Stories of Innovation
INNOVATE™ South Africa
INC.AFRICA
WHY AFRICA’S INNOVATION STORY MUST BE TOLD AND WHY INC.AFRICA IS WRITING THE NARRATIVE
Why are there so many books about Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in online book stores and libraries, but so few of the innovators redefining Africa? “All you have to do is Google an African innovator and almost nothing pops up,” says researcher Nnamdi Oranye, who is also...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
7SENSE
TELEHAPTIC TECHNOLOGY: REDEFINING SIGHT THROUGH A REMOTE SENSE OF TOUCH
7Sense is a deep-tech and life science start-up developing telehaptic technology for the blind. It allows users to feel their surrounding environment through a sense of touch on the forehead. In simple words, the user feels surrounding objects—their shape, size, motion, speed, and distance. Traditionally, haptics has meant small vibrating...
INNOVATE® Nashville
THE WONDRY
From Innovation Ambition to Innovation Capacity- The Wond’ry Anchors a Vibrant University Innovation Ecosystem
The Wond’ry, Vanderbilt University’s center for innovation, serves as a catalyst for efforts to build and strengthen innovation capacity in the region. The Wond’ry provides space, mentorship, programming and other resources designed to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and alumni from across all parts of Vanderbilt and from...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
PERCH
THE PROPTECH STARTUP EMPOWERING CANADIANS ON THEIR HOMEOWNERSHIP JOURNEY TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH REAL ESTATE
Through technology and automation, Perch’s free analytics platform gives users detailed insights into all aspects regarding homeownership, all of which is supplemented by a dedicated mortgage advisor that strategizes with clients to help them achieve their homeownership goals. Perch’s mission is to empower Canadians to make more informed decisions when...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
Tropoly
WE EXIST NOW FOR THE FUTURE
Tropoly, founded by Neel Singh, Brady Dahmer, and Julien Phipps, aims to transform industries and propel humanity forward. This strategic marketing and innovation firm distinguishes itself by addressing clients’ business challenges and implementing strategies to revolutionize their organizations. In a world bombarded by messages, Tropoly cuts through the noise, positioning...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
IMMIGRANT TECHIES ALBERTA
CREATING AN INVITATION FOR IMMIGRANTS INTO ALBERTA TECH EMPOWERING NEWCOMERS THROUGH RESKILL CALGARY
When Wunmi Adekanmbi first stepped into the Alberta tech scene out of sheer curiosity in 2019, she had no idea what awaited her. To her pleasant surprise, she discovered a vibrant and innovative community governed by a social contract of giving first, with a strong support system and valuable industry...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
KISWE
POWERING THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DIGITAL EVENTS THROUGH INTERACTIVE LIVESTREAMS
Kiswe is an award-winning technology company that helps partners fully monetize their content. Trusted by the world’s biggest entertainment and sports brands, Kiswe allows customers to seamlessly customize content for specific audiences, distribute content live or on-demand to their fans with branded ticketing and event websites, and create interactive experiences....
INNOVATE™ Estonia
FIBENOL
DEFOSSILIZING THE FUTURE OF MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS
In Estonia, where wood has shaped livelihoods for centuries, one company is reimagining its potential for the next industrial era. Fibenol is transforming undervalued hardwood and plywood industry residues into high-purity biomaterials that offer sustainable alternatives to fossil-based inputs. Its mission is both simple and bold: To help industries defossilize...
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® Jacksonville
When visitors arrive in destinations like Nashville, Las Vegas, or Boston, they know exactly what to expect. Whether it’s the music, the nightlife, or the culture, these epicenters of travel and tourism always deliver. Wander has effectively become visitors’ go-to resource for where to eat, drink, shop, and play. –...
INNOVATE® Puerto Rico
José Dueño Entertainment
The Master of the Entertainment Business in Puerto Rico
José Dueño is known as the most important promoter in Puerto Rico. His contribution to the arts, music and entertainment is highly recognized. Almost 40 years in this industry and more than 1,000 successful events are proof of the extraordinary career of this Titan of the Entertainment Industry. The biggest...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
THE ECOLOGICAL ENTREPRENEUR
THE PATHWAY TO YOUR CLIMATE NEUTRAL BUSINESS
The “Why” of sustainability is clear for most, the “how” and “what”, unfortunately much less. For many, sustainability remains an utterly vague, complex, and confusing concept. And even without confusion, questions concerning usefulness of actions and impact arise. The Ecological Entrepreneur translates complexity to concrete guidelines, policies, and activities...
INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports
ESPAT
CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE PIXEL AT A TIME
ESPAT (Esports Pixels and Technology) is a technology company that is utilizing the legacy digital media licensing model to help gaming and esports IP holders monetize their digital assets. Through computer vision and machine learning technology, the company is converting traditional licensed assets into interactive, commerce-enabled experiences for viewers/consumers. As...
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 Manitoba
Mom Pass
Redefining What Support Looks Like for Modern Families
Most new moms don’t struggle because help isn’t available; they struggle because it’s hard to ask for it. It might look like she has it all together, but beneath the surface, she’s navigating exhaustion, overstimulation, and an unspoken pressure to manage it all on her own. While support systems often...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
MERIC S. GERTLER PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ” INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE ” “U of T’s remarkable diversity provides both a springboard to social mobility and a superb environment for education, research and innovation.” – MERIC S. GERTLER, PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO The strength of Toronto’s higher education, research and innovation enterprise...
INNOVATE® Detroit
Newlab
Building the Future of Sustainable Mobility at Michigan Central
Newlab is a global network of purpose-built innovation hubs that accelerates climate and deep tech time-to-market. Newlab provides startups with physical infrastructure, direct investment opportunities, and pilot partnerships to drive meaningful commercialization outcomes and economic development in energy, materials, and mobility. Newlab established its Detroit home in 2023 to enable...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
Redbrick LMD
Building the Future of Urban Living
Redbrick LMD is reshaping Washington, D.C.’s skyline and redefining urban living. This organization is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, transforming the region’s real estate development landscape. With a focus on long-term societal trends and a commitment to community, Redbrick is not just constructing buildings; it’s crafting legacies. A...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
THE NEUROTECH INSTITUTE
Would you like a robot to hold your hand when you die?
Would you rather have a human? What is the neural and physical difference – is a human more beneficial, and if so, why? How would we maximise the use of both humans and technology here? How does it reflect on us if a robot becomes the normal or only option?...
INNOVATE™ Flanders
Maria Middelares
Innovation at the Heart of Patient Care
Maria Middelares, a non-profit organisation that comprises two general hospitals, two medical centres and a logistics center, has evolved from a centuries-long tradition to a center of innovation, prioritizing organizational excellence and enriched patient experience. With a clear and straightforward objective, Maria Middelares is committed to keeping people healthy through...
INNOVATE™ Stockholm
NEXT AGENTS
DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION IN STOCKHOLM
Stockholm is globally recognized as a hub for innovation, particularly in sustainability, and Next Agents plays a pivotal role in advancing this ecosystem. Sustainability-driven innovation lies at the heart of Next Agents’ mission to empower businesses to create solutions that benefit people, the planet, and profitability. Central to this approach...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
BEATDAPP
THE BUGGLES TOLD THE WORLD THAT VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR. RELEASED IN 1980, THEIR HIT SONG, “VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR,” MAY NOT BE ACCURATE TODAY. MORE THAN 10% OF ALL STREAMED MUSIC IS FRAUDULENTLY STREAMED, WIPING OUT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN PAID TO ARTISTS AND LABELS
Beatdapp is a streaming fraud detection company. It helps music labels and artists track their songs to collect royalties. Think of it as a PWC for music play count. The company has a set of machine learning and predictive algorithms to detect streaming manipulation and has over 30 patents across...
INNOVATION Quebec
UQAT
INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE EN MINES ET EN ENVIRONNEMENT (IRME)
L’IRME, des solutions pour un développement minier durableLocalisé au cœur d’un centre minier de calibre international, l’Institut de recherche en mines et en environnement (IRME-UQAT) a été créé en 2012, une décision stratégique démontrant l’engagement de l’institution envers le développement durable du secteur minier. Avec une croissance continue et forte...
INNOVATION Quebec
SYNTHÈSE
A KEY PLAYER IN RESOLVING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES IN DIGITAL CREATION
The founding of SYNTHÈSESYNTHÈSE was founded in 2018 by ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec (the province’s ministry of education and higher learning) following discussions among digital-creation companies, colleges, universities, associations, and representatives from ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation and ministère de la Culture et des...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
INC.AFRICA
WHY AFRICA’S INNOVATION STORY MUST BE TOLD AND WHY INC.AFRICA IS WRITING THE NARRATIVE
Why are there so many books about Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in online book stores and libraries, but so few of the innovators redefining Africa? “All you have to do is Google an African innovator and almost nothing pops up,” says researcher Nnamdi Oranye, who is also...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
7SENSE
TELEHAPTIC TECHNOLOGY: REDEFINING SIGHT THROUGH A REMOTE SENSE OF TOUCH
7Sense is a deep-tech and life science start-up developing telehaptic technology for the blind. It allows users to feel their surrounding environment through a sense of touch on the forehead. In simple words, the user feels surrounding objects—their shape, size, motion, speed, and distance. Traditionally, haptics has meant small vibrating...
INNOVATE® Nashville
THE WONDRY
From Innovation Ambition to Innovation Capacity- The Wond’ry Anchors a Vibrant University Innovation Ecosystem
The Wond’ry, Vanderbilt University’s center for innovation, serves as a catalyst for efforts to build and strengthen innovation capacity in the region. The Wond’ry provides space, mentorship, programming and other resources designed to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and alumni from across all parts of Vanderbilt and from...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
PERCH
THE PROPTECH STARTUP EMPOWERING CANADIANS ON THEIR HOMEOWNERSHIP JOURNEY TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH REAL ESTATE
Through technology and automation, Perch’s free analytics platform gives users detailed insights into all aspects regarding homeownership, all of which is supplemented by a dedicated mortgage advisor that strategizes with clients to help them achieve their homeownership goals. Perch’s mission is to empower Canadians to make more informed decisions when...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
Tropoly
WE EXIST NOW FOR THE FUTURE
Tropoly, founded by Neel Singh, Brady Dahmer, and Julien Phipps, aims to transform industries and propel humanity forward. This strategic marketing and innovation firm distinguishes itself by addressing clients’ business challenges and implementing strategies to revolutionize their organizations. In a world bombarded by messages, Tropoly cuts through the noise, positioning...
INNOVATE™ Alberta
IMMIGRANT TECHIES ALBERTA
CREATING AN INVITATION FOR IMMIGRANTS INTO ALBERTA TECH EMPOWERING NEWCOMERS THROUGH RESKILL CALGARY
When Wunmi Adekanmbi first stepped into the Alberta tech scene out of sheer curiosity in 2019, she had no idea what awaited her. To her pleasant surprise, she discovered a vibrant and innovative community governed by a social contract of giving first, with a strong support system and valuable industry...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
KISWE
POWERING THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DIGITAL EVENTS THROUGH INTERACTIVE LIVESTREAMS
Kiswe is an award-winning technology company that helps partners fully monetize their content. Trusted by the world’s biggest entertainment and sports brands, Kiswe allows customers to seamlessly customize content for specific audiences, distribute content live or on-demand to their fans with branded ticketing and event websites, and create interactive experiences....
INNOVATE™ Estonia
FIBENOL
DEFOSSILIZING THE FUTURE OF MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS
In Estonia, where wood has shaped livelihoods for centuries, one company is reimagining its potential for the next industrial era. Fibenol is transforming undervalued hardwood and plywood industry residues into high-purity biomaterials that offer sustainable alternatives to fossil-based inputs. Its mission is both simple and bold: To help industries defossilize...
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® Jacksonville
When visitors arrive in destinations like Nashville, Las Vegas, or Boston, they know exactly what to expect. Whether it’s the music, the nightlife, or the culture, these epicenters of travel and tourism always deliver. Wander has effectively become visitors’ go-to resource for where to eat, drink, shop, and play. –...
INNOVATE® Puerto Rico
José Dueño Entertainment
The Master of the Entertainment Business in Puerto Rico
José Dueño is known as the most important promoter in Puerto Rico. His contribution to the arts, music and entertainment is highly recognized. Almost 40 years in this industry and more than 1,000 successful events are proof of the extraordinary career of this Titan of the Entertainment Industry. The biggest...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
THE ECOLOGICAL ENTREPRENEUR
THE PATHWAY TO YOUR CLIMATE NEUTRAL BUSINESS
The “Why” of sustainability is clear for most, the “how” and “what”, unfortunately much less. For many, sustainability remains an utterly vague, complex, and confusing concept. And even without confusion, questions concerning usefulness of actions and impact arise. The Ecological Entrepreneur translates complexity to concrete guidelines, policies, and activities...
INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports
ESPAT
CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE PIXEL AT A TIME
ESPAT (Esports Pixels and Technology) is a technology company that is utilizing the legacy digital media licensing model to help gaming and esports IP holders monetize their digital assets. Through computer vision and machine learning technology, the company is converting traditional licensed assets into interactive, commerce-enabled experiences for viewers/consumers. As...
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 Manitoba
Mom Pass
Redefining What Support Looks Like for Modern Families
Most new moms don’t struggle because help isn’t available; they struggle because it’s hard to ask for it. It might look like she has it all together, but beneath the surface, she’s navigating exhaustion, overstimulation, and an unspoken pressure to manage it all on her own. While support systems often...
INNOVATE™ Toronto
MERIC S. GERTLER PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ” INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE ” “U of T’s remarkable diversity provides both a springboard to social mobility and a superb environment for education, research and innovation.” – MERIC S. GERTLER, PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO The strength of Toronto’s higher education, research and innovation enterprise...
INNOVATE® Detroit
Newlab
Building the Future of Sustainable Mobility at Michigan Central
Newlab is a global network of purpose-built innovation hubs that accelerates climate and deep tech time-to-market. Newlab provides startups with physical infrastructure, direct investment opportunities, and pilot partnerships to drive meaningful commercialization outcomes and economic development in energy, materials, and mobility. Newlab established its Detroit home in 2023 to enable...
INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition
Redbrick LMD
Building the Future of Urban Living
Redbrick LMD is reshaping Washington, D.C.’s skyline and redefining urban living. This organization is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, transforming the region’s real estate development landscape. With a focus on long-term societal trends and a commitment to community, Redbrick is not just constructing buildings; it’s crafting legacies. A...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
THE NEUROTECH INSTITUTE
Would you like a robot to hold your hand when you die?
Would you rather have a human? What is the neural and physical difference – is a human more beneficial, and if so, why? How would we maximise the use of both humans and technology here? How does it reflect on us if a robot becomes the normal or only option?...
INNOVATE™ Flanders
Maria Middelares
Innovation at the Heart of Patient Care
Maria Middelares, a non-profit organisation that comprises two general hospitals, two medical centres and a logistics center, has evolved from a centuries-long tradition to a center of innovation, prioritizing organizational excellence and enriched patient experience. With a clear and straightforward objective, Maria Middelares is committed to keeping people healthy through...
INNOVATE™ Stockholm
NEXT AGENTS
DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION IN STOCKHOLM
Stockholm is globally recognized as a hub for innovation, particularly in sustainability, and Next Agents plays a pivotal role in advancing this ecosystem. Sustainability-driven innovation lies at the heart of Next Agents’ mission to empower businesses to create solutions that benefit people, the planet, and profitability. Central to this approach...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
BEATDAPP
THE BUGGLES TOLD THE WORLD THAT VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR. RELEASED IN 1980, THEIR HIT SONG, “VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR,” MAY NOT BE ACCURATE TODAY. MORE THAN 10% OF ALL STREAMED MUSIC IS FRAUDULENTLY STREAMED, WIPING OUT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN PAID TO ARTISTS AND LABELS
Beatdapp is a streaming fraud detection company. It helps music labels and artists track their songs to collect royalties. Think of it as a PWC for music play count. The company has a set of machine learning and predictive algorithms to detect streaming manipulation and has over 30 patents across...
INNOVATION Quebec
UQAT
INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE EN MINES ET EN ENVIRONNEMENT (IRME)
L’IRME, des solutions pour un développement minier durableLocalisé au cœur d’un centre minier de calibre international, l’Institut de recherche en mines et en environnement (IRME-UQAT) a été créé en 2012, une décision stratégique démontrant l’engagement de l’institution envers le développement durable du secteur minier. Avec une croissance continue et forte...
INNOVATION Quebec
SYNTHÈSE
A KEY PLAYER IN RESOLVING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES IN DIGITAL CREATION
The founding of SYNTHÈSESYNTHÈSE was founded in 2018 by ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec (the province’s ministry of education and higher learning) following discussions among digital-creation companies, colleges, universities, associations, and representatives from ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation and ministère de la Culture et des...