Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ Colombia

ALIVE VENTURES

PIONEERING A NEW WAY TO INVEST & TACKLE SOCIAL INEQUALITY IN COLOMBIA AND BEYOND

Despite significant progress in the fight against poverty in Latin America, inequality remains stubbornly high. In 2018, Santiago Alvarez and Virgilio Barco created impact fund manager ALIVE Ventures to channel investment to innovative companies tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing low-income communities in Latam, helping to reduce inequality....

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

BLUE KNIGHT™

ANTICIPATE. ACTIVATE. AMPLIFY. The Guardians of Health: Mission to Secure the Future

The Guardians of Health: Mission to Secure the Future On a quiet morning in August 2020, as the world grappled with the relentless surge of a pandemic, a new force solidified its presence in Washington, DC, with a singular focus: to protect global health by anticipating the next crisis before...

INNOVATION Quebec

ALLIANCE MÉTAL QUÉBEC

METAL MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE IN INNOVATION MODE

In Quebec, the industrial metal fabrication (IMF) sector is the most important manufacturing sector. Metal Manufacturing Alliance/Alliance Métal Québec (MMA/AMQ), has nearly 100 companies specializing in complex structures and metal components. Its mission is to create synergies between companies in order to solve common problems. THE METAL MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE NETWORKThe...

INNOVATE® Nashville

NASHVILLE SOFTWARE SCHOOL

NASHVILLE SOFTWARE SCHOOL-CREATING AN ONRAMP TO REWARDING CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY

CREATING AN ONRAMP TO REWARDING CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY

It was late 2011 when Nashville Software School (NSS) Founder and CEO, John Wark set out to find a solution to a challenge he frequently heard about in Nashville’s business community – the persistent shortage of trained tech talent such as software developers. The tech skills gap was (and is)...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

REAL VENTURES

REAL VENTURES -CANADA’S MOST ACTIVE EARLY-STAGE VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM

CANADA’S MOST ACTIVE EARLY-STAGE VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM

Real Ventures is one of Canada’s most active early-stage venture capital firms, dedicated to serving entrepreneurs and nurturing the communities in which they thrive. In 2007, we questioned why brilliant Canadian founders should have to fly to San Francisco to raise seed capital. Since then, we have dedicated ourselves to...

INNOVATION Quebec

CIMEQ

EST LE CENTRE COLLÉGIAL DE TRANSFERT DE TECHNOLOGIE (CCTT) DANS LE SECTEUR DE LA MICROÉLECTRONIQUE.

L’innovation et la technologie sont l’affaire du Centre d’innovation en microélectronique du Québec (CIMEQ) dans les secteurs de l’électronique, de l’Internet des objets, du génie logiciel et de l’intelligence artificielle. Depuis 1983, le Centre aide des entreprises de tous les secteurs à développer de nouveaux produits, à adapter leurs manières...

INNOVATE® Maryland

TEDCO

LEADING INNOVATION TO MARKET – A MISSION IN ACTION

As a state filled with brilliant minds, access to world-class laboratories and researchers, and high-ranking universities, it only makes sense for Maryland to lead efforts to support the innovation derived from these assets to the commercial market. At the center of this vision stands TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation); founded...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

PHALANX

FROM CLUELESS TO COVERED Businesses Choose Phalanx as their First Step in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity can be complex and difficult to navigate for cybersecurity professionals. This sentiment is multiplied for business executives trying to decipher the ecosystem to protect their data, and even more importantly, their customers’ data. Established with a vision to redefine cybersecurity for businesses lacking specialized personnel, Phalanx has quickly become...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

MITACS

MAKING WAVES AND BUILDING HOMES: THE IMPACT OF MITACS IN ATLANTIC CANADA

THE IMPACT OF MITACS IN ATLANTIC CANADA Mitacs, a national not-for-profit organization, drives innovation across Atlantic Canada through strategic collaborations. With a network of over 197 postsecondary institutions across the country and more than 25 years of experience, Mitacs employs a collaborative approach to research and innovation, matching need with...

INNOVATION Quebec

Pharmabio Développement

Depuis 1999, Pharmabio Développement, le Comité sectoriel de maind’œuvre des industries des produits pharmaceutiques et biotechnologiques, porte fièrement sa mission de participer activement au développement de la main-d’œuvre et de l’emploi des entreprises de son secteur

Afin de soutenir sa mission, le mandat de Pharmabio Développement se définit comme suit : • Soutenir et conseiller les partenaires de l’industrie et de l’éducation dans le développement de solutions.• Approvisionner l’ensemble de ses partenaires en outils, en programmes et en information.• Jouer un rôle de premier plan dans...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Essential Board Portal Features

Directors reviewing reports and charts during a board meeting

What to look for before choosing a governance platform

A board portal should help directors access materials securely, review updates, vote, sign, annotate, and prepare for decisions without relying on long email chains or unsecured attachments. The right platform also needs to fit daily governance habits. A strong portal should reduce manual admin, protect confidential data, and make meeting...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

RUTGERS RESEARCH

Complex societal challenges require innovative solutions that transform and improve lives around the world. As a top 20 public research university with more than 300 research centers and institutions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, offers a wide variety of programs that drive and support diverse and inclusive research,...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

LAQUILA

QUALITY AND INNOVATION IN TWO WHEELS

Laquila was founded in 1980, with a small 100m² store, focused on selling motorcycle parts, in Rio Grande do Sul. With determination and a vision of the future, they expanded to 200m² and, later, to an even larger space, adopting the wholesale model. After 12 years in the capital of...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

PARTSBADGER

ACCELERATING THE INNOVATION OF OTHERS

When Roy and Jimmy needed an enclosure machined for their small airborne electronics company, it took twelve inquiries over the course of weeks just to get a quote. When they finally did get a quote, it was cheaper to buy a CNC mill and make the machined parts themselves. So...

INNOVATE® South Florida

SUSTAINABASE

INNOVATING FOR THE PLANET TO EMPOWER GLOBAL AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

SUSTAINABASE, A CARBON ACCOUNTING SOLUTION, EMPOWERS COMPANIES AND COMMUNITIES TO DE-RISK IN THE GROWING LOW-CARBON ECONOMY. In the heart of South Florida, often cited as ground zero for climate change and a burgeoning climate tech hub, SustainaBase stands out as a beacon of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Founded on the...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Pittsburgh Institute for Aeronautics

Keeping America’s Aviation Industry Flying High

Originally founded in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1929, PIA has offered industry-leading aviation training for nearly a century. As the organization’s newest campus, PIA Myrtle Beach first opened its doors in January 2012 in the same building that once housed the avionics facilities for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

MINDCHIP

THE RISE AT SEA: HOW MINDCHIP TEACHES SHIPS TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES

The sea has always been humanity’s vital artery—through it flow goods, people, and ideas. Yet the sea is also unpredictable and harsh. It is here, among waves and storms, that the Estonian deep-tech company MindChip faces a challenge that could reshape the future of maritime operations: how to make ships...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

TERRACYCLE

ON A MISSION TO ELIMINATE THE IDEA OF WASTE

TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Through collaboration and innovation, we’ve developed the world’s first solutions in everything from recycling to reuse. Businesses, government entities, and consumers work with us globally to keep trash out of...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

LION TUTORING

WHAT REALLY SETS US APART FROM OUR COMPETITION IS THE WAY THAT WE HAVE MERGED TECHNOLOGY WITH OUR ALREADY EXISTING SERVICES

Starting off as just a tutoring company, as time went on we merged our tutorials together with technology. Together with the 4th industrial revolution, we are the first company in Botswana to work as an “Uber for tutors.” We are basically matching tutors and students across Botswana, South Africa, and...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

CREDIBOM

CREDIBOM-Working Everyday In The Interest Of Our Customers And Society

Working Everyday In The Interest Of Our Customers And Society

As part of the Crédit Agricole Group – one of the largest European banking groups – Credibom is a bank specialized in consumer credit and a leader in Portugal, particularly in automotive financing. Established in 1995, Credibom focus is to adapt its products and services to the needs of its...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Sticker Builder

Unlocking the Next Frontier

“Mass customization made simple. Creative chaos made scalable.” In today’s experience-driven economy, personalization isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of competitive advantage. Customers expect more than just products; they want creative control, self-expression, and seamless experiences. That’s where Sticker Builder by Antigro Designer, based in Kraków, Poland, comes in. This...

INNOVATION Quebec

C2T3

CCTT IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

C2T3’s mission is to contribute to technological innovation and the economic growth of businesses in the sectors of telecommunications, the Internet of Things, 5G networks and smart connectivity. As a hub of excellence in telecommunications, we develop technological innovation processes to promote knowledge, expertise, research and innovation regionally and nationwide....

Global Innovation Spotlight

3 Proven Ways to Boost Brand Visibility Fast

Businessman holding blank white business card.

3 Proven Ways to Boost Brand Visibility Fast To boost brand visibility fast, leverage custom apparel for instant recognition, harness storytelling to forge emotional connections, and expand reach through strategic partnerships. These innovative branding strategies bypass traditional advertising noise by creating authentic touchpoints that build trust.  By implementing these tactics,...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

HUAWEI

AND THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AS A PATH TO A MORE CONNECTED, INTELLIGENT, AND SUSTAINABLE WORLD

Huawei is a global leader in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. According to Forbes magazine, the company is one of the world’s most valuable brands. Its vision is to enrich people’s lives through digital technologies and customer-centric innovation. With more than 207,000 employees worldwide, the company...

INNOVATE™ Colombia

ALIVE VENTURES

PIONEERING A NEW WAY TO INVEST & TACKLE SOCIAL INEQUALITY IN COLOMBIA AND BEYOND

Despite significant progress in the fight against poverty in Latin America, inequality remains stubbornly high. In 2018, Santiago Alvarez and Virgilio Barco created impact fund manager ALIVE Ventures to channel investment to innovative companies tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing low-income communities in Latam, helping to reduce inequality....

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

BLUE KNIGHT™

ANTICIPATE. ACTIVATE. AMPLIFY. The Guardians of Health: Mission to Secure the Future

The Guardians of Health: Mission to Secure the Future On a quiet morning in August 2020, as the world grappled with the relentless surge of a pandemic, a new force solidified its presence in Washington, DC, with a singular focus: to protect global health by anticipating the next crisis before...

INNOVATION Quebec

ALLIANCE MÉTAL QUÉBEC

METAL MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE IN INNOVATION MODE

In Quebec, the industrial metal fabrication (IMF) sector is the most important manufacturing sector. Metal Manufacturing Alliance/Alliance Métal Québec (MMA/AMQ), has nearly 100 companies specializing in complex structures and metal components. Its mission is to create synergies between companies in order to solve common problems. THE METAL MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE NETWORKThe...

INNOVATE® Nashville

NASHVILLE SOFTWARE SCHOOL

NASHVILLE SOFTWARE SCHOOL-CREATING AN ONRAMP TO REWARDING CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY

CREATING AN ONRAMP TO REWARDING CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY

It was late 2011 when Nashville Software School (NSS) Founder and CEO, John Wark set out to find a solution to a challenge he frequently heard about in Nashville’s business community – the persistent shortage of trained tech talent such as software developers. The tech skills gap was (and is)...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

REAL VENTURES

REAL VENTURES -CANADA’S MOST ACTIVE EARLY-STAGE VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM

CANADA’S MOST ACTIVE EARLY-STAGE VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM

Real Ventures is one of Canada’s most active early-stage venture capital firms, dedicated to serving entrepreneurs and nurturing the communities in which they thrive. In 2007, we questioned why brilliant Canadian founders should have to fly to San Francisco to raise seed capital. Since then, we have dedicated ourselves to...

INNOVATION Quebec

CIMEQ

EST LE CENTRE COLLÉGIAL DE TRANSFERT DE TECHNOLOGIE (CCTT) DANS LE SECTEUR DE LA MICROÉLECTRONIQUE.

L’innovation et la technologie sont l’affaire du Centre d’innovation en microélectronique du Québec (CIMEQ) dans les secteurs de l’électronique, de l’Internet des objets, du génie logiciel et de l’intelligence artificielle. Depuis 1983, le Centre aide des entreprises de tous les secteurs à développer de nouveaux produits, à adapter leurs manières...

INNOVATE® Maryland

TEDCO

LEADING INNOVATION TO MARKET – A MISSION IN ACTION

As a state filled with brilliant minds, access to world-class laboratories and researchers, and high-ranking universities, it only makes sense for Maryland to lead efforts to support the innovation derived from these assets to the commercial market. At the center of this vision stands TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation); founded...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

PHALANX

FROM CLUELESS TO COVERED Businesses Choose Phalanx as their First Step in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity can be complex and difficult to navigate for cybersecurity professionals. This sentiment is multiplied for business executives trying to decipher the ecosystem to protect their data, and even more importantly, their customers’ data. Established with a vision to redefine cybersecurity for businesses lacking specialized personnel, Phalanx has quickly become...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

MITACS

MAKING WAVES AND BUILDING HOMES: THE IMPACT OF MITACS IN ATLANTIC CANADA

THE IMPACT OF MITACS IN ATLANTIC CANADA Mitacs, a national not-for-profit organization, drives innovation across Atlantic Canada through strategic collaborations. With a network of over 197 postsecondary institutions across the country and more than 25 years of experience, Mitacs employs a collaborative approach to research and innovation, matching need with...

INNOVATION Quebec

Pharmabio Développement

Depuis 1999, Pharmabio Développement, le Comité sectoriel de maind’œuvre des industries des produits pharmaceutiques et biotechnologiques, porte fièrement sa mission de participer activement au développement de la main-d’œuvre et de l’emploi des entreprises de son secteur

Afin de soutenir sa mission, le mandat de Pharmabio Développement se définit comme suit : • Soutenir et conseiller les partenaires de l’industrie et de l’éducation dans le développement de solutions.• Approvisionner l’ensemble de ses partenaires en outils, en programmes et en information.• Jouer un rôle de premier plan dans...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Essential Board Portal Features

Directors reviewing reports and charts during a board meeting

What to look for before choosing a governance platform

A board portal should help directors access materials securely, review updates, vote, sign, annotate, and prepare for decisions without relying on long email chains or unsecured attachments. The right platform also needs to fit daily governance habits. A strong portal should reduce manual admin, protect confidential data, and make meeting...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

RUTGERS RESEARCH

Complex societal challenges require innovative solutions that transform and improve lives around the world. As a top 20 public research university with more than 300 research centers and institutions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, offers a wide variety of programs that drive and support diverse and inclusive research,...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

LAQUILA

QUALITY AND INNOVATION IN TWO WHEELS

Laquila was founded in 1980, with a small 100m² store, focused on selling motorcycle parts, in Rio Grande do Sul. With determination and a vision of the future, they expanded to 200m² and, later, to an even larger space, adopting the wholesale model. After 12 years in the capital of...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

PARTSBADGER

ACCELERATING THE INNOVATION OF OTHERS

When Roy and Jimmy needed an enclosure machined for their small airborne electronics company, it took twelve inquiries over the course of weeks just to get a quote. When they finally did get a quote, it was cheaper to buy a CNC mill and make the machined parts themselves. So...

INNOVATE® South Florida

SUSTAINABASE

INNOVATING FOR THE PLANET TO EMPOWER GLOBAL AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

SUSTAINABASE, A CARBON ACCOUNTING SOLUTION, EMPOWERS COMPANIES AND COMMUNITIES TO DE-RISK IN THE GROWING LOW-CARBON ECONOMY. In the heart of South Florida, often cited as ground zero for climate change and a burgeoning climate tech hub, SustainaBase stands out as a beacon of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Founded on the...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Pittsburgh Institute for Aeronautics

Keeping America’s Aviation Industry Flying High

Originally founded in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1929, PIA has offered industry-leading aviation training for nearly a century. As the organization’s newest campus, PIA Myrtle Beach first opened its doors in January 2012 in the same building that once housed the avionics facilities for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

MINDCHIP

THE RISE AT SEA: HOW MINDCHIP TEACHES SHIPS TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES

The sea has always been humanity’s vital artery—through it flow goods, people, and ideas. Yet the sea is also unpredictable and harsh. It is here, among waves and storms, that the Estonian deep-tech company MindChip faces a challenge that could reshape the future of maritime operations: how to make ships...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

TERRACYCLE

ON A MISSION TO ELIMINATE THE IDEA OF WASTE

TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Through collaboration and innovation, we’ve developed the world’s first solutions in everything from recycling to reuse. Businesses, government entities, and consumers work with us globally to keep trash out of...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

LION TUTORING

WHAT REALLY SETS US APART FROM OUR COMPETITION IS THE WAY THAT WE HAVE MERGED TECHNOLOGY WITH OUR ALREADY EXISTING SERVICES

Starting off as just a tutoring company, as time went on we merged our tutorials together with technology. Together with the 4th industrial revolution, we are the first company in Botswana to work as an “Uber for tutors.” We are basically matching tutors and students across Botswana, South Africa, and...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

CREDIBOM

CREDIBOM-Working Everyday In The Interest Of Our Customers And Society

Working Everyday In The Interest Of Our Customers And Society

As part of the Crédit Agricole Group – one of the largest European banking groups – Credibom is a bank specialized in consumer credit and a leader in Portugal, particularly in automotive financing. Established in 1995, Credibom focus is to adapt its products and services to the needs of its...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Sticker Builder

Unlocking the Next Frontier

“Mass customization made simple. Creative chaos made scalable.” In today’s experience-driven economy, personalization isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of competitive advantage. Customers expect more than just products; they want creative control, self-expression, and seamless experiences. That’s where Sticker Builder by Antigro Designer, based in Kraków, Poland, comes in. This...

INNOVATION Quebec

C2T3

CCTT IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

C2T3’s mission is to contribute to technological innovation and the economic growth of businesses in the sectors of telecommunications, the Internet of Things, 5G networks and smart connectivity. As a hub of excellence in telecommunications, we develop technological innovation processes to promote knowledge, expertise, research and innovation regionally and nationwide....

Global Innovation Spotlight

3 Proven Ways to Boost Brand Visibility Fast

Businessman holding blank white business card.

3 Proven Ways to Boost Brand Visibility Fast To boost brand visibility fast, leverage custom apparel for instant recognition, harness storytelling to forge emotional connections, and expand reach through strategic partnerships. These innovative branding strategies bypass traditional advertising noise by creating authentic touchpoints that build trust.  By implementing these tactics,...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

HUAWEI

AND THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AS A PATH TO A MORE CONNECTED, INTELLIGENT, AND SUSTAINABLE WORLD

Huawei is a global leader in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. According to Forbes magazine, the company is one of the world’s most valuable brands. Its vision is to enrich people’s lives through digital technologies and customer-centric innovation. With more than 207,000 employees worldwide, the company...

Ecosystems