Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE® Detroit

DCI MARKETING

FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INNOVATION FOCUSED ON INVENTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR LEADING AUTOMOTIVE AND LIFESTYLE BRANDS, MAJOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS

Even in its earliest history, DCI Marketing was focused on brand-building. Originally known as ColorPrint Products Printing, the company built a name for itself producing window signage for shoe stores. But new opportunities with Cadillac and Harley-Davidson propelled DCI Marketing forward, establishing it as not only an innovative design firm,...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

CODEBABY

AI THAT ENHANCES HUMAN CAPACITY

As AI reshapes industries, CodeBaby leads in emotionally intelligent, human-centric AI. Specializing in real-time, 3D animated avatars, CodeBaby bridges the gap between automation and authentic interaction—enhancing, rather than replacing, human capacity. Founded to improve communication and accessibility, CodeBaby redefines engagement in education, healthcare, customer service and workforce training. By merging...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Northeastern’s campus in Arlington, Virginia launched in 2023, joining a growing global university system, now totaling 13 campuses in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Each Northeastern location offers varying combinations of undergraduate, graduate, and professional learning; use inspired research; and entrepreneurship—all aligned with the talent and innovation needs of...

INNOVATE® Georgia

THE CITY OF ALPHARETTA

THE SUBTLE RISE OF A TECH HUB

Situated between bustling downtown Atlanta and the tranquil the North Georgia mountains, the City of Alpharetta is emerging as a notable example of how a community can quietly yet effectively embrace innovation and growth. This story isn’t about rapid expansion or high-profile advancements; it’s a tale of how Alpharetta has...

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™ 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™ Vancouver Vol.2

THE FIRST NATIONS TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

CONNECTING INDIGENOUS LEARNERS TO A DIGITAL FUTURE

The First Nations Technology Council (The Technology Council) is an Indigenous-led organization that serves all 204 First Nations communities across the Province of British Columbia. Established in 2002, they are mandated by BC First Nations Leadership to provide digital skills training to Indigenous learners, realize digital equity, and ensure Indigenous...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

METIQUITY

A FOCUS ON FUNDAMENTALS, NOT HYPE.

A CHANGE FOR THE SMALLER.Micro, in fact. Rapidly decreasing technology costs, combined with digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, data and analytics, cloud computing, SaaS, and the Internet of Things, are disrupting our existing business and operating models. This means that Alberta’s emerging-technology sector is primed to be a catalyst...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Curbio

The Power of Modern Technology In Home Improvement and Real Estate

“Curbio is the most trusted pre-listing home improvement company for thousands of respected agents and brokerages nationwide.” Curbio is a guiding light of innovation in the real estate sector, making home improvement a seamless, modern experience for real estate agents and their clients. As the leading pre-listing home improvement company...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

NAKO TIMEPIECES

NAKO TIMEPIECES- A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Born and designed in Gaborone, Botswana Nako Timepieces are merging innovation and luxury watchmaking that is proudly rooted in Botswana. BRAND PERSONALITYAn embodiment of Afrocentrism, Tswana origins, selfdiscovery, character and endurance. Having stepped over the line of classic iconic style and into the realm of simplicity — Nako Timepieces identifies...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

DAILY MAVERICK

DAILY MAVERICK- SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

Innovation is the lifeblood of Daily Maverick – from its origins as a print magazine featuring long-form current affairs, to its current form as a digital news publisher with more than five million unique visitors every month.   Founded by Editor-in-chief Branko Brkic and CEO Styli Charalambous in 2009, eagle-eyed...

INNOVATION Quebec

AXELYS

AN ESSENTIAL MISSION FOR THE FUTURE OF QUÉBEC Axelys integrates innovations from Quebec’s public research into the mainstream of society. Our mission is at the heart of the new 2022 2027 Québec strategy to support research and investment in innovation, launched in May 2022 by the Quebec government. At Axelys,...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

ASM GLOBAL

DELIVERS LIVE EXPERIENCES

PUERTO RICO’S PREMIERE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUESASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company has an elite venue network that spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues....

INNOVATE™ Alberta

HEALTH CITIES

HEALTH CITIES-IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF ALBERTANS THROUGH INNOVATION

IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF ALBERTANS THROUGH INNOVATION

Globally, healthcare is being disrupted, akin to the disruption we witnessed in media and transportation, and digital health is leading the charge. While Canada lags its peers in health outcomes and health system performance, Alberta’s areas of strength – artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and immersive technologies – can be...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Pittsburgh Institute for Aeronautics

Keeping America’s Aviation Industry Flying High

Originally founded in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1929, PIA has offered industry-leading aviation training for nearly a century. As the organization’s newest campus, PIA Myrtle Beach first opened its doors in January 2012 in the same building that once housed the avionics facilities for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This...

INNOVATE™ Kitchener Waterloo

THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

INNOVATION ARENA TRANSFORMS RESEARCH INTO IMPACTFUL SOLUTIONS

NEW FACILITY ACCELERATES COMMERCIALIZATION BY EMPOWERING UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO RESEARCHERS AND STARTUPS THROUGH COLLABORATION AND RESOURCES The University of Waterloo is transforming research into tangible impact through the Innovation Arena, a new space situated within the Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener designed to accelerate the commercialization of research. Waterloo’s...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

1863 VENTURES

Unleashing Potential

“We’re excited about the continued progress on our path to creating $100B in new wealth by 2030.” In the heart of innovation, where dreams intertwine with reality, 1836 Ventures stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Born from a modest volunteer project at Georgetown, it has evolved into an...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

CGI

A Leader in Innovation

In 1976, Serge Codin and Andre Imbeau, two young and ambitious entrepreneurs from Quebec City, Canada founded CGI, Consultants to Government and Industry. With a strong commitment and big dreams, Codin and Imbeau strived to create a company with an enjoyable work environment that promoted collaboration and innovation among its...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

DR. PEANUT

WHO SAID THAT HEALTHY FOOD HAS TO BE TASTELESS OR BORING?

Motivated by the unwavering and curious desire to respond to that question, in 2017, Lucas Castro, founder and CMO of DR PEANUT, decided to embark and find an ideal recipe that would bring an unbelievable flavor to people focused on health, sports and whoever require balanced energy. This is the...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

SEMETRON

INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE: MOBILE MODULAR HOSPITAL

The healthcare sector faces increasingly complex challenges — from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters to global pandemics and conflict-related crises. In these situations, timely access to quality medical care can be a matter of life and death. This is where Semetron steps in, an innovative leader from...

INNOVATION Quebec

CQDM

Le CQDM- Accélérer la découverte de médicaments

Accelerating Drug Discovery

This non-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium supports and facilitates multi-stakeholder innovation to accelerate the transformation of cutting-edge discoveries into vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics addressing unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Canadian economy. An Innovative Funding Model The unique funding model of the NPO, founded in 2008, helps bridge...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

GUNKII

REDESIGNING AFFORDABLE LUXURY ORAL CARE

It is possible to have fresher breath and a healthier mouth with a tongue cleaner. gunkii brings affordable luxury oral care to the market. Founded in May 2020, gunkii is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Jayesh and Nicole Parmar, who had the vision to offer a tongue scraper to help...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

AWCA INVESTMENT HOLDINGS

AWCA INVESTMENT HOLDINGS- AFRICAN WOMEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (AWCA) PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE ENTRY OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO THE HISTORICALLY ALMOST IMPENETRABLE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY (CA) PROFESSION

AFRICAN WOMEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (AWCA) PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE ENTRY OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO THE HISTORICALLY ALMOST IMPENETRABLE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY (CA) PROFESSION

Having overcome exactly the struggles with which AWCA exists to assist, inspirational Founder, Sindi Mabaso-Koyana talks us through some of what makes the organization so special and valuable to aspirational women who are mentored and supported throughout their journey of becoming and CA and even beyond, to ensure their successful...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION

DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION-BLOCKCHAIN MAKES WEB 3.0 POSSIBLE

BLOCKCHAIN MAKES WEB 3.0 POSSIBLE

THE DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION (DBC) IS A COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF AFFILIATES FROM GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES, CENTERS OF EXPERTISE AND THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR. ITS MISSION IS TO INCREASE BOTH KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF BLOCKCHAIN IN THE NETHERLANDS, THEREBY SPEEDING UP THE DECENTRALIZATION OF DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE. IN THAT CONTEXT, THE DBC IS PRIMARILY...

INNOVATE® Detroit

DCI MARKETING

FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INNOVATION FOCUSED ON INVENTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR LEADING AUTOMOTIVE AND LIFESTYLE BRANDS, MAJOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS

Even in its earliest history, DCI Marketing was focused on brand-building. Originally known as ColorPrint Products Printing, the company built a name for itself producing window signage for shoe stores. But new opportunities with Cadillac and Harley-Davidson propelled DCI Marketing forward, establishing it as not only an innovative design firm,...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

CODEBABY

AI THAT ENHANCES HUMAN CAPACITY

As AI reshapes industries, CodeBaby leads in emotionally intelligent, human-centric AI. Specializing in real-time, 3D animated avatars, CodeBaby bridges the gap between automation and authentic interaction—enhancing, rather than replacing, human capacity. Founded to improve communication and accessibility, CodeBaby redefines engagement in education, healthcare, customer service and workforce training. By merging...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Northeastern’s campus in Arlington, Virginia launched in 2023, joining a growing global university system, now totaling 13 campuses in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Each Northeastern location offers varying combinations of undergraduate, graduate, and professional learning; use inspired research; and entrepreneurship—all aligned with the talent and innovation needs of...

INNOVATE® Georgia

THE CITY OF ALPHARETTA

THE SUBTLE RISE OF A TECH HUB

Situated between bustling downtown Atlanta and the tranquil the North Georgia mountains, the City of Alpharetta is emerging as a notable example of how a community can quietly yet effectively embrace innovation and growth. This story isn’t about rapid expansion or high-profile advancements; it’s a tale of how Alpharetta has...

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™ 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™ Vancouver Vol.2

THE FIRST NATIONS TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

CONNECTING INDIGENOUS LEARNERS TO A DIGITAL FUTURE

The First Nations Technology Council (The Technology Council) is an Indigenous-led organization that serves all 204 First Nations communities across the Province of British Columbia. Established in 2002, they are mandated by BC First Nations Leadership to provide digital skills training to Indigenous learners, realize digital equity, and ensure Indigenous...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

METIQUITY

A FOCUS ON FUNDAMENTALS, NOT HYPE.

A CHANGE FOR THE SMALLER.Micro, in fact. Rapidly decreasing technology costs, combined with digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, data and analytics, cloud computing, SaaS, and the Internet of Things, are disrupting our existing business and operating models. This means that Alberta’s emerging-technology sector is primed to be a catalyst...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Curbio

The Power of Modern Technology In Home Improvement and Real Estate

“Curbio is the most trusted pre-listing home improvement company for thousands of respected agents and brokerages nationwide.” Curbio is a guiding light of innovation in the real estate sector, making home improvement a seamless, modern experience for real estate agents and their clients. As the leading pre-listing home improvement company...

INNOVATE™ Botswana Vol.1

NAKO TIMEPIECES

NAKO TIMEPIECES- A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A LUXURY WATCH DESIGNER BRAND WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Born and designed in Gaborone, Botswana Nako Timepieces are merging innovation and luxury watchmaking that is proudly rooted in Botswana. BRAND PERSONALITYAn embodiment of Afrocentrism, Tswana origins, selfdiscovery, character and endurance. Having stepped over the line of classic iconic style and into the realm of simplicity — Nako Timepieces identifies...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

DAILY MAVERICK

DAILY MAVERICK- SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

Innovation is the lifeblood of Daily Maverick – from its origins as a print magazine featuring long-form current affairs, to its current form as a digital news publisher with more than five million unique visitors every month.   Founded by Editor-in-chief Branko Brkic and CEO Styli Charalambous in 2009, eagle-eyed...

INNOVATION Quebec

AXELYS

AN ESSENTIAL MISSION FOR THE FUTURE OF QUÉBEC Axelys integrates innovations from Quebec’s public research into the mainstream of society. Our mission is at the heart of the new 2022 2027 Québec strategy to support research and investment in innovation, launched in May 2022 by the Quebec government. At Axelys,...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

ASM GLOBAL

DELIVERS LIVE EXPERIENCES

PUERTO RICO’S PREMIERE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUESASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company has an elite venue network that spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues....

INNOVATE™ Alberta

HEALTH CITIES

HEALTH CITIES-IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF ALBERTANS THROUGH INNOVATION

IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF ALBERTANS THROUGH INNOVATION

Globally, healthcare is being disrupted, akin to the disruption we witnessed in media and transportation, and digital health is leading the charge. While Canada lags its peers in health outcomes and health system performance, Alberta’s areas of strength – artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and immersive technologies – can be...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Pittsburgh Institute for Aeronautics

Keeping America’s Aviation Industry Flying High

Originally founded in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1929, PIA has offered industry-leading aviation training for nearly a century. As the organization’s newest campus, PIA Myrtle Beach first opened its doors in January 2012 in the same building that once housed the avionics facilities for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This...

INNOVATE™ Kitchener Waterloo

THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

INNOVATION ARENA TRANSFORMS RESEARCH INTO IMPACTFUL SOLUTIONS

NEW FACILITY ACCELERATES COMMERCIALIZATION BY EMPOWERING UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO RESEARCHERS AND STARTUPS THROUGH COLLABORATION AND RESOURCES The University of Waterloo is transforming research into tangible impact through the Innovation Arena, a new space situated within the Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener designed to accelerate the commercialization of research. Waterloo’s...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

1863 VENTURES

Unleashing Potential

“We’re excited about the continued progress on our path to creating $100B in new wealth by 2030.” In the heart of innovation, where dreams intertwine with reality, 1836 Ventures stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Born from a modest volunteer project at Georgetown, it has evolved into an...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

CGI

A Leader in Innovation

In 1976, Serge Codin and Andre Imbeau, two young and ambitious entrepreneurs from Quebec City, Canada founded CGI, Consultants to Government and Industry. With a strong commitment and big dreams, Codin and Imbeau strived to create a company with an enjoyable work environment that promoted collaboration and innovation among its...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

DR. PEANUT

WHO SAID THAT HEALTHY FOOD HAS TO BE TASTELESS OR BORING?

Motivated by the unwavering and curious desire to respond to that question, in 2017, Lucas Castro, founder and CMO of DR PEANUT, decided to embark and find an ideal recipe that would bring an unbelievable flavor to people focused on health, sports and whoever require balanced energy. This is the...

INNOVATE™ Estonia

SEMETRON

INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE: MOBILE MODULAR HOSPITAL

The healthcare sector faces increasingly complex challenges — from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters to global pandemics and conflict-related crises. In these situations, timely access to quality medical care can be a matter of life and death. This is where Semetron steps in, an innovative leader from...

INNOVATION Quebec

CQDM

Le CQDM- Accélérer la découverte de médicaments

Accelerating Drug Discovery

This non-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium supports and facilitates multi-stakeholder innovation to accelerate the transformation of cutting-edge discoveries into vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics addressing unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Canadian economy. An Innovative Funding Model The unique funding model of the NPO, founded in 2008, helps bridge...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

GUNKII

REDESIGNING AFFORDABLE LUXURY ORAL CARE

It is possible to have fresher breath and a healthier mouth with a tongue cleaner. gunkii brings affordable luxury oral care to the market. Founded in May 2020, gunkii is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Jayesh and Nicole Parmar, who had the vision to offer a tongue scraper to help...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

AWCA INVESTMENT HOLDINGS

AWCA INVESTMENT HOLDINGS- AFRICAN WOMEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (AWCA) PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE ENTRY OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO THE HISTORICALLY ALMOST IMPENETRABLE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY (CA) PROFESSION

AFRICAN WOMEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (AWCA) PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE ENTRY OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO THE HISTORICALLY ALMOST IMPENETRABLE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY (CA) PROFESSION

Having overcome exactly the struggles with which AWCA exists to assist, inspirational Founder, Sindi Mabaso-Koyana talks us through some of what makes the organization so special and valuable to aspirational women who are mentored and supported throughout their journey of becoming and CA and even beyond, to ensure their successful...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION

DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION-BLOCKCHAIN MAKES WEB 3.0 POSSIBLE

BLOCKCHAIN MAKES WEB 3.0 POSSIBLE

THE DUTCH BLOCKCHAIN COALITION (DBC) IS A COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF AFFILIATES FROM GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES, CENTERS OF EXPERTISE AND THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR. ITS MISSION IS TO INCREASE BOTH KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF BLOCKCHAIN IN THE NETHERLANDS, THEREBY SPEEDING UP THE DECENTRALIZATION OF DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE. IN THAT CONTEXT, THE DBC IS PRIMARILY...

Ecosystems