Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Miami

Guru Financial

A mobile payday lending application

Guru the friendly lender is a mobile payday lending application, helping people get out of these financial troubles by providing them with small affordable loans and educational resources to help improve their financial situation. Problem People need access to credit in order to help pay their bills and take care...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

ADPO

REVOLUTIONIZING CHEMICAL LOGISTICS IN EUROPE

Future-forward. Future-focused. ADPO is committed to accelerating the energy transition by decarbonizing the supply chain for its customers. “If you want to begin to reduce your environmental footprint, the quickest way to start is to find those suppliers who’ve already reduced theirs,” says Filip De Dijcker, Managing Director at ADPO....

INNOVATE® Georgia

IVISION

EARNING CLIENTS FOR LIFE EVERY DAY THROUGH ENGINEERING EXPERTISE AND WHITE-GLOVE SERVICE

ivision is a leading technology consulting and managed services provider headquartered in Atlanta, GA. With a client-centric, engineer-based approach, ivision helps organizations leverage technology to achieve their business goals. ivision employs an Architect, Transform, Operate work model to encompass consulting services, managed services and product resale around their four areas...

INNOVATE® South Florida

FUEL VENTURE CAPITAL

MIAMI ROOTS AND A GLOBAL REACH

“When we launched Fuel Venture Capital in 2017, a lot of people thought we were crazy,” Fuel Venture Capital’s Founding Partner and Managing Director Jeff Ransdell has often been quoted as saying. He’s not wrong. Back then, #MiamiTech wasn’t even a thought. But, now less than even years in, Fuel...

INNOVATION Quebec

IVÉO

POUR DES TERRITOIRES PLUS INTELLIGENTS ET DURABLES

IVÉO est un organisme sans but lucratif dont la mission est d’accélérer le déploiement d’innovations dans le milieu municipal. Ses interventions se situent principalement dans l’expérimentation et le montage de projets pilotes en réponse aux enjeux sociaux, environnementaux et économiques auxquels font face les villes. En agissant comme courtier d’innovation...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CONSTRUCTION CHECK

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATING

In the bustling landscape of the construction industry, a new player has emerged with a vision to revolutionize the way professionals estimate costs. Construction Check, founded in Atlanta, Georgia, by Leanda Thomas, the former CEO of Project Cost Solutions, Inc., is poised to become the leading platform for construction cost...

INNOVATION Quebec

Centre ACER

Centre ACER- The maple syrup research

The maple syrup research, development and technology transfer center, has been a world leader in innovation for the maple industry since 1998

For nearly 25 years, Centre ACER has been stimulating excellence and supporting the quality and profitability of the maple syrup industry. By combining knowledge and vision, this network of true innovation promotes the influence and international development of the maple industry in Quebec and ensures its sustainability.   Comprised of...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

AIRE

THE TRUST THAT LED ESTONIAN COMPANIES ONTO AI AND ROBOTICS PATHS

In October 2021, AIRE began operations as one of Estonia’s leading AI and robotics innovation centres. The centre was established with the aim of supporting local industrial companies in adopting artificial intelligence and robotics solutions. Today, AIRE plays a central role in accelerating digital transformation, serving as a trustworthy bridge...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

THE CHICAGO HELP INITIATIVE

THE CHICAGO HELP INITIATIVE-A Simple

A Simple, Duplicable Model Of How Local Organizations Can Help Those In Need And The Community That Surrounds Them

The Chicago Help Initiative was founded in 1999 by Jacqueline C. Hayes to be a compassionate response to the homeless displaced by efforts of the City of Chicago. It has evolved into a hyperlocal model of how individuals can link together to address a difficult problem using a mix of...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

SHAREARIDE

SHAREARIDE -TRANSFORMING BOTSWANA’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

TRANSFORMING BOTSWANA’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Sharearide is a service driven by Corrugated Minds, a company built by a young team who are passionate about transforming citizens’ day-to-day lives through the provision of solutions powered by technology. The Corrugated Minds journey began in 2014, with an idea to provide digital solutions to Botswana’s everyday activities, including...

INNOVATE® Nashville

THE WONDRY

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™ Botswana Vol.1

ECOHUB (PTY) LTD

ECOHUB (PTY) LTD- “ONE MAN’S WASTE

“ONE MAN’S WASTE, ANOTHER MAN’S SUSTAINABLE ECO BUILDING”

July 2017 I left my 9-5 job of being a full time Lecturer, and founded Ecohub (Pty) Ltd, a startup that innovatively uses plastic waste combined with other additives to produce affordable, architect designed flat pack ecobricks to build ecohouses. As the only Founder, I took a risk and sold...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

MARS

MARS-Toronto’s Home Of Meaningful Innovation

Toronto’s Home Of Meaningful Innovation

MaRS helps promising ventures become world-leading companies. The anchor of Canada’s tech ecosystem, MaRS connects all players in the innovation economy to turn breakthrough ideas into products and services with global impact. MaRS was founded on the philosophy that innovators require more than labs and offices. They need a platform...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

OMNICART

A SAAS PLATFORM AND DELIVERY OPERATING SYSTEM FOR ENTREPRENEURS WHO WANT TO BUILD AND SCALE

OMNICART-A SAAS PLATFORM AND DELIVERY OPERATING SYSTEM FOR ENTREPRENEURS WHO WANT TO BUILD AND SCALE A DELIVERY BUSINESS, AND WE ARE ON A MISSION TO EMPOWER EVERYONE TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF ON-DEMAND DELIVERY. In the same way that Shopify made it easier for anyone to start and scale an...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

FOXTRAIL CANADA

(RE)DISCOVERING VANCOUVER WITH THE CLEVER FOX

What if you were challenged to go outside to solve puzzles, find and play with hidden objects, and enjoy sightseeing and off-the-beaten-path gems in beautiful Vancouver? Yes, we know you’d say yes. Foxtrail is a popular outdoor self-guided team-building adventure that combines scavenger hunts, escape games, and sightseeing. Founded 21...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

MAHLAKO A PHAHLA

MAHLAKO A PHAHLA - AN ORGANISATION THAT IS AFRICAN WOMEN-OWNED

AN ORGANISATION THAT IS AFRICAN WOMEN-OWNED, MANAGED AND INSPIRED, THAT PROMOTES AFRICAN AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EXCELLENCE

Mahlako a Phahla, founded by sisters Makole Mupita and Meta Mhlarhi, is named after our mother Mahlako to pay homage to her pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit in building a successful family business at a time when it was difficult for many black people to do so.   Mahlako is an...

INNOVATE® Georgia

HANNIBAL AI

ANCIENT TACTICS, DIGITALFRONTIERS: HANNIBAL AI’S MODERN CONQUEST

In the relentless march of technology, where change is the only constant, Hannibal AI provides real experience in artificial intelligence. The company understands the terrain of tomorrow, navigating the evolving landscape with the agility and foresight of its namesake, Hannibal Barca. Like Hannibal’s legendary campaigns against the Roman Republic, Hannibal...

INNOVATE® Nashville

RJ Young

How RJ Young and Velocity1 Are Redefining Technology Solutions Across the Southeast

For more than 70 years, RJ Young has stood at the forefront of helping businesses adapt to change. What began in 1955 as a local provider of office equipment in Nashville has grown into one of the Southeast’s most respected and comprehensive business technology partners. Over the decades, RJ Young...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

FRESH CITY

FRESH CITY- CONNECTING TORONTONIANS WITH SUSTAINABLE FARMING & QUALITY FOOD

CONNECTING TORONTONIANS WITH SUSTAINABLE FARMING & QUALITY FOOD

Fresh City is an award-winning urban farm and omnichannel retailer. With the recent addition of Mama Earth to our family of brands that includes Mabel’s Bakery and The Healthy Butcher, Fresh City is now the largest organic online retailer in Ontario. After a decade, the impact and belief in our...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

OPERTO

A WORLD-LEADING PROPERTY AUTOMATION PLATFORM FOR THE SHORT-TERM, MULTIFAMILY AND HOTEL INDUSTRIES

By bringing together innovative software and best-in-class hardware solutions, Operto enables property owners/managers to efficiently run, scale and monetize their business, while eliminating common friction points associated with the guest journey. Operto has built a huge global footprint in the accommodation industry, with customers ranging from single Airbnb operators, up...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Beeline

Beeline - A story of true innovation

A story of true innovation, perseverance, and grit

Ours is a story of true innovation, perseverance, and grit, which eventually led the company to be one of the two dominant forces in workforce management. ,     Beeline is a Jacksonville-based company just exiting its teenage years. Beeline isn’t a household name; in fact, most of the Jacksonville...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

INNOVATIONS IN SPINAL SURGERY DR. DAVID VAN SCHAIK

INNOVATIONS IN SPINAL SURGERY DR. DAVID VAN SCHAIK

CONSULTANT SPINE SURGEON AZ RIVIERENLAND (RUMST) AND UZ BRUSSELS (VUB)

STATUS QUO IN SPINAL SURGERY IS NOT AN OPTION!No status quo is synonymous with innovation. Innovation must transform the way we deliver care to patients. On one side this has to involve patient-centered improvement by careful listening and precise information. On the other hand, surgical procedures must apply the principle...

INNOVATION Quebec

INAF

EN AVANT VERS UNE ALIMENTATION DURABLE

Les défis du secteur bioalimentaire sont complexes et exacerbés par de grandes menaces telles que les changements climatiques et les inégalités sociales. Il est crucial de se préoccuper de l’impact de nos choix alimentaires sur la société et l’environnement. Favoriser l’accès à une alimentation saine, variée et durable tout en...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION

THE FESTIVAL STATE

With a world-class festival and events calendar that spans the whole year, you’ll always find frivolity on your South Australian itinerary. Think festivals dedicated to Australia’s most watched game, or all things culinary excellence; Australia’s greatest cycling race, international sporting debuts or the world’s second largest arts festival. There’s a...

INNOVATE® Miami

Guru Financial

A mobile payday lending application

Guru the friendly lender is a mobile payday lending application, helping people get out of these financial troubles by providing them with small affordable loans and educational resources to help improve their financial situation. Problem People need access to credit in order to help pay their bills and take care...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

ADPO

REVOLUTIONIZING CHEMICAL LOGISTICS IN EUROPE

Future-forward. Future-focused. ADPO is committed to accelerating the energy transition by decarbonizing the supply chain for its customers. “If you want to begin to reduce your environmental footprint, the quickest way to start is to find those suppliers who’ve already reduced theirs,” says Filip De Dijcker, Managing Director at ADPO....

INNOVATE® Georgia

IVISION

EARNING CLIENTS FOR LIFE EVERY DAY THROUGH ENGINEERING EXPERTISE AND WHITE-GLOVE SERVICE

ivision is a leading technology consulting and managed services provider headquartered in Atlanta, GA. With a client-centric, engineer-based approach, ivision helps organizations leverage technology to achieve their business goals. ivision employs an Architect, Transform, Operate work model to encompass consulting services, managed services and product resale around their four areas...

INNOVATE® South Florida

FUEL VENTURE CAPITAL

MIAMI ROOTS AND A GLOBAL REACH

“When we launched Fuel Venture Capital in 2017, a lot of people thought we were crazy,” Fuel Venture Capital’s Founding Partner and Managing Director Jeff Ransdell has often been quoted as saying. He’s not wrong. Back then, #MiamiTech wasn’t even a thought. But, now less than even years in, Fuel...

INNOVATION Quebec

IVÉO

POUR DES TERRITOIRES PLUS INTELLIGENTS ET DURABLES

IVÉO est un organisme sans but lucratif dont la mission est d’accélérer le déploiement d’innovations dans le milieu municipal. Ses interventions se situent principalement dans l’expérimentation et le montage de projets pilotes en réponse aux enjeux sociaux, environnementaux et économiques auxquels font face les villes. En agissant comme courtier d’innovation...

INNOVATE® Georgia

CONSTRUCTION CHECK

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATING

In the bustling landscape of the construction industry, a new player has emerged with a vision to revolutionize the way professionals estimate costs. Construction Check, founded in Atlanta, Georgia, by Leanda Thomas, the former CEO of Project Cost Solutions, Inc., is poised to become the leading platform for construction cost...

INNOVATION Quebec

Centre ACER

Centre ACER- The maple syrup research

The maple syrup research, development and technology transfer center, has been a world leader in innovation for the maple industry since 1998

For nearly 25 years, Centre ACER has been stimulating excellence and supporting the quality and profitability of the maple syrup industry. By combining knowledge and vision, this network of true innovation promotes the influence and international development of the maple industry in Quebec and ensures its sustainability.   Comprised of...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

AIRE

THE TRUST THAT LED ESTONIAN COMPANIES ONTO AI AND ROBOTICS PATHS

In October 2021, AIRE began operations as one of Estonia’s leading AI and robotics innovation centres. The centre was established with the aim of supporting local industrial companies in adopting artificial intelligence and robotics solutions. Today, AIRE plays a central role in accelerating digital transformation, serving as a trustworthy bridge...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

THE CHICAGO HELP INITIATIVE

THE CHICAGO HELP INITIATIVE-A Simple

A Simple, Duplicable Model Of How Local Organizations Can Help Those In Need And The Community That Surrounds Them

The Chicago Help Initiative was founded in 1999 by Jacqueline C. Hayes to be a compassionate response to the homeless displaced by efforts of the City of Chicago. It has evolved into a hyperlocal model of how individuals can link together to address a difficult problem using a mix of...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

SHAREARIDE

SHAREARIDE -TRANSFORMING BOTSWANA’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

TRANSFORMING BOTSWANA’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Sharearide is a service driven by Corrugated Minds, a company built by a young team who are passionate about transforming citizens’ day-to-day lives through the provision of solutions powered by technology. The Corrugated Minds journey began in 2014, with an idea to provide digital solutions to Botswana’s everyday activities, including...

INNOVATE® Nashville

THE WONDRY

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™ Botswana Vol.1

ECOHUB (PTY) LTD

ECOHUB (PTY) LTD- “ONE MAN’S WASTE

“ONE MAN’S WASTE, ANOTHER MAN’S SUSTAINABLE ECO BUILDING”

July 2017 I left my 9-5 job of being a full time Lecturer, and founded Ecohub (Pty) Ltd, a startup that innovatively uses plastic waste combined with other additives to produce affordable, architect designed flat pack ecobricks to build ecohouses. As the only Founder, I took a risk and sold...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

MARS

MARS-Toronto’s Home Of Meaningful Innovation

Toronto’s Home Of Meaningful Innovation

MaRS helps promising ventures become world-leading companies. The anchor of Canada’s tech ecosystem, MaRS connects all players in the innovation economy to turn breakthrough ideas into products and services with global impact. MaRS was founded on the philosophy that innovators require more than labs and offices. They need a platform...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

OMNICART

A SAAS PLATFORM AND DELIVERY OPERATING SYSTEM FOR ENTREPRENEURS WHO WANT TO BUILD AND SCALE

OMNICART-A SAAS PLATFORM AND DELIVERY OPERATING SYSTEM FOR ENTREPRENEURS WHO WANT TO BUILD AND SCALE A DELIVERY BUSINESS, AND WE ARE ON A MISSION TO EMPOWER EVERYONE TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF ON-DEMAND DELIVERY. In the same way that Shopify made it easier for anyone to start and scale an...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

FOXTRAIL CANADA

(RE)DISCOVERING VANCOUVER WITH THE CLEVER FOX

What if you were challenged to go outside to solve puzzles, find and play with hidden objects, and enjoy sightseeing and off-the-beaten-path gems in beautiful Vancouver? Yes, we know you’d say yes. Foxtrail is a popular outdoor self-guided team-building adventure that combines scavenger hunts, escape games, and sightseeing. Founded 21...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

MAHLAKO A PHAHLA

MAHLAKO A PHAHLA - AN ORGANISATION THAT IS AFRICAN WOMEN-OWNED

AN ORGANISATION THAT IS AFRICAN WOMEN-OWNED, MANAGED AND INSPIRED, THAT PROMOTES AFRICAN AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EXCELLENCE

Mahlako a Phahla, founded by sisters Makole Mupita and Meta Mhlarhi, is named after our mother Mahlako to pay homage to her pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit in building a successful family business at a time when it was difficult for many black people to do so.   Mahlako is an...

INNOVATE® Georgia

HANNIBAL AI

ANCIENT TACTICS, DIGITALFRONTIERS: HANNIBAL AI’S MODERN CONQUEST

In the relentless march of technology, where change is the only constant, Hannibal AI provides real experience in artificial intelligence. The company understands the terrain of tomorrow, navigating the evolving landscape with the agility and foresight of its namesake, Hannibal Barca. Like Hannibal’s legendary campaigns against the Roman Republic, Hannibal...

INNOVATE® Nashville

RJ Young

How RJ Young and Velocity1 Are Redefining Technology Solutions Across the Southeast

For more than 70 years, RJ Young has stood at the forefront of helping businesses adapt to change. What began in 1955 as a local provider of office equipment in Nashville has grown into one of the Southeast’s most respected and comprehensive business technology partners. Over the decades, RJ Young...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

FRESH CITY

FRESH CITY- CONNECTING TORONTONIANS WITH SUSTAINABLE FARMING & QUALITY FOOD

CONNECTING TORONTONIANS WITH SUSTAINABLE FARMING & QUALITY FOOD

Fresh City is an award-winning urban farm and omnichannel retailer. With the recent addition of Mama Earth to our family of brands that includes Mabel’s Bakery and The Healthy Butcher, Fresh City is now the largest organic online retailer in Ontario. After a decade, the impact and belief in our...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

OPERTO

A WORLD-LEADING PROPERTY AUTOMATION PLATFORM FOR THE SHORT-TERM, MULTIFAMILY AND HOTEL INDUSTRIES

By bringing together innovative software and best-in-class hardware solutions, Operto enables property owners/managers to efficiently run, scale and monetize their business, while eliminating common friction points associated with the guest journey. Operto has built a huge global footprint in the accommodation industry, with customers ranging from single Airbnb operators, up...

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Beeline

Beeline - A story of true innovation

A story of true innovation, perseverance, and grit

Ours is a story of true innovation, perseverance, and grit, which eventually led the company to be one of the two dominant forces in workforce management. ,     Beeline is a Jacksonville-based company just exiting its teenage years. Beeline isn’t a household name; in fact, most of the Jacksonville...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

INNOVATIONS IN SPINAL SURGERY DR. DAVID VAN SCHAIK

INNOVATIONS IN SPINAL SURGERY DR. DAVID VAN SCHAIK

CONSULTANT SPINE SURGEON AZ RIVIERENLAND (RUMST) AND UZ BRUSSELS (VUB)

STATUS QUO IN SPINAL SURGERY IS NOT AN OPTION!No status quo is synonymous with innovation. Innovation must transform the way we deliver care to patients. On one side this has to involve patient-centered improvement by careful listening and precise information. On the other hand, surgical procedures must apply the principle...

INNOVATION Quebec

INAF

EN AVANT VERS UNE ALIMENTATION DURABLE

Les défis du secteur bioalimentaire sont complexes et exacerbés par de grandes menaces telles que les changements climatiques et les inégalités sociales. Il est crucial de se préoccuper de l’impact de nos choix alimentaires sur la société et l’environnement. Favoriser l’accès à une alimentation saine, variée et durable tout en...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION

THE FESTIVAL STATE

With a world-class festival and events calendar that spans the whole year, you’ll always find frivolity on your South Australian itinerary. Think festivals dedicated to Australia’s most watched game, or all things culinary excellence; Australia’s greatest cycling race, international sporting debuts or the world’s second largest arts festival. There’s a...

Ecosystems