Stories of Innovation

INNOVATION Quebec

ISMER

INSTITUT DES SCIENCES DE LA MER DE RIMOUSKI

L’Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER) franchit le cap de ses 25 ans en 2024. Rattaché à l’Université du Québec à Rimouski, l’ISMER est une référence mondiale en recherche, en formation et en innovation en sciences de la mer dans une perspective de développement durable et de...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

Ideawake

REVOLUTIONIZING CORPORATE INNOVATION FROM MILWAUKEE

REVOLUTIONIZING CORPORATE INNOVATION FROM MILWAUKEE In a world where ideas hold immense value, Ideawake is on a mission to empower companies to mine their most valuable resource: their employees’ creativity and insights. Founded in 2013 by Coby Skonord and Trae Tessmann, Ideawake began with a vision to make innovation accessible...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

PILOTO 151

PILOTO 151-PUERTO RICO’S LAUNCHPAD FOR INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION

PUERTO RICO’S LAUNCHPAD FOR INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION

The year was 2012. Stolberg siblings, Sofia and Juan Carlos, had just moved back to their native Puerto Rico, ran their own businesses, and were searching for a coworking space to network with like-minded individuals. Noticing that coworking was not a thing on the Island, they took it upon themselves...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

FIRST NATIONAL BANK BOTSWANA

INNOVATES TOWARDS GREATER FINANCIAL INCLUSION

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) has established itself as the country’s leading driver of innovation and investing in financial inclusion to help more Batswana realise their aspirations beyond simple access to transactional banking services. FNBB is Botswana’s largest commercial bank by balance sheet, footprint and customer volumes. Over the years,...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

Imagine Chaleur

Driving Innovation in the Chaleur Region

Something exciting is happening in northeastern New Brunswick. A new wave of economic development is taking shape, blending the region’s traditional strengths with fresh, forward-thinking initiatives. At the heart of this transformation is Imagine Chaleur, the regional economic development agency for the Chaleur Region, working to create a thriving business...

INNOVATE® South Florida

FAU TECH RUNWAY® Florida Atlantic University

INNOVATION AND NTREPRENEURSHIP AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY Florida Atlantic UniversityFounded in 1961, Florida Atlantic University has become a catalyst for innovation across its six campuses. Spanning six campuses with over 30,000 students, Florida Atlantic has earned recognition as a top public university. By doubling research expenditures and enhancing student achievement,...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

THE CIRCLE

FIRST NATIONS ENTREPRENEUR HUB AT THE CENTRE OF SA’S INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

Located within the Lot Fourteen innovation district in the heart of Adelaide, is a vibrant and welcoming First Nations entrepreneur hub called The Circle. A partnership between the Australian and South Australian Governments, and funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, The Circle is positioned at the centre of the...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

Respawn Therapy

Respawn Therapy- Is A Group Of Doctors Of Physical Therapy That Strive To Help Gamers Play With Healthier Habits And Less Pain

Is A Group Of Doctors Of Physical Therapy That Strive To Help Gamers Play With Healthier Habits And Less Pain

We’ve taken the lessons learned from our extensive experience in working with professional players to teach gamers of every level how to play while simultaneously reducing risk of injury. Everyone plays better when they play pain-free and we want to help them achieve that.   I started Respawn Therapy in...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

BIGGINS LACEY SHAPIRO & CO

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN COMPANIES AND THEIR SITE SELECTION NEEDS THROUGH LOCATION ECONOMICS®

OUR STORYBiggins Lacy Shapiro & Company (BLS & Co.) is one of the largest independent firms in the specialty fields of site selection and economic development incentives advisory services. Our principals have been delivering our mix of services for more than twenty-five years and arehighly respected leaders in their field....

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...

INNOVATION Quebec

INRS

Prioriser la recherche innovante et interdisciplinaire L’Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) est dédié exclusivement à la recherche et à la formation aux cycles supérieurs

L’INRS est constitué de quatre centres de recherche et de formation thématique et interdisciplinaire situés à Québec, à Montréal, à Laval et à Varennes : Eau Terre Environnement, Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Urbanisation Culture Société, Santé Biotechnologie. Les programmes de recherche et de formation mise sur l’innovation et l’excellence depuis sa...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

KAIZEN VOIZ

REVOLUTIONIZING SECURITY:KAIZEN SECURE VOIZ LEADS THE WAY IN VOICE BIOMETRICS

In an era where data breaches and identity theft run rampant, Kaizen Secure Voiz emerges as a trailblazer, reshaping the security landscape with cutting-edge voice biometric solutions. As the digital realm expands, so do the challenges, and Kaizen stands as a beacon, providing not just security but a seamless and...

INNOVATE® Detroit

SOUTHWEST DETROIT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (SDBA)

Powering Progress, Building Legacy

Since 1957, the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) has been the backbone of economic development in one of Detroit’s most dynamic and culturally rich areas. With a steadfast commitment to championing local businesses, revitalizing infrastructure, and fostering a thriving community, SDBA has evolved into a powerhouse for equitable economic growth...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

KEVANE GRANT THORTON

KEVANE GRANT THORTON

Accounting Experts, Kevane Grant Thornton Continues to Lead the Industry

Kevane Grant Thornton (KGT) continues to grow successfully and provide the community with accounting and tax-related needs. Through the years, KGT continues to support numerous businesses and personal goals for many. We have steadily become the leading professional service firm in Puerto Rico to provide accounting, audits, tax, and advisory...

INNOVATE® Miami

Refresh Miami

Its mission—to educate, inspire, connect and grow South Florida’s tech and startup ecosystem

ELEVATOR PITCHOUR STORYIn 2006, Brian Breslin saw untapped potential in South Florida’s fledgling startup ecosystem and quickly realized there lacked a support system for the tech and startup community. From this idea, Refresh Miami was founded. Its mission: to educate, inspire, connect, and grow South Florida’s tech and startup ecosystem....

INNOVATE® Philadelphia: 250 Years of Innovation

United Bank of Philadelphia

So Much More than Banking

Since opening in 1992 under founder Dr. Emma C. Chappell, United Bank of Philadelphia (“the Bank”) has upheld its mission: driving economic inclusion and opportunity in urban communities. Philadelphia has always been a city of visionaries and entrepreneurs, but vision does not turn into a successful business without capital. As...

INNOVATE® Detroit

POCKETNEST

Financial Wellness for the Next Generation

Many people think having a “financial plan” means having a budget, a retirement savings account, and maybe a small cash reserve. But, those basic financials are only scratching the surface and exclude some key details like estate documents, saving strategies, or debt elimination plans. With that popular—and lacking—mindset, it’s perhaps...

INNOVATION Quebec

MITACS

MITACS-Is a national not-for-profit organization that drives Canadian innovation through impactful partnerships that produce solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges

Est une organisation nationale sans but lucratif qui donne des ailes à l’innovation canadienne grâce à des partenariats efficaces visant à élaborer des solutions aux problèmes les plus urgents du monde.

Mitacs aide les organisations à atteindre leurs objectifs commerciaux, finance l’innovation et crée des possibilités d’emploi dans le but de favoriser la croissance économique et la productivité, et d’améliorer la qualité de vie des Canadiennes et Canadiens. Ces efforts sont soutenus par le financement généreux du gouvernement du Québec et...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

ECOPIA

ECOPIA-CREATING A DIGITAL TWIN OF THE EARTH LEVERAGING AI-BASED MAPPING SYSTEMS TO ENHANCE DECISION-MAKING

CREATING A DIGITAL TWIN OF THE EARTH LEVERAGING AI-BASED MAPPING SYSTEMS TO ENHANCE DECISION-MAKING

Since 2013, Ecopia AI has been on a mission to create a digital twin of the world using artificial intelligence (AI). Originally spun out of a Ph.D project at the University of Waterloo, Ecopia’s maps have grown from detailing a single small city to mapping entire continents while evolving from...

INNOVATE® Nashville

UnityAI

The Future of Smarter, More Efficient Healthcare Operations

Hospitals are some of the most profound institutions in America — places where nearly everyone begins and ends their lives. The complexity of these institutions, operationally and administratively, is immense. While no individual or team can optimize this complexity, UnityAI believes AI can. UnityAI didn’t start with a grand vision...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

techNL

Fueling Innovation: How techNL is Transforming Newfoundland and Labrador's Tech Ecosystem

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), long celebrated for its rugged coastlines, vibrant culture, and rich history, is transforming into a thriving tech powerhouse. At the forefront of this evolution is techNL, a not-for-profit industry association with a bold mission to accelerate the growth of NL’s tech sector and position it as...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

LUMINATION LEARNING LAB

REVOLUTIONISE THE WAY YOU TEACH, LEARN AND WORK

What is a Lumination Learning Lab?Built within schools nationally Lumination Learning Labs are automated, multi-purpose and immersive smart classrooms supporting students and schools in achieving exceptional results using immersive learning. How are we revolutionising the learning experience?The future of the workforce depends on effective education and continuous upskilling, meaning education,...

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™ Botswana Vol.1

HOTEL & CONGRES TER ELST

HOTEL & CONGRES TER ELST-A PLACE TO ENJOY THE PEACE AND QUIET YOU NEED IN GREEN SURROUNDINGS

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”...

INNOVATION Quebec

ISMER

INSTITUT DES SCIENCES DE LA MER DE RIMOUSKI

L’Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER) franchit le cap de ses 25 ans en 2024. Rattaché à l’Université du Québec à Rimouski, l’ISMER est une référence mondiale en recherche, en formation et en innovation en sciences de la mer dans une perspective de développement durable et de...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

Ideawake

REVOLUTIONIZING CORPORATE INNOVATION FROM MILWAUKEE

REVOLUTIONIZING CORPORATE INNOVATION FROM MILWAUKEE In a world where ideas hold immense value, Ideawake is on a mission to empower companies to mine their most valuable resource: their employees’ creativity and insights. Founded in 2013 by Coby Skonord and Trae Tessmann, Ideawake began with a vision to make innovation accessible...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

PILOTO 151

PILOTO 151-PUERTO RICO’S LAUNCHPAD FOR INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION

PUERTO RICO’S LAUNCHPAD FOR INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION

The year was 2012. Stolberg siblings, Sofia and Juan Carlos, had just moved back to their native Puerto Rico, ran their own businesses, and were searching for a coworking space to network with like-minded individuals. Noticing that coworking was not a thing on the Island, they took it upon themselves...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

FIRST NATIONAL BANK BOTSWANA

INNOVATES TOWARDS GREATER FINANCIAL INCLUSION

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) has established itself as the country’s leading driver of innovation and investing in financial inclusion to help more Batswana realise their aspirations beyond simple access to transactional banking services. FNBB is Botswana’s largest commercial bank by balance sheet, footprint and customer volumes. Over the years,...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

Imagine Chaleur

Driving Innovation in the Chaleur Region

Something exciting is happening in northeastern New Brunswick. A new wave of economic development is taking shape, blending the region’s traditional strengths with fresh, forward-thinking initiatives. At the heart of this transformation is Imagine Chaleur, the regional economic development agency for the Chaleur Region, working to create a thriving business...

INNOVATE® South Florida

FAU TECH RUNWAY® Florida Atlantic University

INNOVATION AND NTREPRENEURSHIP AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY Florida Atlantic UniversityFounded in 1961, Florida Atlantic University has become a catalyst for innovation across its six campuses. Spanning six campuses with over 30,000 students, Florida Atlantic has earned recognition as a top public university. By doubling research expenditures and enhancing student achievement,...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

THE CIRCLE

FIRST NATIONS ENTREPRENEUR HUB AT THE CENTRE OF SA’S INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

Located within the Lot Fourteen innovation district in the heart of Adelaide, is a vibrant and welcoming First Nations entrepreneur hub called The Circle. A partnership between the Australian and South Australian Governments, and funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, The Circle is positioned at the centre of the...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

Respawn Therapy

Respawn Therapy- Is A Group Of Doctors Of Physical Therapy That Strive To Help Gamers Play With Healthier Habits And Less Pain

Is A Group Of Doctors Of Physical Therapy That Strive To Help Gamers Play With Healthier Habits And Less Pain

We’ve taken the lessons learned from our extensive experience in working with professional players to teach gamers of every level how to play while simultaneously reducing risk of injury. Everyone plays better when they play pain-free and we want to help them achieve that.   I started Respawn Therapy in...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

BIGGINS LACEY SHAPIRO & CO

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN COMPANIES AND THEIR SITE SELECTION NEEDS THROUGH LOCATION ECONOMICS®

OUR STORYBiggins Lacy Shapiro & Company (BLS & Co.) is one of the largest independent firms in the specialty fields of site selection and economic development incentives advisory services. Our principals have been delivering our mix of services for more than twenty-five years and arehighly respected leaders in their field....

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...

INNOVATION Quebec

INRS

Prioriser la recherche innovante et interdisciplinaire L’Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) est dédié exclusivement à la recherche et à la formation aux cycles supérieurs

L’INRS est constitué de quatre centres de recherche et de formation thématique et interdisciplinaire situés à Québec, à Montréal, à Laval et à Varennes : Eau Terre Environnement, Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Urbanisation Culture Société, Santé Biotechnologie. Les programmes de recherche et de formation mise sur l’innovation et l’excellence depuis sa...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

KAIZEN VOIZ

REVOLUTIONIZING SECURITY:KAIZEN SECURE VOIZ LEADS THE WAY IN VOICE BIOMETRICS

In an era where data breaches and identity theft run rampant, Kaizen Secure Voiz emerges as a trailblazer, reshaping the security landscape with cutting-edge voice biometric solutions. As the digital realm expands, so do the challenges, and Kaizen stands as a beacon, providing not just security but a seamless and...

INNOVATE® Detroit

SOUTHWEST DETROIT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (SDBA)

Powering Progress, Building Legacy

Since 1957, the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) has been the backbone of economic development in one of Detroit’s most dynamic and culturally rich areas. With a steadfast commitment to championing local businesses, revitalizing infrastructure, and fostering a thriving community, SDBA has evolved into a powerhouse for equitable economic growth...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

KEVANE GRANT THORTON

KEVANE GRANT THORTON

Accounting Experts, Kevane Grant Thornton Continues to Lead the Industry

Kevane Grant Thornton (KGT) continues to grow successfully and provide the community with accounting and tax-related needs. Through the years, KGT continues to support numerous businesses and personal goals for many. We have steadily become the leading professional service firm in Puerto Rico to provide accounting, audits, tax, and advisory...

INNOVATE® Miami

Refresh Miami

Its mission—to educate, inspire, connect and grow South Florida’s tech and startup ecosystem

ELEVATOR PITCHOUR STORYIn 2006, Brian Breslin saw untapped potential in South Florida’s fledgling startup ecosystem and quickly realized there lacked a support system for the tech and startup community. From this idea, Refresh Miami was founded. Its mission: to educate, inspire, connect, and grow South Florida’s tech and startup ecosystem....

INNOVATE® Philadelphia: 250 Years of Innovation

United Bank of Philadelphia

So Much More than Banking

Since opening in 1992 under founder Dr. Emma C. Chappell, United Bank of Philadelphia (“the Bank”) has upheld its mission: driving economic inclusion and opportunity in urban communities. Philadelphia has always been a city of visionaries and entrepreneurs, but vision does not turn into a successful business without capital. As...

INNOVATE® Detroit

POCKETNEST

Financial Wellness for the Next Generation

Many people think having a “financial plan” means having a budget, a retirement savings account, and maybe a small cash reserve. But, those basic financials are only scratching the surface and exclude some key details like estate documents, saving strategies, or debt elimination plans. With that popular—and lacking—mindset, it’s perhaps...

INNOVATION Quebec

MITACS

MITACS-Is a national not-for-profit organization that drives Canadian innovation through impactful partnerships that produce solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges

Est une organisation nationale sans but lucratif qui donne des ailes à l’innovation canadienne grâce à des partenariats efficaces visant à élaborer des solutions aux problèmes les plus urgents du monde.

Mitacs aide les organisations à atteindre leurs objectifs commerciaux, finance l’innovation et crée des possibilités d’emploi dans le but de favoriser la croissance économique et la productivité, et d’améliorer la qualité de vie des Canadiennes et Canadiens. Ces efforts sont soutenus par le financement généreux du gouvernement du Québec et...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

ECOPIA

ECOPIA-CREATING A DIGITAL TWIN OF THE EARTH LEVERAGING AI-BASED MAPPING SYSTEMS TO ENHANCE DECISION-MAKING

CREATING A DIGITAL TWIN OF THE EARTH LEVERAGING AI-BASED MAPPING SYSTEMS TO ENHANCE DECISION-MAKING

Since 2013, Ecopia AI has been on a mission to create a digital twin of the world using artificial intelligence (AI). Originally spun out of a Ph.D project at the University of Waterloo, Ecopia’s maps have grown from detailing a single small city to mapping entire continents while evolving from...

INNOVATE® Nashville

UnityAI

The Future of Smarter, More Efficient Healthcare Operations

Hospitals are some of the most profound institutions in America — places where nearly everyone begins and ends their lives. The complexity of these institutions, operationally and administratively, is immense. While no individual or team can optimize this complexity, UnityAI believes AI can. UnityAI didn’t start with a grand vision...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

techNL

Fueling Innovation: How techNL is Transforming Newfoundland and Labrador's Tech Ecosystem

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), long celebrated for its rugged coastlines, vibrant culture, and rich history, is transforming into a thriving tech powerhouse. At the forefront of this evolution is techNL, a not-for-profit industry association with a bold mission to accelerate the growth of NL’s tech sector and position it as...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

LUMINATION LEARNING LAB

REVOLUTIONISE THE WAY YOU TEACH, LEARN AND WORK

What is a Lumination Learning Lab?Built within schools nationally Lumination Learning Labs are automated, multi-purpose and immersive smart classrooms supporting students and schools in achieving exceptional results using immersive learning. How are we revolutionising the learning experience?The future of the workforce depends on effective education and continuous upskilling, meaning education,...

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™ Botswana Vol.1

HOTEL & CONGRES TER ELST

HOTEL & CONGRES TER ELST-A PLACE TO ENJOY THE PEACE AND QUIET YOU NEED IN GREEN SURROUNDINGS

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”...

Ecosystems