—while powering...

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...

INNOVATION Quebec

IRDQ

IRDQ-Une porte d’entrée gratuite vers les infrastructures R-D du Québec

Une porte d’entrée gratuite vers les infrastructures R-D du Québec

Afin d’en faciliter l’utilisation pour le développement de nouvelles applications, le portail québécois des infrastructures en recherche et développement du Québec (IRDQ) regroupe les installations et équipements de pointe de classe mondiale des universités, des CCTT et des centres de recherche publics. L’objectif de l’IRDQ est de promouvoir ces équipements...

INNOVATE® South Florida

SEAWORTHY COLLECTIVE

EMPOWERING SEA CHANGE MAKERS & GROWING SOUTH FLORIDA’S BLUE ECONOMY

EMPOWERING SEA CHANGE MAKERS & GROWING SOUTH FLORIDA’S BLUE ECONOMY Seaworthy Collective is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports current, aspiring, and underrepresented entrepreneurs driving innovation for ocean and climate impact (AKA BlueTech). Our mission is to make BlueTech accessible and inclusive; bringing all hands on deck via programs to co-create...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

BADGER METER

A LEGACY OF SMART SOLUTIONS

Innovation at Badger Meter is about more than just technology—it is about empowering every stakeholder in the water ecosystem to acheive more sustainable, efficient, and effective outcomes. Badger Meter has stood as a beacon of innovation in the field of smart water solutions that aid in solving global water challenges....

INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath

Buro Happold

Buro Happold-Touching the Earth Lightly

Touching the Earth Lightly

WHO WE AREWith over 40 years’ experience, we have been involved in some of the most influential and innovative projects around the world. As a practice of engineers, consultants and advisers in all aspects of builtenvironments, we are inspired by how we can achieve better outcomes.Our global capability offers consultancy...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

FORUM ADVOCATEN

FORUM ADVOCATEN- WAS FOUNDED IN 2012 BY FOUR ASSOCIATES: REINER TIJS

WAS FOUNDED IN 2012 BY FOUR ASSOCIATES: REINER TIJS, FREDERIC ROSIERS, JANA KERN AND ILSE DE GEYTER. THEY DRASTICALLY CHANGED THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE WITH THEIR UNIQUE METHODOLOGY: THEY BASE THEIR WORK ON A RELATIONSHIP-ORIENTED APPROACH TO LAW

innovationsoftheworld.com

...

INNOVATE® Nashville

BAKER DONELSON

FROM STARTUP TO STANDOUT

Baker Donelson’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Practice Fuels the Future of Emerging Companies. With a deep bench of attorneys who understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage companies and rapid-growth ventures, Baker Donelson’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital (ECVC) team is a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and...

INNOVATION Quebec

DigiHub

Created in 2014, the Shawinigan DigiHub is a non-profit organization that offers a complete ecosystem designed to foster innovation, collaboration, business development, and digital-related projects

Since its founding, the DigiHub has become a model that is being emulated and recognized as the 3rd digital hub in Quebec behind Montrèal and Québec City. As a key player in Shawinigan’s economic shift towards a digital economy and a smart city status, the Digihub has always been at...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

BEDENK

BEDENK - INNOVATE FROM WITHIN LET YOUR EMPLOYEES BECOME THE ENGINE OF INNOVATION

INNOVATE FROM WITHIN LET YOUR EMPLOYEES BECOME THE ENGINE OF INNOVATION

Why?The world around us is changing ever faster. At the same time innovation is no longer just about products or technology. It’s also about services, internal structure and processes, business models, and customer experience… Every aspect of how you do business, must be scrutinized.   Organizations have to keep up...

INNOVATE® South Florida

NEXA (formerly Social Mobile)

Revolutionizing Enterprise Mobility

The Journey of Social Mobile In the dynamic realm of enterprise mobility, where businesses strive to stay ahead in digital transformation, one company stands out as a true innovator: Social Mobile. Founded in 2011 by Robert Morcos, this startup’s journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast dedication...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

HIGH POINT GAMER

HIGH POINT GAMER- Is A Premier Esports Consultant Group For Forward-Thinking Gamers

Is A Premier Esports Consultant Group For Forward-Thinking Gamers, Brands, And Organizations

High Point Gamer (HPG) was founded in 2015 by two military veterans, Derek Watford and Dion Wrenn. HPG was the first black and veteran owned Esports consulting company in the world. They established their presence in the Esports industry early on by producing competitive video game tournaments. These competitive tournaments...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

The GDI Hub Brand

The GDI Hub Brand - In 2019 GDI Hub Is Born With Its Own Identity

In 2019 GDI Hub Is Born With Its Own Identity, Located In The Building That Was Grundig’s Headquarters In Portugal. A Project Developed “in Loco” With A Technological Startup Concept And Completely Out Of The Box When Talking About “Real Estate”.

The initials GDI comes from the concept “Ground Digital Interface”, not dropping the story, keeping three letters of the company “GrunDIg”.   Founded by three people and with the support of Corex Web, a technology startup, was the embarkment of a project without any investment capital. Something that would certainly...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ESTONIAN WEB3 CHAMBER

FROM CRYPTOCURRENCY PIONEERS TO GLOBAL WEB3 ADVOCATES

The story of the Estonian Web3 Chamber reflects the turbulent yet transformative journey of the digital asset industry in Estonia and beyond. Established more than a decade ago, the organisation has been at the heart of regulatory dialogue, industry representation, and international knowledge-sharing. Its evolution from the Estonian Cryptocurrency Association...

INNOVATION Quebec

CMC MICROSYSTEMS

ACCELERATING INNOVATION AND RESEARCH

“CMC provides access to leading-edge platforms for innovators to design, prototype, and test their ideas. From early-stage researchers to emerging entrepreneurs, CMC has tools and expertise to accelerate your R&D.” – Gordon Harling, President and CEO, CMC Microsystems CMC Microsystems is a not-for-profit organization accelerating research and innovation in advanced...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

COLLISION

COLLISION-THE “OLYMPICS OF TECH” HAS ITS HOME IN TORONTO

THE “OLYMPICS OF TECH” HAS ITS HOME IN TORONTO

There’s never been a greater need for innovative thinkers to share ideas on how we can address the issues — environmental, political and social — facing our modern world. We need an event that unites world leaders, entrepreneurs, tech developers, journalists and talented people the world over; something to give...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Pope Francis Center

Works Toward a Detroit Future Without Chronic Homelessness

“When we work together, miracles happen.” Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, says those words often. Fr. Tim, as he is known, is president and CEO of the Pope Francis Center (PFC), a Detroit nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness. PFC started humbly in 1990 when Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

FORBIZ BUSINESS SOFTWARE

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

With a history spanning over three decades, Forbiz Business Software has consistently pioneered innovation and excellence in the business landscape. Strategically located in Curitiba, the company has established itself as the Diamond Distribution Channel for the esteemed Senior Sistemas, reaffirming its dedication to delivering solutions that not only enhance productivity...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

CHOOSE NEW JERSEY

New Jersey, a hub for entrepreneurs and multinationals alike, is located in the most highly connected region in the U.S., with all the assets and accessibility any business needs

Choose New Jersey is New Jersey’s leading nonprofit economic development organization. We stimulate job creation and attract capital investment with the aim of growing New Jersey’s economy. We market New Jersey globally as the most ideal state in the U.S. to live, work, and play, and we guide businesses in...

Global Innovation Spotlight

HILCO CONSUMER - RETAIL

INNOVATING FOR THE RETAIL LIFECYCLE – FROM BEGINNING TO END AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Can a business founded as a retail liquidation firm innovate to save retail? Hilco Consumer-Retail (HCR) is undoubtedly trying – and succeeding in BIG WAYS! Retail – and the consumer product businesses that feed them inventory – is among the most troubled sectors in the United States and worldwide. This...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

ENLEDGER

ENLEDGER-

Is a story of fortuitous serendipity and strange coincidence, a random meeting of minds and a coming together of disparate expertise, chasing wild breakthrough ideas in data science and blockchain incentives engineering

Jason Dispenza, an energy exec running a solar energy and building performance company in D.C., meets Ryan Molecke, cryptocurrency exchange technical officer, on a tour bus taking the Icelandic Southern coastal tour, Jan 2016. By the next year, they are paired up with a new blockchain energy applications company, pitching...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

ROCKET

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN NICHE INNOVATION AND MAINSTREAM MEDIA

Having started in 2019 as a web-only reality show for local startups, Rocket has now developed into a full universe of multi-platform content and unforgettable live experiences with the goal to foment, give visibility, and highlight the positive impact of innovation and entrepreneurship in everyone’s lives. Though an important topic...

INNOVATE® Nashville

BELMONT UNIVERSITY

INCUBATING INNOVATION- Incubating Creativity and Innovation to Lead to Human Flourishing

Founded in Nashville in 1890 by Susan Heron and Ida B. Hood–two female school teachers–Belmont University has been defying conventional expectations of higher education and serving as an incubator of innovation ever since. Today, the University is comprised of nearly 9,000 students from every U.S. state and 33 countries. Nationally...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

JOHN OBERG ADVISORY & INVESTMENTS

JOHN OBERG ADVISORY & INVESTMENTS

MISSION-DRIVEN ADVISORY WITH AN EYE TO THE FINANCIAL SCOREBOARD

John Oberg Advisory and Investment (JOA) partners with organizations that are on a mission to positively impact our daily lives. Our clients and investments are primarily those that serve others across healthcare, technology, nonprofits, and institutions. Dr. John Oberg and the experienced team at JOA balance strategic direction and tactical...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

CSX

PULLING FOR AMERICA

Driving Growth and Connectivity Across South Carolina For nearly two centuries, CSX has been a cornerstone of America’s economic engine, connecting businesses and communities with safe, efficient, and innovative freight solutions. Today, as one of North America’s leading railroads, CSX continues to deliver what matters most—reliability, flexibility, and value—while powering...

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...

INNOVATION Quebec

IRDQ

IRDQ-Une porte d’entrée gratuite vers les infrastructures R-D du Québec

Une porte d’entrée gratuite vers les infrastructures R-D du Québec

Afin d’en faciliter l’utilisation pour le développement de nouvelles applications, le portail québécois des infrastructures en recherche et développement du Québec (IRDQ) regroupe les installations et équipements de pointe de classe mondiale des universités, des CCTT et des centres de recherche publics. L’objectif de l’IRDQ est de promouvoir ces équipements...

INNOVATE® South Florida

SEAWORTHY COLLECTIVE

EMPOWERING SEA CHANGE MAKERS & GROWING SOUTH FLORIDA’S BLUE ECONOMY

EMPOWERING SEA CHANGE MAKERS & GROWING SOUTH FLORIDA’S BLUE ECONOMY Seaworthy Collective is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports current, aspiring, and underrepresented entrepreneurs driving innovation for ocean and climate impact (AKA BlueTech). Our mission is to make BlueTech accessible and inclusive; bringing all hands on deck via programs to co-create...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

BADGER METER

A LEGACY OF SMART SOLUTIONS

Innovation at Badger Meter is about more than just technology—it is about empowering every stakeholder in the water ecosystem to acheive more sustainable, efficient, and effective outcomes. Badger Meter has stood as a beacon of innovation in the field of smart water solutions that aid in solving global water challenges....

INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath

Buro Happold

Buro Happold-Touching the Earth Lightly

Touching the Earth Lightly

WHO WE AREWith over 40 years’ experience, we have been involved in some of the most influential and innovative projects around the world. As a practice of engineers, consultants and advisers in all aspects of builtenvironments, we are inspired by how we can achieve better outcomes.Our global capability offers consultancy...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

FORUM ADVOCATEN

FORUM ADVOCATEN- WAS FOUNDED IN 2012 BY FOUR ASSOCIATES: REINER TIJS

WAS FOUNDED IN 2012 BY FOUR ASSOCIATES: REINER TIJS, FREDERIC ROSIERS, JANA KERN AND ILSE DE GEYTER. THEY DRASTICALLY CHANGED THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE WITH THEIR UNIQUE METHODOLOGY: THEY BASE THEIR WORK ON A RELATIONSHIP-ORIENTED APPROACH TO LAW

innovationsoftheworld.com

...

INNOVATE® Nashville

BAKER DONELSON

FROM STARTUP TO STANDOUT

Baker Donelson’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Practice Fuels the Future of Emerging Companies. With a deep bench of attorneys who understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage companies and rapid-growth ventures, Baker Donelson’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital (ECVC) team is a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and...

INNOVATION Quebec

DigiHub

Created in 2014, the Shawinigan DigiHub is a non-profit organization that offers a complete ecosystem designed to foster innovation, collaboration, business development, and digital-related projects

Since its founding, the DigiHub has become a model that is being emulated and recognized as the 3rd digital hub in Quebec behind Montrèal and Québec City. As a key player in Shawinigan’s economic shift towards a digital economy and a smart city status, the Digihub has always been at...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

BEDENK

BEDENK - INNOVATE FROM WITHIN LET YOUR EMPLOYEES BECOME THE ENGINE OF INNOVATION

INNOVATE FROM WITHIN LET YOUR EMPLOYEES BECOME THE ENGINE OF INNOVATION

Why?The world around us is changing ever faster. At the same time innovation is no longer just about products or technology. It’s also about services, internal structure and processes, business models, and customer experience… Every aspect of how you do business, must be scrutinized.   Organizations have to keep up...

INNOVATE® South Florida

NEXA (formerly Social Mobile)

Revolutionizing Enterprise Mobility

The Journey of Social Mobile In the dynamic realm of enterprise mobility, where businesses strive to stay ahead in digital transformation, one company stands out as a true innovator: Social Mobile. Founded in 2011 by Robert Morcos, this startup’s journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast dedication...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

HIGH POINT GAMER

HIGH POINT GAMER- Is A Premier Esports Consultant Group For Forward-Thinking Gamers

Is A Premier Esports Consultant Group For Forward-Thinking Gamers, Brands, And Organizations

High Point Gamer (HPG) was founded in 2015 by two military veterans, Derek Watford and Dion Wrenn. HPG was the first black and veteran owned Esports consulting company in the world. They established their presence in the Esports industry early on by producing competitive video game tournaments. These competitive tournaments...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

The GDI Hub Brand

The GDI Hub Brand - In 2019 GDI Hub Is Born With Its Own Identity

In 2019 GDI Hub Is Born With Its Own Identity, Located In The Building That Was Grundig’s Headquarters In Portugal. A Project Developed “in Loco” With A Technological Startup Concept And Completely Out Of The Box When Talking About “Real Estate”.

The initials GDI comes from the concept “Ground Digital Interface”, not dropping the story, keeping three letters of the company “GrunDIg”.   Founded by three people and with the support of Corex Web, a technology startup, was the embarkment of a project without any investment capital. Something that would certainly...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ESTONIAN WEB3 CHAMBER

FROM CRYPTOCURRENCY PIONEERS TO GLOBAL WEB3 ADVOCATES

The story of the Estonian Web3 Chamber reflects the turbulent yet transformative journey of the digital asset industry in Estonia and beyond. Established more than a decade ago, the organisation has been at the heart of regulatory dialogue, industry representation, and international knowledge-sharing. Its evolution from the Estonian Cryptocurrency Association...

INNOVATION Quebec

CMC MICROSYSTEMS

ACCELERATING INNOVATION AND RESEARCH

“CMC provides access to leading-edge platforms for innovators to design, prototype, and test their ideas. From early-stage researchers to emerging entrepreneurs, CMC has tools and expertise to accelerate your R&D.” – Gordon Harling, President and CEO, CMC Microsystems CMC Microsystems is a not-for-profit organization accelerating research and innovation in advanced...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

COLLISION

COLLISION-THE “OLYMPICS OF TECH” HAS ITS HOME IN TORONTO

THE “OLYMPICS OF TECH” HAS ITS HOME IN TORONTO

There’s never been a greater need for innovative thinkers to share ideas on how we can address the issues — environmental, political and social — facing our modern world. We need an event that unites world leaders, entrepreneurs, tech developers, journalists and talented people the world over; something to give...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Pope Francis Center

Works Toward a Detroit Future Without Chronic Homelessness

“When we work together, miracles happen.” Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, says those words often. Fr. Tim, as he is known, is president and CEO of the Pope Francis Center (PFC), a Detroit nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness. PFC started humbly in 1990 when Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

FORBIZ BUSINESS SOFTWARE

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

With a history spanning over three decades, Forbiz Business Software has consistently pioneered innovation and excellence in the business landscape. Strategically located in Curitiba, the company has established itself as the Diamond Distribution Channel for the esteemed Senior Sistemas, reaffirming its dedication to delivering solutions that not only enhance productivity...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

CHOOSE NEW JERSEY

New Jersey, a hub for entrepreneurs and multinationals alike, is located in the most highly connected region in the U.S., with all the assets and accessibility any business needs

Choose New Jersey is New Jersey’s leading nonprofit economic development organization. We stimulate job creation and attract capital investment with the aim of growing New Jersey’s economy. We market New Jersey globally as the most ideal state in the U.S. to live, work, and play, and we guide businesses in...

Ecosystems