Stories of Innovation

FOUR RESEARCH AREASDigital territoriesTo promote the development of digital, collaborative, and entrepreneurial skills among the ecosystem stakeholders. SMEs digital transitionSupport small and medium-sized enterprises in their digital transition by fostering the digital skills of leaders, team managers and employees through digital transformation support. Digital entrepreneurship & leadershipStimulate digital entrepreneurship in...

MAKING REVOLUTIONARY SMART MATERIALS TO BRING FORCE SENSING TO APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT IMPOSSIBLE. Axioforce is a sensor company based on a smart materials breakthrough made by Drs. Cory Berkland and Jonathan Miller at the University of Kansas. The two were working on a DoE sponsored project developing cushions that leverage...

NPower exists to solve one of the technology sector’s biggest challenges: connecting untapped talent with an industry that cannot grow fast enough to meet demand. Employers across Maryland and the United States continue searching for skilled professionals in cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and IT support. At the same time,...

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...

In a world dominated by ever-evolving financial technology, Splitit emerged as a beacon of innovation, ushering in a new era of responsible shopping. While the ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ (BNPL) industry surged forward, Splitit stood out as a trailblazer, transforming the landscape through their merchant-branded Installments-as-a-Service platform. Their mission was...

In the heart of South Carolina, a tech company named Credo Software has been quietly making its mark for over two decades. Founded by Sarah and Kevin Curnow on principles of trust, adaptability, and community, Credo’s story is one of innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to helping clients do what...

The Black Business Association of BC was founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne out of a need and passion for helping businesses at a critical point of time, when the Covid 19 pandemic was ravaging small businesses. They set out on a journey to not only support businesses through...

In an industry defined by constant change, lasting forty years is not just a technology achievement. It is a trust achievement. People often ask me the secret to lasting four decades in one of the fastest-changing industries in the world. They expect the answer to be technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity,...

In Detroit, two motion design studios were making waves in the animation world: Gunner, known for its bold illustration and character animation, and Hobbes, a leader in product-driven animation. The companies earned reputations for creativity and emotional intelligence, collaborating with high-profile clients for years. However, everything changed when Duolingo—the world’s...

In a world where traditional education models are struggling to meet the needs of a rapidly changing job market, 42 Adelaide has emerged as a big player in Australia. This innovative coding school was created in 2013 by Xavier Niel, a successful French serial entrepreneur, and has now become an...

According to Chad Marcum, VideoBomb’s Founder and CEO, “Our mission is to make augmented reality available to businesses of all sizes. AR is the next big thing in customer engagement, and it should not be limited to only the big brands with big budgets. We’ve made it easy and affordable...

Momni links all moms everywhere, offering instant access to trusted care. We are a subscription-free childcare option that is affordable and easy to use. Momni includes easy profile setup, instant connection with hosts near you, access to reviews, and payment within the platform. We also provide a way for moms...

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...

The tires that came with your vehicle are likely labeled “All-Season.” It’s a comforting term that suggests they are ready for anything the calendar throws at them—from the heat of summer to the chill of winter. However, for drivers on the Vancouver North Shore and across Canada, relying on All-Season...

SYNDIO HELPS HR LEADERS NAVIGATE THIS NEW WORLD WITH TECHNOLOGY Companies with great cultures win in the market. Yet today, vital  elements that define culture — like how a company values its employees through pay and advancement — are on full display. In this environment of growing transparency requirements, it’s...

Hotmilk is the innovation ecosystem of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), considered the most innovative university in the country. Regarded as the primary innovation ecosystem in Paraná (and positioned among the largest in Brazil), Hotmilk operates on multiple fronts: accelerating over 100 resident startups, opening new business opportunities...

Takasa is a premium organic lifestyle company that is devoted to sourcing the finest materials, partnering with fair-trade and clean manufacturers, and delivering exceptional value to customers. With a passion for exceptionally high-quality materials and socially conscious manufacturing processes, Takasa is focused on combining thoughtfully designed premium products for those...

In the good times we celebrate each other’s successes and achievements and during the more challenging periods we provide focus for the support group which companies look towards for guidance. Having survived two World Wars, a revolution, economic slumps, accession to the European Union, loss of the escudo in favour...

The Centre’s team of 60 people, including 10 to 15 college and university students per year, focuses on applied research and technology transfer to support the growth and strategic positioning of companies with activities related to metal processing. In addition to providing advanced training in metallurgy and non-destructive testing, the...

86 Repairs is the repair and maintenance management platform built for the restaurant industry. Our tech-enabled solution includes on-demand repair management and preventative maintenance. With 86 Repairs, restaurants have access to data-driven insights and 24/7 support to control their facilities, reduce their R&M costs, and spend less of their team’s...

At P33, we started with one question: How does Chicago, and our region, stack up as a technology and innovation center? Through conversations with hundreds of technology and business leaders, founders, and tech workers, we learned we Chicago’s reputation as a tech center lags behind its perception.   We launched...

Upling LLC revolutionizes cannabis access in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, offering a swift online platform for legal cannabis purchases from local dispensaries. Its user-friendly app ensures that whether for medical or recreational purposes, cannabis delivery is just a few taps away. Adhering strictly to state and federal laws, Upling guarantees...

Our mission is to provide our clients with a one-stop, unique, and transparent entry to the various economic incentive programs, optimize their business structures, and ensure compliance while we help them to make informed decisions. GEO’s customized approach provides each client with a wide range of services including but not...

WHAT WE DO At Empist, we make it our mission to provide businesses of any size with the resources they need to thrive in the ever-changing technological landscape. With two decades of multifaceted technology experience, our team is ready to help you develop a tailored plan to scale your business....