Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HIRSCH’S

HIRSCH’S - FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

Hirsch’s has become a name synonymous with service and brand excellence over the years. They have grown into one of the most well-respected and trusted appliance and electronics retailers in the industry in South Africa, and it’s interesting to see how they got there. Allan and Margaret set up their first...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

SHIPBOB

The Trusted Global Omnifulfillment Platform To Scale Your Ecommerce Business And Meet Customer Expectations Everywhere They Shop

ShipBob provides fulfillment services across the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia for orders placed on ecommerce websites, online marketplaces, social media platforms, and through B2B partnerships (in physical stores and retailers’ online stores)....

INNOVATE® Blockchain

LIQUID AVATAR TECHNOLOGIES INC

LIQUID AVATAR TECHNOLOGIES INC-WELCOME TO A UNIVERSE WHERE ANYONE CAN BE A HERO™

WELCOME TO A UNIVERSE WHERE ANYONE CAN BE A HERO™

Want to climb a virtual mountain? Become a master of virtual cooking, or own your own virtual yacht? The Metaverse and other mixed reality opportunities will change the way we play, learn, work, build, entertain and socialize. Aftermath Islands Metaverse is an emerging mixed reality platform that allows individuals and...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

INCONMAT

wapping steel for fibreglass, Inconmat’s Tuf-Bar is crucial to sustainable infrastructure.

CONCRETE CANCER – A $13 BILLION PROBLEMConcrete cancer is a significant issue in Australia, costing billions of dollars in infrastructure repairs annually. The problem stems from a material known as rebar, which is the steel bar and mesh used to provide strength and reinforcement in concrete infrastructure such as bridges,...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

ODTH FIRST CLASS LOGISTICS

ODTH FIRST CLASS LOGISTICS-WHERE PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY JOIN FORCES

WHERE PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY JOIN FORCES

Logistics service provider ODTH First Class Logistics offers tailor-made, flexible logistics services with well-trained employees and global multimodal possibilities. All sites are easily accessible and the Willebroek location is adjacent to the Hutchison Ports Terminal, a trimodal container terminal with direct connections to the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam. ODTH...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

BICKFORD'S GROUP

LEADER IN BEVERAGE INNOVATION

The Bickford’s Group is an Every day, the group strives to make the ordinary, extraordinary. independently owned collection of companies headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia. The group has a rich history that dates back to 1839 when William Bickford opened a small apothecary in Rundle Street after moving to Australia....

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

MUNAI

TURNING DATA INTO HEALTH INTELLIGENCE

Munai is a healthtech whose impact in the healthcare field is noteworthy, driving significant transformations through the application of advanced technological solutions, particularly leveraging Artificial Intelligence. Its commitment extends beyond technological advancements; it’s rooted in the core mission of reshaping healthcare by generating personalized and scalable solutions that empower healthcare...

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® South Florida

HADO - USA

DRIVING INNOVATION & COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA VENTURE ECOSYSTEM

DRIVING INNOVATION & COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA VENTURE ECOSYSTEM HADO USA: Pioneering the Future of Augmented Reality Techno Sports In South Florida’s vibrant tech scene, HADO USA is a pioneering leader in augmented reality (AR) techno sports. Blending physical activity with digital innovation, HADO offers an adrenaline-pumping experience that...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

SHRMLABS

Spearheading Workplace Innovation Globally

Spearheading Workplace Innovation Globally As the pioneering innovation lab and venture capital arm of SHRM, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., SHRMLabs drives the development of revolutionary and ethical technologies tailored to solve pressing real-world workplace challenges. By connecting a global community of over 325,000 HR professionals with leading startups and innovators...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

ESFERA

DELIGHTING CUSTOMERS, SHAPING THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY WITH PERSONALIZED INNOVATION

ESFERA-DELIGHTING CUSTOMERS, SHAPING THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY WITH PERSONALIZED INNOVATION AND IMPACTFUL SOLUTIONS! With a history that spans three decades, Esfera Informática establishes itself as an institution committed to excellence, with advanced technologies and innovation as its fundamental pillars. Certified by MPSBr, the company constantly improves the development of software...

Global Innovation Spotlight

3 Surprising Innovations for Better Sleep Tonight

A man sleeping comfortably.

3 Surprising Innovations for Better Sleep Tonight Maya Liu, a robotics founder, blanked during a crucial investor pitch due to exhaustion. Chronic sleep debt saps an innovator’s edge faster than almost anything else. Her turnaround began not with coffee, but with smarter sleep technology. Tonight, you can tap into similar...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

CARAVELA

A VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM SPECIALIZING IN EARLY-STAGE INVESTMENTS ACROSS LATIN AMERICA

CARAVELA-A VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM SPECIALIZING IN EARLY-STAGE INVESTMENTS ACROSS LATIN AMERICA, FOCUSING ON PRE-SEED, SEED, AND SERIES A ROUNDS. They employ a sector-agnostic strategy, aiming to build a diverse portfolio of 25-30 companies in each of their funds. Caravela is known both for their go-to market approach, having analyzed more...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

SSES

ORCHESTRATING A DISCIPLINARY SYMPHONY OF SIX LEADING UNIVERSITIES

The Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship (SSES) is an intriguing invention from Sweden’s capital. Much like Stockholm—a city comprised of several islands, each with its distinct character, yet contributing to a cohesive whole—SSES unites six leading universities to create a globally-unique nexus of entrepreneurial education. Established in 1999 with the support...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ELCOGEN

HIGHLY EFFICIENT SOLID OXIDE CELLS AND STACKS FOR FUEL CELL SYSTEMS AND ELECTROLYSERS

Elcogen’s roots trace back to Estonia’s post-independence period in the early 1990s. With the country newly liberated from Soviet rule, Estonia faced a major challenge in reorganizing its energy infrastructure. Energy prices soared, and the need for energy independence became critical. Enn Õunpuu, who had helped establish the Estonian Power...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

TERRADEPTH

Terradepth- Is composed of a team of ocean enthusiasts

Is composed of a team of ocean enthusiasts, technologists, problem solvers, and makers dedicated to advancing ocean exploration

We exist to empower humanity with full access and visibility of deep sea data that enables a deeper understanding and accountability of impact to drive better decision making.   We believe that a deeper understanding of the oceans is achievable through technological advancements in robotic autonomy and data visualization —...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Dartpoints

Building the Backbone: Dartpoints' Mission to Distribute High-Density Computing and Distributed Infrastructure

DartPoints is transforming South Carolina’s digital economy through innovative strategies that combine high-density computing with edge data infrastructure. By focusing on optimizing data center performance and placing resources where they are needed most, DartPoints empowers businesses, municipalities, and institutions to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world. “Our mission is to...

INNOVATE® Georgia

DATABANK

TAG25TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

“Atlanta is one of the most sought-after markets for data center capacity across all segments of our customer base – enterprises, technology, and hyperscale public cloud providers,” said Raul Martynek, DataBank CEO. “And now with new AI applications coming online, we’re seeing an entirely new driver of demand that promises...

INNOVATION Quebec

THE CONCORDIA APPLIED AI INSTITUTE (AI2)

The Concordia Applied AI Institute (AI2) is a multidisciplinary applied research unit representing more than 120 Faculty members and their graduate students from the 4 Concordia University Faculties: Arts and Science, Fine Arts, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, and John Molson School of Business. Organized in 3...

Global Innovation Spotlight

HILCO CONSUMER - RETAIL

INNOVATING FOR THE RETAIL LIFECYCLE – FROM BEGINNING TO END AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Can a business founded as a retail liquidation firm innovate to save retail? Hilco Consumer-Retail (HCR) is undoubtedly trying – and succeeding in BIG WAYS! Retail – and the consumer product businesses that feed them inventory – is among the most troubled sectors in the United States and worldwide. This...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

FIRST NATIONAL BANK BOTSWANA

INNOVATES TOWARDS GREATER FINANCIAL INCLUSION

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) has established itself as the country’s leading driver of innovation and investing in financial inclusion to help more Batswana realise their aspirations beyond simple access to transactional banking services. FNBB is Botswana’s largest commercial bank by balance sheet, footprint and customer volumes. Over the years,...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

POPPY FLOWERS

POPPY TRANSFORMS THE PROCESS OF BUYING WEDDING FLOWERS INTO A SEAMLESS DIGITAL EXPERIENCE.

Poppy Flowers, the fastest-growing wedding florist in the country, is revolutionizing the wedding and floral industries with its innovative booking and fulfillment platform for wedding flowers. Poppy’s platform offers a more enjoyable, fun, and transparent experience for couples, florists, and farmers, distinguishing itself in a $5 billion industry. Since its...

Global Innovation Spotlight

DUBAI INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND INNOVATION

DUBAI INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND INNOVATION-Was Established To Address The Growing Need For Talented Designers And Innovators In The UAE And Beyond.

Was Established To Address The Growing Need For Talented Designers And Innovators In The UAE And Beyond

Its vision is simple: to prepare students for a world where today’s jobs may not exist in the future. Global in outlook, bold in its approach, DIDI instils youth with the confidence to take risks, push boundaries, and challenge ways of thinking, making and creating.   The private non-profit university...

INNOVATION Quebec

Lanaudière Économique (LÉ) a été fondé en 1991 afin de répondre aux besoins et aux enjeux communs de développement économique des six MRC du territoire. Le mandat de LÉ est de propulser les entreprises et les projets innovants de Lanaudière, le tout en collaboration avec les autres organismes en développement...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

HIRSCH’S

HIRSCH’S - FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

FOUNDED ON TRUST AND SERVICE

Hirsch’s has become a name synonymous with service and brand excellence over the years. They have grown into one of the most well-respected and trusted appliance and electronics retailers in the industry in South Africa, and it’s interesting to see how they got there. Allan and Margaret set up their first...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

SHIPBOB

The Trusted Global Omnifulfillment Platform To Scale Your Ecommerce Business And Meet Customer Expectations Everywhere They Shop

ShipBob provides fulfillment services across the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia for orders placed on ecommerce websites, online marketplaces, social media platforms, and through B2B partnerships (in physical stores and retailers’ online stores)....

INNOVATE® Blockchain

LIQUID AVATAR TECHNOLOGIES INC

LIQUID AVATAR TECHNOLOGIES INC-WELCOME TO A UNIVERSE WHERE ANYONE CAN BE A HERO™

WELCOME TO A UNIVERSE WHERE ANYONE CAN BE A HERO™

Want to climb a virtual mountain? Become a master of virtual cooking, or own your own virtual yacht? The Metaverse and other mixed reality opportunities will change the way we play, learn, work, build, entertain and socialize. Aftermath Islands Metaverse is an emerging mixed reality platform that allows individuals and...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

INCONMAT

wapping steel for fibreglass, Inconmat’s Tuf-Bar is crucial to sustainable infrastructure.

CONCRETE CANCER – A $13 BILLION PROBLEMConcrete cancer is a significant issue in Australia, costing billions of dollars in infrastructure repairs annually. The problem stems from a material known as rebar, which is the steel bar and mesh used to provide strength and reinforcement in concrete infrastructure such as bridges,...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

ODTH FIRST CLASS LOGISTICS

ODTH FIRST CLASS LOGISTICS-WHERE PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY JOIN FORCES

WHERE PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY JOIN FORCES

Logistics service provider ODTH First Class Logistics offers tailor-made, flexible logistics services with well-trained employees and global multimodal possibilities. All sites are easily accessible and the Willebroek location is adjacent to the Hutchison Ports Terminal, a trimodal container terminal with direct connections to the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam. ODTH...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

BICKFORD'S GROUP

LEADER IN BEVERAGE INNOVATION

The Bickford’s Group is an Every day, the group strives to make the ordinary, extraordinary. independently owned collection of companies headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia. The group has a rich history that dates back to 1839 when William Bickford opened a small apothecary in Rundle Street after moving to Australia....

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

MUNAI

TURNING DATA INTO HEALTH INTELLIGENCE

Munai is a healthtech whose impact in the healthcare field is noteworthy, driving significant transformations through the application of advanced technological solutions, particularly leveraging Artificial Intelligence. Its commitment extends beyond technological advancements; it’s rooted in the core mission of reshaping healthcare by generating personalized and scalable solutions that empower healthcare...

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® South Florida

HADO - USA

DRIVING INNOVATION & COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA VENTURE ECOSYSTEM

DRIVING INNOVATION & COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA VENTURE ECOSYSTEM HADO USA: Pioneering the Future of Augmented Reality Techno Sports In South Florida’s vibrant tech scene, HADO USA is a pioneering leader in augmented reality (AR) techno sports. Blending physical activity with digital innovation, HADO offers an adrenaline-pumping experience that...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

SHRMLABS

Spearheading Workplace Innovation Globally

Spearheading Workplace Innovation Globally As the pioneering innovation lab and venture capital arm of SHRM, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., SHRMLabs drives the development of revolutionary and ethical technologies tailored to solve pressing real-world workplace challenges. By connecting a global community of over 325,000 HR professionals with leading startups and innovators...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

ESFERA

DELIGHTING CUSTOMERS, SHAPING THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY WITH PERSONALIZED INNOVATION

ESFERA-DELIGHTING CUSTOMERS, SHAPING THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY WITH PERSONALIZED INNOVATION AND IMPACTFUL SOLUTIONS! With a history that spans three decades, Esfera Informática establishes itself as an institution committed to excellence, with advanced technologies and innovation as its fundamental pillars. Certified by MPSBr, the company constantly improves the development of software...

Global Innovation Spotlight

3 Surprising Innovations for Better Sleep Tonight

A man sleeping comfortably.

3 Surprising Innovations for Better Sleep Tonight Maya Liu, a robotics founder, blanked during a crucial investor pitch due to exhaustion. Chronic sleep debt saps an innovator’s edge faster than almost anything else. Her turnaround began not with coffee, but with smarter sleep technology. Tonight, you can tap into similar...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

CARAVELA

A VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM SPECIALIZING IN EARLY-STAGE INVESTMENTS ACROSS LATIN AMERICA

CARAVELA-A VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM SPECIALIZING IN EARLY-STAGE INVESTMENTS ACROSS LATIN AMERICA, FOCUSING ON PRE-SEED, SEED, AND SERIES A ROUNDS. They employ a sector-agnostic strategy, aiming to build a diverse portfolio of 25-30 companies in each of their funds. Caravela is known both for their go-to market approach, having analyzed more...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

SSES

ORCHESTRATING A DISCIPLINARY SYMPHONY OF SIX LEADING UNIVERSITIES

The Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship (SSES) is an intriguing invention from Sweden’s capital. Much like Stockholm—a city comprised of several islands, each with its distinct character, yet contributing to a cohesive whole—SSES unites six leading universities to create a globally-unique nexus of entrepreneurial education. Established in 1999 with the support...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ELCOGEN

HIGHLY EFFICIENT SOLID OXIDE CELLS AND STACKS FOR FUEL CELL SYSTEMS AND ELECTROLYSERS

Elcogen’s roots trace back to Estonia’s post-independence period in the early 1990s. With the country newly liberated from Soviet rule, Estonia faced a major challenge in reorganizing its energy infrastructure. Energy prices soared, and the need for energy independence became critical. Enn Õunpuu, who had helped establish the Estonian Power...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

TERRADEPTH

Terradepth- Is composed of a team of ocean enthusiasts

Is composed of a team of ocean enthusiasts, technologists, problem solvers, and makers dedicated to advancing ocean exploration

We exist to empower humanity with full access and visibility of deep sea data that enables a deeper understanding and accountability of impact to drive better decision making.   We believe that a deeper understanding of the oceans is achievable through technological advancements in robotic autonomy and data visualization —...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Dartpoints

Building the Backbone: Dartpoints' Mission to Distribute High-Density Computing and Distributed Infrastructure

DartPoints is transforming South Carolina’s digital economy through innovative strategies that combine high-density computing with edge data infrastructure. By focusing on optimizing data center performance and placing resources where they are needed most, DartPoints empowers businesses, municipalities, and institutions to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world. “Our mission is to...

INNOVATE® Georgia

DATABANK

TAG25TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

“Atlanta is one of the most sought-after markets for data center capacity across all segments of our customer base – enterprises, technology, and hyperscale public cloud providers,” said Raul Martynek, DataBank CEO. “And now with new AI applications coming online, we’re seeing an entirely new driver of demand that promises...

INNOVATION Quebec

THE CONCORDIA APPLIED AI INSTITUTE (AI2)

The Concordia Applied AI Institute (AI2) is a multidisciplinary applied research unit representing more than 120 Faculty members and their graduate students from the 4 Concordia University Faculties: Arts and Science, Fine Arts, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, and John Molson School of Business. Organized in 3...

Global Innovation Spotlight

HILCO CONSUMER - RETAIL

INNOVATING FOR THE RETAIL LIFECYCLE – FROM BEGINNING TO END AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Can a business founded as a retail liquidation firm innovate to save retail? Hilco Consumer-Retail (HCR) is undoubtedly trying – and succeeding in BIG WAYS! Retail – and the consumer product businesses that feed them inventory – is among the most troubled sectors in the United States and worldwide. This...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

FIRST NATIONAL BANK BOTSWANA

INNOVATES TOWARDS GREATER FINANCIAL INCLUSION

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) has established itself as the country’s leading driver of innovation and investing in financial inclusion to help more Batswana realise their aspirations beyond simple access to transactional banking services. FNBB is Botswana’s largest commercial bank by balance sheet, footprint and customer volumes. Over the years,...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

POPPY FLOWERS

POPPY TRANSFORMS THE PROCESS OF BUYING WEDDING FLOWERS INTO A SEAMLESS DIGITAL EXPERIENCE.

Poppy Flowers, the fastest-growing wedding florist in the country, is revolutionizing the wedding and floral industries with its innovative booking and fulfillment platform for wedding flowers. Poppy’s platform offers a more enjoyable, fun, and transparent experience for couples, florists, and farmers, distinguishing itself in a $5 billion industry. Since its...

Global Innovation Spotlight

DUBAI INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND INNOVATION

DUBAI INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND INNOVATION-Was Established To Address The Growing Need For Talented Designers And Innovators In The UAE And Beyond.

Was Established To Address The Growing Need For Talented Designers And Innovators In The UAE And Beyond

Its vision is simple: to prepare students for a world where today’s jobs may not exist in the future. Global in outlook, bold in its approach, DIDI instils youth with the confidence to take risks, push boundaries, and challenge ways of thinking, making and creating.   The private non-profit university...

INNOVATION Quebec

Lanaudière Économique (LÉ) a été fondé en 1991 afin de répondre aux besoins et aux enjeux communs de développement économique des six MRC du territoire. Le mandat de LÉ est de propulser les entreprises et les projets innovants de Lanaudière, le tout en collaboration avec les autres organismes en développement...

Ecosystems