Stories of Innovation

INNOVATION Quebec

RQIS

THE BEATING HEART OF QUEBEC’S SOCIAL INNOVATION SYSTEM

The Réseau québécois en innovation sociale (RQIS) is a space for sharing and mobilizing knowledge and experience, helping to make social innovation an essential lever for sustainable development in Quebec. Created in 2005 as part of the Université du Québec network, RQIS first focused on gaining a better understanding of...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF)

AN INNOVATIVE FORCE-THE PRESERVATION OF DIGNITY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Canada’s population is growing older. In 2019, the population of seniors 65-years of age and older was almost one-fifth of the overall population, and by 2040 the population of seniors is predicted to reach one-fourth of the overall population, with over one-third of seniors having two or more chronic diseases.1...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

SONGFINCH

SONGFINCH - Is a Platform to Discover and Collaborate With Thousands of Musicians to Create Personalized

Is a Platform to Discover and Collaborate With Thousands of Musicians to Create Personalized, One-of-a-Kind Songs

Since launching, Songfinch has grown into the leading creator marketplace for musicians touting some of the most influential names in music and tech as investors, including music icon Quincy Jones, current music superstars Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye and Amala ‘Doja Cat’ Dlamini, Atlantic Records CEO Craig Kallman, School of Rock...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

CAVRNUS

OFFERS A BLOCKCHAIN AND NFT-READY DESTINATION METAVERSE BUILDER PLATFORM THAT DELIVERS TRUE TO-LIFE EXPERIENCES TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ON ANY DEVICE

Cavrnus, Inc. is an innovative technology startup that enables every enterprise, brand and creator to intuitively design, build and share their vision of immersive reality with anyone, anywhere, and on any device. The Cavrnus metaverse builder platform delivers highly realistic visuals and interactions that bring any experience–from virtual product showrooms...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

DELTACORE CAPITAL

DELTACORE CAPITAL-

A HEDGE FUND FOR DIGITAL ASSETS - CRYPTO INVESTMENT FUND AND CONSULTING FIRM

Deltacore Capital was established in 2018, after finding success in the very popular 2017 crypto bullrun. Since then their focus has been on consulting, educating on financial crypto literacy as well as being the General Partner for Deltacore Digital Assets LP, a multi strategy investment fund focused solely on digital...

Global Innovation Spotlight

6 Technologies Changing Historical Reenactment

Augsburg functional full suit of steel plate armour on a display stand

Six technologies improving research, safety, authenticity and audience participation in living history.

Modern historical interpretation now blends research tools, safer equipment, authentic material culture, and audience-facing technology. This roundup examines six technology categories that improve research, safety, authenticity, and audience participation. Each entry weighs cost, training, fit, maintenance, and safety trade-offs. A closing checklist ties the choices together. 1. Digitized Museum and...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

eGroup

Fueling Progress Through Purpose-Driven Technology: How eGroup Enabling Technologies Powers Innovation

At eGroup Enabling Technologies, innovation is not an abstract concept or a buzzword reserved for future roadmaps. It is a daily responsibility, one grounded in purpose, partnership, and measurable impact. Their mission is clear– Fueling progress. That mission guides every decision they make, every solution they design, and every relationship...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Parallel Entrepreneur

How Mark Cleveland Is Redefining Entrepreneurship in Music City

In a city known for breakout artists and bold founders, Mark Cleveland is building something less obvious but no less revolutionary. Through his Parallel Entrepreneur brand – anchored by a podcast, a growing network, and a forthcoming book – Cleveland is giving voice to a specific kind of business leader:...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

Saunum

Revolution in Sauna Technology

SAUNUM’S UNIQUE BENEFITS SAUNUM’S UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION: HEALTH, INNOVATION, AND MARKET DIFFERENTIATION The Story of Saunum Andrus Vare, Thermal Engineer and The Creator of Saunum: “Inspired by the experience of my grandparents’ 100-year-old smoke sauna, I set out to create an innovative solution that combines the best features of a...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

ABILITIE

ABILITIE-LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WITH IMPACT

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WITH IMPACT

Abilitie offers world-class leadership development experiences that inspire, shape and develop people through differentiated learning programs, tools for self-discovery, and networks that expand opportunities.   The most transformational training hinges on experiential learning. This belief drives Abilitie’s team-based leadership simulations which put participants under pressure in rich, complex environments that...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

TRIPLE HELIX GROUP

TRIPLE HELIX GROUP - TURNING WASTE INTO RAW MATERIALS

TURNING WASTE INTO RAW MATERIALS

Material reincarnation or trying to preserve existing molecules at their end of life, is the core business of Triple Helix Molecules as a Service, THX in short. The Antwerp based start-up takes specific waste streams and transforms those back into valuable building blocks for the chemical industry or produces new...

INNOVATION Manitoba

Winnipeg Boldness

Reimagining Community Wellbeing Through Indigenous-Led Innovation

In Winnipeg’s Point Douglas neighbourhood, a powerful and deeply community-rooted movement is redefining what innovation can look like. Winnipeg Boldness is an Indigenous-led social innovation lab that places community voices, lived experience, and Indigenous knowledge systems at the center of social change. Through collaboration, relationship-building, and systems thinking, the organization...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

SEMETRON

INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE: MOBILE MODULAR HOSPITAL

The healthcare sector faces increasingly complex challenges — from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters to global pandemics and conflict-related crises. In these situations, timely access to quality medical care can be a matter of life and death. This is where Semetron steps in, an innovative leader from...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

THE DC WHEELS

SKATEBOARD TEAM AND CHARITY ORGANIZATION USES THE POWER OF SKATEBOARDING TO CHANGE LIVES

Their mission is to overcome longstanding stereotypes that surround skateboarding by helping others, reinforcing positivity, and supporting a healthy lifestyle. Also known as the Skate Crusaders, they have handpicked talent from across the metropolitan region and dedicate themselves to meaningfully help those in need. The team is comprised of girls/women...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

PAULMAN HOLDINGS

PAULMAN HOLDINGS-BUILDING INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS FOR AFRICA...

BUILDING INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS FOR AFRICA...

Paulman Holdings is a wholly citizen-owned company founded in 2010 with the sole vision of becoming the most trusted and respected company, recognized by their clients for delivering excellence whilst simultaneously creating new opportunities for growth in their respective fields. Their main venture is the transportation of goods and services...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

LITERA

Is Changing The Way Organizations Perfect Their Documents And Manage Transactions.

Litera (then Microsystems) was born in 1995 to solve a specific problem: helping law firms transition their documents from Word Perfect to Microsoft Word....

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

UNIVERSITY STARTUPS

Empowering Tomorrow

In the early, uncertain days of the pandemic, two Georgetown University McDonough School of Business professors found themselves contemplating a way to bring more purpose to their work and students’ lives. Marc Steren and John Jabara, both seasoned academics and entrepreneurs, decided to channel their expertise into something transformative. What...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

SMITH GAMBRELL RUSSELL

SMITH GAMBRELL RUSSELL-A FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM REPRESENTING THE BUSINESS NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT ECOSYSTEM

A FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM REPRESENTING THE BUSINESS NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT ECOSYSTEM

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP’s (SGR) entertainment practice includes legal practitioners specializing in intellectual property protection, technology, corporate transactional, tax, and real estate matters. The Firm’s founders began practicing law more than 125 years ago to commit to excellence and attract a wide array of talent dedicated to serving our...

INNOVATE® Northern Virginia

Virginia Tech

Where Ideas Meet Action

“Progress depends on who is prepared to act.” Under real-world pressure, ideas are on the clock. Innovation depends on speed, collaboration, and access to the right partners. In Northern Virginia, Virginia Tech has created the conditions that push promising ideas forward, positioning its growing presence in the region at the...

INNOVATION Quebec

LA VAGUE

THE ISLAND ACCELERATOR

The Corporation d’innovation et de développement des Îles, LA VAGUE, is an organization that creates a place of excellence to foster synergy between socio-economic stakeholders from the Magdalen Islands and elsewhere. Its vision is oriented towards a sustainable and wealth-creating Island economy. It offers specialized support to accelerate innovative projects...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

PILOTOMAIL

PILOTOMAIL-REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY WE ALL ACCESS AND MANAGE OUR POSTAL MAIL

REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY WE ALL ACCESS AND MANAGE OUR POSTAL MAIL

PilotoMail was born in a high traffic mailroom at Piloto 151 coworking spaces in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Stolberg siblings, Sofia and Juan Carlos, had been running the first and largest coworking operation on the Island for 6 years, and, as more entrepreneurs, freelancers, professionals and corporates joined their membership...

INNOVATE® South Florida

Miami Dade College

LEADING INNOVATION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

LEADING INNOVATION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT There’s a tech revolution happening in the heart of Miami. It’s being fueled by big thinkers, risk-taking entrepreneurs, public and private supporters. And alongside them at the grown-up’s table: Miami Dade College. Long acknowledged as one of the nation’s biggest and most diverse institutions of...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

KOLISI FOUNDATION

KOLISI FOUNDATION- REMEMBER THE ONE

REMEMBER THE ONE, ONE BY ONE.

Rachel and Siya Kolisi founded the Kolisi Foundation with this belief in mind: it is through the power of listening that positive change can happen in South Africa. We need to listen to what people dealing with challenging circumstances really need. We need to listen to the people already working...

INNOVATION Quebec

ARTENSO

CCTT EN ART ET ENGAGEMENT SOCIAL

Artenso est un acronyme signifiant art et engagement social. Le CCTT croit activement au pouvoir de la culture comme vecteur de développement économique et social des collectivités. Affilié au cégep de Saint-Laurent à Montréal, Artenso se démarque par son expertise croisée dans les champs des politiques publiques, des pratiques artistiques...

INNOVATION Quebec

RQIS

THE BEATING HEART OF QUEBEC’S SOCIAL INNOVATION SYSTEM

The Réseau québécois en innovation sociale (RQIS) is a space for sharing and mobilizing knowledge and experience, helping to make social innovation an essential lever for sustainable development in Quebec. Created in 2005 as part of the Université du Québec network, RQIS first focused on gaining a better understanding of...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF)

AN INNOVATIVE FORCE-THE PRESERVATION OF DIGNITY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Canada’s population is growing older. In 2019, the population of seniors 65-years of age and older was almost one-fifth of the overall population, and by 2040 the population of seniors is predicted to reach one-fourth of the overall population, with over one-third of seniors having two or more chronic diseases.1...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

SONGFINCH

SONGFINCH - Is a Platform to Discover and Collaborate With Thousands of Musicians to Create Personalized

Is a Platform to Discover and Collaborate With Thousands of Musicians to Create Personalized, One-of-a-Kind Songs

Since launching, Songfinch has grown into the leading creator marketplace for musicians touting some of the most influential names in music and tech as investors, including music icon Quincy Jones, current music superstars Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye and Amala ‘Doja Cat’ Dlamini, Atlantic Records CEO Craig Kallman, School of Rock...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

CAVRNUS

OFFERS A BLOCKCHAIN AND NFT-READY DESTINATION METAVERSE BUILDER PLATFORM THAT DELIVERS TRUE TO-LIFE EXPERIENCES TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ON ANY DEVICE

Cavrnus, Inc. is an innovative technology startup that enables every enterprise, brand and creator to intuitively design, build and share their vision of immersive reality with anyone, anywhere, and on any device. The Cavrnus metaverse builder platform delivers highly realistic visuals and interactions that bring any experience–from virtual product showrooms...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

DELTACORE CAPITAL

DELTACORE CAPITAL-

A HEDGE FUND FOR DIGITAL ASSETS - CRYPTO INVESTMENT FUND AND CONSULTING FIRM

Deltacore Capital was established in 2018, after finding success in the very popular 2017 crypto bullrun. Since then their focus has been on consulting, educating on financial crypto literacy as well as being the General Partner for Deltacore Digital Assets LP, a multi strategy investment fund focused solely on digital...

Global Innovation Spotlight

6 Technologies Changing Historical Reenactment

Augsburg functional full suit of steel plate armour on a display stand

Six technologies improving research, safety, authenticity and audience participation in living history.

Modern historical interpretation now blends research tools, safer equipment, authentic material culture, and audience-facing technology. This roundup examines six technology categories that improve research, safety, authenticity, and audience participation. Each entry weighs cost, training, fit, maintenance, and safety trade-offs. A closing checklist ties the choices together. 1. Digitized Museum and...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

eGroup

Fueling Progress Through Purpose-Driven Technology: How eGroup Enabling Technologies Powers Innovation

At eGroup Enabling Technologies, innovation is not an abstract concept or a buzzword reserved for future roadmaps. It is a daily responsibility, one grounded in purpose, partnership, and measurable impact. Their mission is clear– Fueling progress. That mission guides every decision they make, every solution they design, and every relationship...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Parallel Entrepreneur

How Mark Cleveland Is Redefining Entrepreneurship in Music City

In a city known for breakout artists and bold founders, Mark Cleveland is building something less obvious but no less revolutionary. Through his Parallel Entrepreneur brand – anchored by a podcast, a growing network, and a forthcoming book – Cleveland is giving voice to a specific kind of business leader:...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

Saunum

Revolution in Sauna Technology

SAUNUM’S UNIQUE BENEFITS SAUNUM’S UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION: HEALTH, INNOVATION, AND MARKET DIFFERENTIATION The Story of Saunum Andrus Vare, Thermal Engineer and The Creator of Saunum: “Inspired by the experience of my grandparents’ 100-year-old smoke sauna, I set out to create an innovative solution that combines the best features of a...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

ABILITIE

ABILITIE-LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WITH IMPACT

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WITH IMPACT

Abilitie offers world-class leadership development experiences that inspire, shape and develop people through differentiated learning programs, tools for self-discovery, and networks that expand opportunities.   The most transformational training hinges on experiential learning. This belief drives Abilitie’s team-based leadership simulations which put participants under pressure in rich, complex environments that...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

TRIPLE HELIX GROUP

TRIPLE HELIX GROUP - TURNING WASTE INTO RAW MATERIALS

TURNING WASTE INTO RAW MATERIALS

Material reincarnation or trying to preserve existing molecules at their end of life, is the core business of Triple Helix Molecules as a Service, THX in short. The Antwerp based start-up takes specific waste streams and transforms those back into valuable building blocks for the chemical industry or produces new...

INNOVATION Manitoba

Winnipeg Boldness

Reimagining Community Wellbeing Through Indigenous-Led Innovation

In Winnipeg’s Point Douglas neighbourhood, a powerful and deeply community-rooted movement is redefining what innovation can look like. Winnipeg Boldness is an Indigenous-led social innovation lab that places community voices, lived experience, and Indigenous knowledge systems at the center of social change. Through collaboration, relationship-building, and systems thinking, the organization...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

SEMETRON

INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE: MOBILE MODULAR HOSPITAL

The healthcare sector faces increasingly complex challenges — from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters to global pandemics and conflict-related crises. In these situations, timely access to quality medical care can be a matter of life and death. This is where Semetron steps in, an innovative leader from...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

THE DC WHEELS

SKATEBOARD TEAM AND CHARITY ORGANIZATION USES THE POWER OF SKATEBOARDING TO CHANGE LIVES

Their mission is to overcome longstanding stereotypes that surround skateboarding by helping others, reinforcing positivity, and supporting a healthy lifestyle. Also known as the Skate Crusaders, they have handpicked talent from across the metropolitan region and dedicate themselves to meaningfully help those in need. The team is comprised of girls/women...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

PAULMAN HOLDINGS

PAULMAN HOLDINGS-BUILDING INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS FOR AFRICA...

BUILDING INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS FOR AFRICA...

Paulman Holdings is a wholly citizen-owned company founded in 2010 with the sole vision of becoming the most trusted and respected company, recognized by their clients for delivering excellence whilst simultaneously creating new opportunities for growth in their respective fields. Their main venture is the transportation of goods and services...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

LITERA

Is Changing The Way Organizations Perfect Their Documents And Manage Transactions.

Litera (then Microsystems) was born in 1995 to solve a specific problem: helping law firms transition their documents from Word Perfect to Microsoft Word....

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

UNIVERSITY STARTUPS

Empowering Tomorrow

In the early, uncertain days of the pandemic, two Georgetown University McDonough School of Business professors found themselves contemplating a way to bring more purpose to their work and students’ lives. Marc Steren and John Jabara, both seasoned academics and entrepreneurs, decided to channel their expertise into something transformative. What...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

SMITH GAMBRELL RUSSELL

SMITH GAMBRELL RUSSELL-A FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM REPRESENTING THE BUSINESS NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT ECOSYSTEM

A FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM REPRESENTING THE BUSINESS NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT ECOSYSTEM

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP’s (SGR) entertainment practice includes legal practitioners specializing in intellectual property protection, technology, corporate transactional, tax, and real estate matters. The Firm’s founders began practicing law more than 125 years ago to commit to excellence and attract a wide array of talent dedicated to serving our...

INNOVATE® Northern Virginia

Virginia Tech

Where Ideas Meet Action

“Progress depends on who is prepared to act.” Under real-world pressure, ideas are on the clock. Innovation depends on speed, collaboration, and access to the right partners. In Northern Virginia, Virginia Tech has created the conditions that push promising ideas forward, positioning its growing presence in the region at the...

INNOVATION Quebec

LA VAGUE

THE ISLAND ACCELERATOR

The Corporation d’innovation et de développement des Îles, LA VAGUE, is an organization that creates a place of excellence to foster synergy between socio-economic stakeholders from the Magdalen Islands and elsewhere. Its vision is oriented towards a sustainable and wealth-creating Island economy. It offers specialized support to accelerate innovative projects...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

PILOTOMAIL

PILOTOMAIL-REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY WE ALL ACCESS AND MANAGE OUR POSTAL MAIL

REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY WE ALL ACCESS AND MANAGE OUR POSTAL MAIL

PilotoMail was born in a high traffic mailroom at Piloto 151 coworking spaces in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Stolberg siblings, Sofia and Juan Carlos, had been running the first and largest coworking operation on the Island for 6 years, and, as more entrepreneurs, freelancers, professionals and corporates joined their membership...

INNOVATE® South Florida

Miami Dade College

LEADING INNOVATION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

LEADING INNOVATION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT There’s a tech revolution happening in the heart of Miami. It’s being fueled by big thinkers, risk-taking entrepreneurs, public and private supporters. And alongside them at the grown-up’s table: Miami Dade College. Long acknowledged as one of the nation’s biggest and most diverse institutions of...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

KOLISI FOUNDATION

KOLISI FOUNDATION- REMEMBER THE ONE

REMEMBER THE ONE, ONE BY ONE.

Rachel and Siya Kolisi founded the Kolisi Foundation with this belief in mind: it is through the power of listening that positive change can happen in South Africa. We need to listen to what people dealing with challenging circumstances really need. We need to listen to the people already working...

INNOVATION Quebec

ARTENSO

CCTT EN ART ET ENGAGEMENT SOCIAL

Artenso est un acronyme signifiant art et engagement social. Le CCTT croit activement au pouvoir de la culture comme vecteur de développement économique et social des collectivités. Affilié au cégep de Saint-Laurent à Montréal, Artenso se démarque par son expertise croisée dans les champs des politiques publiques, des pratiques artistiques...

Ecosystems