Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Detroit

SOUTHWEST DETROIT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (SDBA)

Powering Progress, Building Legacy

Since 1957, the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) has been the backbone of economic development in one of Detroit’s most dynamic and culturally rich areas. With a steadfast commitment to championing local businesses, revitalizing infrastructure, and fostering a thriving community, SDBA has evolved into a powerhouse for equitable economic growth...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

POPULAR AND PUERTO RICO

BANKING ON THE ISLAND’S FUTURE

Popular is an intricate part of Puerto Rico’s history. We are the longest serving and the largest financial institution in the Island, and a top 50 U.S. financial institution by assets. We play an important role in Puerto Rico’s economy, and we have supported its communities for over 130 years...

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

IRDQ

IRDQ-Une porte d’entrée gratuite vers les infrastructures R-D du Québec

A free gateway to Quebec’s R&D infrastructures

In an effort to facilitate its use when developing new applications, the Infrastructure en recherche et développement du Québec (IRDQ) [Quebec research and development infrastructure] portal brings together worldclass facilities and state-of-the-art equipment from universities, college technology transfer centres (CTTC), and public research centres. The IRDQ’s objective is to provide...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Denmark Technical College

Reimagining the Rural College Landscape

Since 1947, Denmark Technical College has been a lifeline for education and economic mobility in South Carolina’s rural corridor. Established as a training center for African American veterans returning from World War II, Denmark Tech has grown into a proud HBCU with a legacy of service, resilience and transformation. For...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ESTBAN

ESTONIAN BUSINESS ANGELS NETWORK IS A ROLE MODEL FOR EUROPEAN ANGEL CLUBS

The Estonian Business Angels Network (EstBAN) has been connecting and educating startup investors and providing a platform for innovation in Estonia and beyond since 2012. EstBAN has become one of Europe’s most respected and well-managed angel investor networks. With nearly 260 members and a growing track record of syndicated and...

INNOVATE® Detroit

HEXAGON CREATIVE

ELEVATING DIGITAL PRESENCE -Hexagon Creative’s Web Design and Branding Services

Hexagon Creative, a visionary in digital product development, extends its prowess to offer exceptional web design and branding services. Recognizing the pivotal role of an impactful online presence in today’s digital landscape, Hexagon Creative brings innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence to the realms of web design and branding....

INNOVATION Quebec

CEDFOB

CCTT IN BOREAL FORESTRY

The CEDFOB is a CCTT affiliated with the Cégep de Baie-Comeau. Our mission is to carry out research and development projects in collaboration with local communities to develop the resources of the boreal forest in a sustainable manner. Our goal is to foster the use of research findings in businesses...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

LYONS & ASSOCIATES, PC

WE STRIVE TOWARD EXCELLENCE BY PROVIDING A SUPPORTIVE, PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT

LYONS & ASSOCIATES, PC-WE STRIVE TOWARD EXCELLENCE BY PROVIDING A SUPPORTIVE, PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STAFF AND CLIENTS. Defining the Legal Landscape: A Lighthouse in the Storm“We’re a lighthouse in the storm,” Theresa A. Lyons describes her law firm, Lyons & Associates, P.C. Under the vision of this powerhouse attorney...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

AVOKAADO

FROM LEGAL CHAOS TO OPERATIONAL CLARITY

For most businesses, contracts are critical but chaotic. They’re scattered across inboxes, cloud folders, and outdated templates. Legal teams spend days or even weeks managing reviews, chasing approvals, and mitigating compliance risks. The result is a bottleneck that slows deals, creates risk, and turns legal into a reactive cost center....

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

BAILEY ABBOTT

Exploring the art of possible

WHEN THE PHONE WOULDN’T STOP RINGING WITH FORMER COLLEAGUES REACHING OUT AFTER LOSING THEIR JOBS IN THE PANDEMIC, TOM CARLTON HAD HEARD ENOUGH. IT WAS TIME TO ACT. Tom knew there was a better way to not only do business, but to empower teams. When other consultancies were downsizing in...

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™ Oeiras

Alcon Portugal

Driving Innovation To Help People See Brilliantly
Impulsionar A Inovação Para Ajudar As Pessoas A Ver Brilhantemente

Alcon is the global leader in eye care, dedicated to helping people see brilliantly. With a heritage of more than seven decades, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to improve people’s vision and lives. Our surgical and vision care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people...

INNOVATE™ Kitchener Waterloo

CONELABS

ENGINEERING A SMARTER, SAFER FUTURE FOR OUR INFRASTRUCTURE

Critical infrastructure faces a dual crisis: a massive portfolio of aging structures is colliding with outdated inspection methods. The hands-on methods of ensuring structural safety are being stretched to their breaking point. This is a challenge that can no longer be met with more hands and bucket trucks, but with...

INNOVATE® Philadelphia

SHIFT CAPITAL

INVESTING WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

SHIFT Capital’s Blueprint for Just Communities A Philadelphia-born B Corporation is rewriting the rules of real estate — proving that purpose and profit can build something greater than either alone. In the neighborhoods that have long been overlooked by conventional real estate investment, SHIFT Capital has spent nearly a decade...

INNOVATION Quebec

NERGICA

CCTT IN RENEWABLE ENERGIES

At Nergica, we stimulate innovation in renewable energies through applied research, technical assistance, technology transfer and support services for businesses and communities. Our mission is to accelerate the development and adoption of renewable energies. We specialize in developing solutions for integrating renewable energies into the grid, optimizing the performance of...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAPIO

CHANGE AS A RESPONSE TO HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES

Swedish healthcare is in the midst of profound change. An ageing population, rising demand for care, and persistent staff shortages mean that resources must be used differently. For the system to remain sustainable, both new organisational models and more efficient ways of working are needed. Capio, one of Sweden’s largest...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

CREATING KLEIN JAN

CREATING KLEIN JAN - CREATIVITY IN THE KALAHARI

CREATIVITY IN THE KALAHARI

When Michelin star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen first laid eyes on Boscia House, a one-hundred-year-old farmhouse situated at the beautiful Tswalu Kalahari in the Northern Cape, he saw the vastness of the region as a canvas on which to create something special. Worlds away from the beautiful waters...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

UFPR

FOUNDED IN 1912, UFPR IS THE OLDEST UNIVERSITY IN BRAZIL.

It was initially known as the University of Paraná, and it has been since then a national reference when it comes to teaching, research, and outreach services. Therefore, the UFPR historic building, located at Praça Santos Andrade, was chosen by Curitiba residents as the very symbol of the city. Initially,...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Tyler York

Relationship-centered real estate, valuing people over profit, and inspiring others to do the same.

“Relationship-centered real estate, valuing people over profit, and inspiring others to do the same” – this was the vision of Founder and CEO Charlie Peterson when launching Tyler York Real Estate Brokers at the beginning of 2018. After a meteoric rise in Nashville real estate beginning in 2013, Charlie quickly...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

K-MÄRKT

THE RESTAURANT REBELS RETHINKING SUSTAINABILITY

Since its founding in 2014 in Stockholm’s historic Garnisonen building, K-märkt has been rewriting the rulebook for what a modern, sustainable food company can be. From its very first day, the brand has challenged the industry with one radical idea: great food at scale can – and must – coexist...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF BC (BBABC)

UNITY – EXCELLENCE – LEGACY

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...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

CITY RIDERS

BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW CITY RIDERS LINKS LIKE-MINDED ENTHUSIASTS

City Riders, born in 2018 from the frustrations of its founder, Thomas McElroy, embodies a passion for community and exploration. Motivated by the inconsistency of his riding companions, McElroy envisioned a solution that would unite like-minded enthusiasts globally. This vision materialized into City Riders, a platform connecting individuals who share...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Penn West Equity and Innovation District

CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME

CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME The Penn West Equity and Innovation District (Penn West) is transforming the landscape of innovation and equity in the world’s capital. This unique collaboration between the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), the District of Columbia, and The George Washington University (GW) is building an inclusive, collaborative innovation...

INNOVATE® Detroit

SOUTHWEST DETROIT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (SDBA)

Powering Progress, Building Legacy

Since 1957, the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) has been the backbone of economic development in one of Detroit’s most dynamic and culturally rich areas. With a steadfast commitment to championing local businesses, revitalizing infrastructure, and fostering a thriving community, SDBA has evolved into a powerhouse for equitable economic growth...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

POPULAR AND PUERTO RICO

BANKING ON THE ISLAND’S FUTURE

Popular is an intricate part of Puerto Rico’s history. We are the longest serving and the largest financial institution in the Island, and a top 50 U.S. financial institution by assets. We play an important role in Puerto Rico’s economy, and we have supported its communities for over 130 years...

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

IRDQ

IRDQ-Une porte d’entrée gratuite vers les infrastructures R-D du Québec

A free gateway to Quebec’s R&D infrastructures

In an effort to facilitate its use when developing new applications, the Infrastructure en recherche et développement du Québec (IRDQ) [Quebec research and development infrastructure] portal brings together worldclass facilities and state-of-the-art equipment from universities, college technology transfer centres (CTTC), and public research centres. The IRDQ’s objective is to provide...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Denmark Technical College

Reimagining the Rural College Landscape

Since 1947, Denmark Technical College has been a lifeline for education and economic mobility in South Carolina’s rural corridor. Established as a training center for African American veterans returning from World War II, Denmark Tech has grown into a proud HBCU with a legacy of service, resilience and transformation. For...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

ESTBAN

ESTONIAN BUSINESS ANGELS NETWORK IS A ROLE MODEL FOR EUROPEAN ANGEL CLUBS

The Estonian Business Angels Network (EstBAN) has been connecting and educating startup investors and providing a platform for innovation in Estonia and beyond since 2012. EstBAN has become one of Europe’s most respected and well-managed angel investor networks. With nearly 260 members and a growing track record of syndicated and...

INNOVATE® Detroit

HEXAGON CREATIVE

ELEVATING DIGITAL PRESENCE -Hexagon Creative’s Web Design and Branding Services

Hexagon Creative, a visionary in digital product development, extends its prowess to offer exceptional web design and branding services. Recognizing the pivotal role of an impactful online presence in today’s digital landscape, Hexagon Creative brings innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence to the realms of web design and branding....

INNOVATION Quebec

CEDFOB

CCTT IN BOREAL FORESTRY

The CEDFOB is a CCTT affiliated with the Cégep de Baie-Comeau. Our mission is to carry out research and development projects in collaboration with local communities to develop the resources of the boreal forest in a sustainable manner. Our goal is to foster the use of research findings in businesses...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

LYONS & ASSOCIATES, PC

WE STRIVE TOWARD EXCELLENCE BY PROVIDING A SUPPORTIVE, PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT

LYONS & ASSOCIATES, PC-WE STRIVE TOWARD EXCELLENCE BY PROVIDING A SUPPORTIVE, PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STAFF AND CLIENTS. Defining the Legal Landscape: A Lighthouse in the Storm“We’re a lighthouse in the storm,” Theresa A. Lyons describes her law firm, Lyons & Associates, P.C. Under the vision of this powerhouse attorney...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

AVOKAADO

FROM LEGAL CHAOS TO OPERATIONAL CLARITY

For most businesses, contracts are critical but chaotic. They’re scattered across inboxes, cloud folders, and outdated templates. Legal teams spend days or even weeks managing reviews, chasing approvals, and mitigating compliance risks. The result is a bottleneck that slows deals, creates risk, and turns legal into a reactive cost center....

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

BAILEY ABBOTT

Exploring the art of possible

WHEN THE PHONE WOULDN’T STOP RINGING WITH FORMER COLLEAGUES REACHING OUT AFTER LOSING THEIR JOBS IN THE PANDEMIC, TOM CARLTON HAD HEARD ENOUGH. IT WAS TIME TO ACT. Tom knew there was a better way to not only do business, but to empower teams. When other consultancies were downsizing in...

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™ Oeiras

Alcon Portugal

Driving Innovation To Help People See Brilliantly
Impulsionar A Inovação Para Ajudar As Pessoas A Ver Brilhantemente

Alcon is the global leader in eye care, dedicated to helping people see brilliantly. With a heritage of more than seven decades, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to improve people’s vision and lives. Our surgical and vision care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people...

INNOVATE™ Kitchener Waterloo

CONELABS

ENGINEERING A SMARTER, SAFER FUTURE FOR OUR INFRASTRUCTURE

Critical infrastructure faces a dual crisis: a massive portfolio of aging structures is colliding with outdated inspection methods. The hands-on methods of ensuring structural safety are being stretched to their breaking point. This is a challenge that can no longer be met with more hands and bucket trucks, but with...

INNOVATE® Philadelphia

SHIFT CAPITAL

INVESTING WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

SHIFT Capital’s Blueprint for Just Communities A Philadelphia-born B Corporation is rewriting the rules of real estate — proving that purpose and profit can build something greater than either alone. In the neighborhoods that have long been overlooked by conventional real estate investment, SHIFT Capital has spent nearly a decade...

INNOVATION Quebec

NERGICA

CCTT IN RENEWABLE ENERGIES

At Nergica, we stimulate innovation in renewable energies through applied research, technical assistance, technology transfer and support services for businesses and communities. Our mission is to accelerate the development and adoption of renewable energies. We specialize in developing solutions for integrating renewable energies into the grid, optimizing the performance of...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAPIO

CHANGE AS A RESPONSE TO HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES

Swedish healthcare is in the midst of profound change. An ageing population, rising demand for care, and persistent staff shortages mean that resources must be used differently. For the system to remain sustainable, both new organisational models and more efficient ways of working are needed. Capio, one of Sweden’s largest...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

CREATING KLEIN JAN

CREATING KLEIN JAN - CREATIVITY IN THE KALAHARI

CREATIVITY IN THE KALAHARI

When Michelin star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen first laid eyes on Boscia House, a one-hundred-year-old farmhouse situated at the beautiful Tswalu Kalahari in the Northern Cape, he saw the vastness of the region as a canvas on which to create something special. Worlds away from the beautiful waters...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

UFPR

FOUNDED IN 1912, UFPR IS THE OLDEST UNIVERSITY IN BRAZIL.

It was initially known as the University of Paraná, and it has been since then a national reference when it comes to teaching, research, and outreach services. Therefore, the UFPR historic building, located at Praça Santos Andrade, was chosen by Curitiba residents as the very symbol of the city. Initially,...

INNOVATE® Nashville

Tyler York

Relationship-centered real estate, valuing people over profit, and inspiring others to do the same.

“Relationship-centered real estate, valuing people over profit, and inspiring others to do the same” – this was the vision of Founder and CEO Charlie Peterson when launching Tyler York Real Estate Brokers at the beginning of 2018. After a meteoric rise in Nashville real estate beginning in 2013, Charlie quickly...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

K-MÄRKT

THE RESTAURANT REBELS RETHINKING SUSTAINABILITY

Since its founding in 2014 in Stockholm’s historic Garnisonen building, K-märkt has been rewriting the rulebook for what a modern, sustainable food company can be. From its very first day, the brand has challenged the industry with one radical idea: great food at scale can – and must – coexist...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF BC (BBABC)

UNITY – EXCELLENCE – LEGACY

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...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

CITY RIDERS

BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW CITY RIDERS LINKS LIKE-MINDED ENTHUSIASTS

City Riders, born in 2018 from the frustrations of its founder, Thomas McElroy, embodies a passion for community and exploration. Motivated by the inconsistency of his riding companions, McElroy envisioned a solution that would unite like-minded enthusiasts globally. This vision materialized into City Riders, a platform connecting individuals who share...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Penn West Equity and Innovation District

CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME

CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME The Penn West Equity and Innovation District (Penn West) is transforming the landscape of innovation and equity in the world’s capital. This unique collaboration between the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), the District of Columbia, and The George Washington University (GW) is building an inclusive, collaborative innovation...

Ecosystems