Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Spartanburg Community College

Chasing Dreams, Transforming Futures

Helping Students Dream it. Chase it. Live it. Spartanburg Community College (SCC) transforms lives and communities through accessible, high-quality education and workforce development. Committed to fostering student success and economic growth, SCC equips learners with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. With five campuses across Spartanburg, Cherokee,...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

DAVID SOBEY RETAILING CENTRE

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF RETAIL

“In the past decade, retailers have been forced to innovate, and in some cases transform themselves in response to several external factors. Changing consumer behavior and employee expectations, the advent of AI, and the need to meet sustainability targets are just some of the factors driving big changes in the...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Detroit Opera

Setting the Scene for Opera's Future

Over the last half-century, Detroit Opera—formerly Michigan Opera Theatre—has become a deeply rooted cultural force in a city of innovation and diverse perspectives, presenting programs that resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds while positively impacting the local economy. Appointed as the company’s second-ever Artistic Director in 2020, Yuval...

INNOVATE® Philadelphia

Hopeworks

Reflecting the Evolving Spirit of Philadelphia

Reflecting the evolving spirit of Philadelphia Hopeworks is a nonprofit workforce accelerator that connects young adults ages 17–26 to living-wage careers while helping employers meet growing talent demands. Through paid, self-paced training, real-world work experience, and trauma-informed support, participants move from unemployment to careers with long-term growth and stability. Training...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

HSA Bank

HSA BANK IS BUILDING A NEW ERA OF TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED EXPERIENCES IN FINANCE

HSA BANK IS BUILDING A NEW ERA OF TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED EXPERIENCES IN FINANCE Technology-driven experience and innovation have the potential to transform employee benefits from a traditional offering into a strategic differentiator for organizations. The benefits sector, traditionally not seen as a tech ‘powerhouse’, is undergoing rapid change as organizations leverage...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

NERD STREET GAMERS

NERD STREET GAMERS-THERE’S A NERD IN EVERYONE

THERE’S A NERD IN EVERYONE

Nerd Street Gamers is a national esports infrastructure that puts accessibility, integrity and opportunity at the forefront of everything they do. As gaming communities slowly began to gain traction on a small scale, the CEO of Nerd Street Gamers and Localhost, John Fazio, knew that individuals nationwide would soon realize...

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...

INNOVATION Quebec

SEREX

CCTT IN FOREST PRODUCTS PROCESSING

SEREX is the expert in forest products processing. Our team works with companies to develop sustainable solutions and practices that enable them to sharpen their competitive edge in the markets of the future. Our strength lies in understanding the technical and economic environments of our clients and partners so that...

INNOVATION Quebec

INSTITUT DU NOUVEAU MONDE (INM)

FOR 20 YEARS, THE INSTITUT DU NOUVEAU MONDE (INM), AN INDEPENDENT, NON-PARTISAN ORGANIZATION, HAS PLACED CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AT THE CORE OF ITS PROJECTS AND THOSE OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT IT SUPPORTS. INM is driven by the conviction that this endeavor strengthens democracy and helps organizations make better decisions for the...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

VOSSCHEMIE

VOSSCHEMIE- BECOMES V-SURE- A CHEMISTRY WITH NATURE

BECOMES V-SURE -A CHEMISTRY WITH NATURE

OUR STORY BEGAN IN 1968. THAT IS WHEN OUR FOUNDER REMI DE MOOR ENTERED INTO A PARTNERSHIP WITH KLAUS WILLEM VOSS, OWNER OF THE GERMAN COMPANY VOSSCHEMIE. MARC AND CLAUDIA, REMI’S CHILDREN, TOOK OVER IN 2009. TO THIS DAY, WE ARE STILL A GENUINE AND SOLID FAMILY BUSINESS. Our DNA:...

INNOVATION Quebec

COLAB

EN ACTIVITÉ DEPUIS 2019, COLAB EST UN CENTRE DE RECHERCHE ET D’INNOVATION

QUATRE AXES DE RECHERCHETerritoires numériquesFavoriser le développement des compétences numériques, collaboratives et entrepreneuriales des acteur·trice·s de l’écosystème. Transition numérique des PMESupporter la transition numérique des PME en développant les compétences numériques des leaders, des gestionnaires et des employé·e·s, en les accompagnant dans une démarche de transformation numérique. Entrepreneuriat et apprentissages...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

SOLARSTEAM

LOWEST COST RENEWABLE HEAT

SolarSteam’s purpose is to decarbonize the highest emitting and hardest to abate heavy industry segments. The problem that SolarSteam addresses is the elephant in the energy room – industrial heat. Globally, thermal energy requirements constitute close to 50% of total GHG emissions. In Alberta approximately 2⁄3 of GHG emissions come...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

SAILPOINT

SAILPOINT-Innovation Is Everyone’s Job: A Strong Culture

Innovation Is Everyone’s Job: A Strong Culture, Distinct Viewpoints, Unique Identities, And A Passion For Solving Real Business Challenges Drive Meaningful Advancements At SailPoint

As businesses grow increasingly complex, SailPoint’s innovative culture ensures it is always considering “what’s next” in security. Driven by a passion for solving our customers’ most pressing security and identity challenges, SailPoint’s employees, known internally as “the crew,” constantly work to expand their understanding of the relevant components of governing...

INNOVATION Quebec

Photonics can be found everywhere: laser surgery, battery manufacturing, and quantum computers are among many other applications that benefit from light-based technologies. The presence of research centers and industries on Quebec soil has led to a fertile ground for innovation among deep tech start-ups and established businesses. Optonique, Québec’s Photonics...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

LIVEWIRE

LIVEWIRE-Is Focused On Being The Global Leader In Gaming Marketing And Gametech That Works Horizontally Across All Gaming Verticals

Is Focused On Being The Global Leader In Gaming Marketing And Gametech That Works Horizontally Across All Gaming Verticals

Livewire is a global gaming marketing and gametech company that leads major brands and agencies into the gaming ecosystem. We create bespoke gaming strategies based on proprietary research and knowledge that build authentic and culturally relevant brand positions within the gaming audience and deliver results that build brands fame and...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

GW - George Washington University

Technology Commercialization Office and Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Technology Commercialization Office and Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Inspire, Innovate, Impact The George Washington University (GW) GW is a vibrant hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. At the core of this dynamic institution are two offices founded in 2010: The Technology Commercialization Office (TCO), a powerhouse dedicated to transforming groundbreaking...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

ExxonMobil

FUELING THE WORLD SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY

ExxonMobil manages an industry-leading portfolio of resources, and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world. Innovation and collaboration are keys to our success in delivering for customers, shareholders, and stakeholders. Working with the world’s leading research institutions and universities, ExxonMobil’s scientists and engineers...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Adventure Science Center

Fostering Enthusiasm for Discovery and Exploration

Adventure Science Center connects learners of all ages to the science that surrounds them every day, fostering enthusiasm for discovery and exploration. This year Adventure Science Center marks 80 years of serving the Nashville community, all 95 counties of Tennessee, together with visitors from around the nation and the globe....

INNOVATION Quebec

Cteau

THE FUTURE OF WATER: A GLOBAL CONCERN!

Cteau – The Water Technology Centre has been devoting all its efforts to this issue since 2008. It is the only technology transfer centre dedicated to water technologies and ecological water management. With its multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, chemists, engineers (water, civil, process and mechanical) and test and analytical chemistry...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

MOLCAJETE FOODS

PASSION FOR CONTRIBUTING TO PUERTO RICO, FOREMOST HONORING, ABUELA DOÑA LOLA

The Rivera brothers returned to their island Puerto Rico decided to honor their grandmother Dolores and her secret recipe for corn tortillas, passed down from generation to generation for more than 100 years. As a Puerto Rican and half-Mexican family, wanted to share the secret of their family gatherings, where...

INNOVATE® Georgia

NEEDLING WORLDWIDE

WE ULTIMATELY STRIVE TO BECOME MORE ROBUST, SUPERIOR, AND MORE ASTUTE IN OUR OPERATIONS.

WHO IS NEEDLING WORLDWIDE:Needling Worldwide was established to address a common challenge encountered by numerous companies in their pursuit of certifications or compliance assessments. The CEO envisioned a superior solution based on her firsthand experiences with compliance standards and frameworks. This solution is comprised of a standardized, flat-fee alternative to...

INNOVATE® South Florida

BDB - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

PALM BEACH COUNTY’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION: A NEW ERA OF GROWTH AND INNOVATION

Since 2020, Palm Beach County has undergone a significant economic shift, diversifying beyond its traditional strongholds in agriculture, construction, and tourism. While these sectors remain essential, a recent study highlights the emergence of three key industries: Finance, Life Sciences/Healthcare, and Corporate Headquarters. This shift has been driven by intentional efforts...

INNOVATE® Nashville

MCVANTAGE

ROOTED IN LEGACY, BRANCHING INTO INNOVATION

McVantage Packaging stands as a testament to resilience and forward-thinking in the wood pallet, crate, industrial lumber, and supply chain industry. Founded nearly 75 years ago in Tuscumbia, Alabama, the company has evolved from a family-run lumber operation into a regional powerhouse serving the Central-Southeastern United States. With plants in...

INNOVATE® South Florida

LAS OLAS VENTURE CAPITAL

DRIVING INNOVATION & COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA VENTURE ECOSYSTEM

Las Olas Venture Capital (LOVC) stands out in the venture capital ecosystem as an early-stage firm dedicated to transforming the B2B software sector. Founded in 2015 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, LOVC has quickly distinguished itself by leading investment rounds with an initial check size typically ranging from $1...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Spartanburg Community College

Chasing Dreams, Transforming Futures

Helping Students Dream it. Chase it. Live it. Spartanburg Community College (SCC) transforms lives and communities through accessible, high-quality education and workforce development. Committed to fostering student success and economic growth, SCC equips learners with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. With five campuses across Spartanburg, Cherokee,...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

DAVID SOBEY RETAILING CENTRE

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF RETAIL

“In the past decade, retailers have been forced to innovate, and in some cases transform themselves in response to several external factors. Changing consumer behavior and employee expectations, the advent of AI, and the need to meet sustainability targets are just some of the factors driving big changes in the...

INNOVATE® Detroit

Detroit Opera

Setting the Scene for Opera's Future

Over the last half-century, Detroit Opera—formerly Michigan Opera Theatre—has become a deeply rooted cultural force in a city of innovation and diverse perspectives, presenting programs that resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds while positively impacting the local economy. Appointed as the company’s second-ever Artistic Director in 2020, Yuval...

INNOVATE® Philadelphia

Hopeworks

Reflecting the Evolving Spirit of Philadelphia

Reflecting the evolving spirit of Philadelphia Hopeworks is a nonprofit workforce accelerator that connects young adults ages 17–26 to living-wage careers while helping employers meet growing talent demands. Through paid, self-paced training, real-world work experience, and trauma-informed support, participants move from unemployment to careers with long-term growth and stability. Training...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

HSA Bank

HSA BANK IS BUILDING A NEW ERA OF TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED EXPERIENCES IN FINANCE

HSA BANK IS BUILDING A NEW ERA OF TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED EXPERIENCES IN FINANCE Technology-driven experience and innovation have the potential to transform employee benefits from a traditional offering into a strategic differentiator for organizations. The benefits sector, traditionally not seen as a tech ‘powerhouse’, is undergoing rapid change as organizations leverage...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

NERD STREET GAMERS

NERD STREET GAMERS-THERE’S A NERD IN EVERYONE

THERE’S A NERD IN EVERYONE

Nerd Street Gamers is a national esports infrastructure that puts accessibility, integrity and opportunity at the forefront of everything they do. As gaming communities slowly began to gain traction on a small scale, the CEO of Nerd Street Gamers and Localhost, John Fazio, knew that individuals nationwide would soon realize...

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...

INNOVATION Quebec

SEREX

CCTT IN FOREST PRODUCTS PROCESSING

SEREX is the expert in forest products processing. Our team works with companies to develop sustainable solutions and practices that enable them to sharpen their competitive edge in the markets of the future. Our strength lies in understanding the technical and economic environments of our clients and partners so that...

INNOVATION Quebec

INSTITUT DU NOUVEAU MONDE (INM)

FOR 20 YEARS, THE INSTITUT DU NOUVEAU MONDE (INM), AN INDEPENDENT, NON-PARTISAN ORGANIZATION, HAS PLACED CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AT THE CORE OF ITS PROJECTS AND THOSE OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT IT SUPPORTS. INM is driven by the conviction that this endeavor strengthens democracy and helps organizations make better decisions for the...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

VOSSCHEMIE

VOSSCHEMIE- BECOMES V-SURE- A CHEMISTRY WITH NATURE

BECOMES V-SURE -A CHEMISTRY WITH NATURE

OUR STORY BEGAN IN 1968. THAT IS WHEN OUR FOUNDER REMI DE MOOR ENTERED INTO A PARTNERSHIP WITH KLAUS WILLEM VOSS, OWNER OF THE GERMAN COMPANY VOSSCHEMIE. MARC AND CLAUDIA, REMI’S CHILDREN, TOOK OVER IN 2009. TO THIS DAY, WE ARE STILL A GENUINE AND SOLID FAMILY BUSINESS. Our DNA:...

INNOVATION Quebec

COLAB

EN ACTIVITÉ DEPUIS 2019, COLAB EST UN CENTRE DE RECHERCHE ET D’INNOVATION

QUATRE AXES DE RECHERCHETerritoires numériquesFavoriser le développement des compétences numériques, collaboratives et entrepreneuriales des acteur·trice·s de l’écosystème. Transition numérique des PMESupporter la transition numérique des PME en développant les compétences numériques des leaders, des gestionnaires et des employé·e·s, en les accompagnant dans une démarche de transformation numérique. Entrepreneuriat et apprentissages...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

SOLARSTEAM

LOWEST COST RENEWABLE HEAT

SolarSteam’s purpose is to decarbonize the highest emitting and hardest to abate heavy industry segments. The problem that SolarSteam addresses is the elephant in the energy room – industrial heat. Globally, thermal energy requirements constitute close to 50% of total GHG emissions. In Alberta approximately 2⁄3 of GHG emissions come...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

SAILPOINT

SAILPOINT-Innovation Is Everyone’s Job: A Strong Culture

Innovation Is Everyone’s Job: A Strong Culture, Distinct Viewpoints, Unique Identities, And A Passion For Solving Real Business Challenges Drive Meaningful Advancements At SailPoint

As businesses grow increasingly complex, SailPoint’s innovative culture ensures it is always considering “what’s next” in security. Driven by a passion for solving our customers’ most pressing security and identity challenges, SailPoint’s employees, known internally as “the crew,” constantly work to expand their understanding of the relevant components of governing...

INNOVATION Quebec

Photonics can be found everywhere: laser surgery, battery manufacturing, and quantum computers are among many other applications that benefit from light-based technologies. The presence of research centers and industries on Quebec soil has led to a fertile ground for innovation among deep tech start-ups and established businesses. Optonique, Québec’s Photonics...

INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports

LIVEWIRE

LIVEWIRE-Is Focused On Being The Global Leader In Gaming Marketing And Gametech That Works Horizontally Across All Gaming Verticals

Is Focused On Being The Global Leader In Gaming Marketing And Gametech That Works Horizontally Across All Gaming Verticals

Livewire is a global gaming marketing and gametech company that leads major brands and agencies into the gaming ecosystem. We create bespoke gaming strategies based on proprietary research and knowledge that build authentic and culturally relevant brand positions within the gaming audience and deliver results that build brands fame and...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

GW - George Washington University

Technology Commercialization Office and Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Technology Commercialization Office and Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Inspire, Innovate, Impact The George Washington University (GW) GW is a vibrant hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. At the core of this dynamic institution are two offices founded in 2010: The Technology Commercialization Office (TCO), a powerhouse dedicated to transforming groundbreaking...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

ExxonMobil

FUELING THE WORLD SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY

ExxonMobil manages an industry-leading portfolio of resources, and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world. Innovation and collaboration are keys to our success in delivering for customers, shareholders, and stakeholders. Working with the world’s leading research institutions and universities, ExxonMobil’s scientists and engineers...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Adventure Science Center

Fostering Enthusiasm for Discovery and Exploration

Adventure Science Center connects learners of all ages to the science that surrounds them every day, fostering enthusiasm for discovery and exploration. This year Adventure Science Center marks 80 years of serving the Nashville community, all 95 counties of Tennessee, together with visitors from around the nation and the globe....

INNOVATION Quebec

Cteau

THE FUTURE OF WATER: A GLOBAL CONCERN!

Cteau – The Water Technology Centre has been devoting all its efforts to this issue since 2008. It is the only technology transfer centre dedicated to water technologies and ecological water management. With its multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, chemists, engineers (water, civil, process and mechanical) and test and analytical chemistry...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

MOLCAJETE FOODS

PASSION FOR CONTRIBUTING TO PUERTO RICO, FOREMOST HONORING, ABUELA DOÑA LOLA

The Rivera brothers returned to their island Puerto Rico decided to honor their grandmother Dolores and her secret recipe for corn tortillas, passed down from generation to generation for more than 100 years. As a Puerto Rican and half-Mexican family, wanted to share the secret of their family gatherings, where...

INNOVATE® Georgia

NEEDLING WORLDWIDE

WE ULTIMATELY STRIVE TO BECOME MORE ROBUST, SUPERIOR, AND MORE ASTUTE IN OUR OPERATIONS.

WHO IS NEEDLING WORLDWIDE:Needling Worldwide was established to address a common challenge encountered by numerous companies in their pursuit of certifications or compliance assessments. The CEO envisioned a superior solution based on her firsthand experiences with compliance standards and frameworks. This solution is comprised of a standardized, flat-fee alternative to...

INNOVATE® South Florida

BDB - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

PALM BEACH COUNTY’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION: A NEW ERA OF GROWTH AND INNOVATION

Since 2020, Palm Beach County has undergone a significant economic shift, diversifying beyond its traditional strongholds in agriculture, construction, and tourism. While these sectors remain essential, a recent study highlights the emergence of three key industries: Finance, Life Sciences/Healthcare, and Corporate Headquarters. This shift has been driven by intentional efforts...

INNOVATE® Nashville

MCVANTAGE

ROOTED IN LEGACY, BRANCHING INTO INNOVATION

McVantage Packaging stands as a testament to resilience and forward-thinking in the wood pallet, crate, industrial lumber, and supply chain industry. Founded nearly 75 years ago in Tuscumbia, Alabama, the company has evolved from a family-run lumber operation into a regional powerhouse serving the Central-Southeastern United States. With plants in...

INNOVATE® South Florida

LAS OLAS VENTURE CAPITAL

DRIVING INNOVATION & COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA VENTURE ECOSYSTEM

Las Olas Venture Capital (LOVC) stands out in the venture capital ecosystem as an early-stage firm dedicated to transforming the B2B software sector. Founded in 2015 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, LOVC has quickly distinguished itself by leading investment rounds with an initial check size typically ranging from $1...

Ecosystems