Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ Toronto

DESTINATION TORONTO

DESTINATION TORONTO-THE PLACE TO BE

THE PLACE TO BE

Toronto is the driving force behind Canada’s tech, finance, manufacturing, creative and service sectors. It’s also a cultural powerhouse. The most diverse city on the planet, Toronto is a place to convene, create, play, do business and launch the next great idea that could change the world.   Top of...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

FOUR & FIVE

Business Advisors Disguised as Lawyers

In a rapidly evolving world where technology consistently outpaces the law, bridging the divide between legal frameworks and innovation has become more critical than ever. At the heart of this intersection lies Four & Five, a boutique law firm founded six years ago by Dimitri Coun and Anneleen Vander Elstraeten...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

CROWDSCAN

CROWDSCAN- FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

Worldwide evolutions and events show that monitoring and managing crowds has become crucial. Just think of increasing urbanisation, the rise of mega-events and the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, there is a growing concern for privacy, resulting in ethical debates and, ultimately, appropriate legislation. CrowdScan balances both. CrowdScan originated...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

Q-LITE

Q-LITE -THE SMARTEST KIND OF ATTENTION

THE SMARTEST KIND OF ATTENTION

Q-lite is specialised in designing, producing and maintaining digital information systems and the accompanying software. Their wide product range includes pharmacy crosses, the zone-30 traffic signs that slow you down, the digital scoreboard of your favourite football team, transparent LED screens and parking guidance systems for cars and bicycles from...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

NAII

ACCELERATING AI AND QUANTUM IMPACT: FROM STOCKHOLM TO THE WORLD

Founded in 2017, the Stockholm-based Nordic Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) is an independent think-and-do tank that converts advances in AI, quantum, energy, and space technologies into executive-level strategy and delivery. NAII sits at the intersection of technology, industry, policy, and society with a consistent lens on European technological sovereignty. VIRTUAL...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

WINDMOTORS

TURNING ROADS INTO RENEWABLE POWER: WINDMOTORS’ VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

WindMotors, a Stockholm-based startup, is pioneering an innovative approach to renewable energy by transforming roadways into sources of clean power. Their mission is to integrate compact wind turbines into road infrastructure, capturing energy from passing vehicles and natural wind currents to generate electricity. The company’s modular system combines aerodynamic turbines...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

PLAYMAKER RECRUITING

Is here to level the playing field for student athletes and coaches, providing more access to opportunities and resources

Playmaker Recruiting was born from the broken system that is college athlete recruiting, with the mission to help students and coaches navigate the complicated recruiting process, and provide greater access to opportunities at the next level. Having seen friends and family go through the college recruiting process, it was apparent...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

SEARCY FINANCIAL

REDEFINING FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR THE MODERN ERA

In an industry often defined by numbers, Searcy Financial Services stands apart by focusing on people. Founded in 1976 and independently owned by second-generation leaders Jessica Kmetty, Marc Shaffer, John Fales, and Ryan Brooke, the firm has built a reputation not just for managing wealth, but for helping people make...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

WESGRO

WESGRO-THE CAPE TRADE PORTAL

THE CAPE TRADE PORTAL

Building Resilience Builds CompetitivenessWesgro is the official tourism, trade, investment and film promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. It serves as the first point of contact for foreign investors and local companies. In addition, this agency attracts and facilitates national and international investment, works to grow the...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

THOMAS MORE EXPERIENCE HUB

THOMAS MORE EXPERIENCE HUB-MAKES DIGITAL INNOVATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

MAKES DIGITAL INNOVATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

DISCOVER, CREATE, RESEARCH AND EVALUATE The Experience Hub is the innovation and inspiration hotspot for AR and VR solutions and digital experiences, located at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen and Antwerp.   We are committed to meaningful digital innovation: no gimmicks, but solutions that really improve and...

INNOVATE® Nashville

FIRST SOUTH FINANCIAL

BANKING WITH FRIENDS

The Story of First South Financial’s Strength, Innovation, and Community Impact. For nearly seven decades, First South Financial has stood as a trusted partner in helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals. What began as a modest effort to provide accessible banking services has grown into one...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES

PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES- BUILDING THE PORT OF THE FUTURE

BUILDING THE PORT OF THE FUTURE

Major challenges on energy transition, climate, mobility, and digital transformation are ahead of us and are closely linked to the activities of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, being the 2nd largest port in Europe and the 2nd largest integrated chemical cluster in the world. The recent merger between the ports of Antwerp...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Education 2025-2026: new formats, key trends, and the role of Lectera

The field of education is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Technology, new methods, and societal changes are shaping a completely different approach to learning. All of this makes knowledge more accessible and the process itself more flexible and tailored to the needs of each student. This approach is being implemented...

AI Québec

CEuMONTRÉAL

CEuMONTRÉAL-Un organisme à but non lucratif qui a pour mission de développer une culture entrepreneuriale et d’innovation à l’Université de Montréal

A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO DEVELOP AN ENTREPRENEURIAL AND INNOVATION CULTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTRÉAL

Mission University of Montreal’s entrepreneurship center (CEuMONTRÉAL) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, while providing support to entrepreneurs for the creation of scientific and technological businesses in several fields, such as life sciences, biomedical, education, agriculture, law, etc. For over 20...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

DELTACORE CAPITAL

DELTACORE CAPITAL-

A HEDGE FUND FOR DIGITAL ASSETS - CRYPTO INVESTMENT FUND AND CONSULTING FIRM

Deltacore Capital was established in 2018, after finding success in the very popular 2017 crypto bullrun. Since then their focus has been on consulting, educating on financial crypto literacy as well as being the General Partner for Deltacore Digital Assets LP, a multi strategy investment fund focused solely on digital...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

SHOWPIECE VACCINOPOLIS

SHOWPIECE VACCINOPOLIS - OPENS ITS DOORS

OPENS ITS DOORS

A container village on Campus Drie Eiken, in which 30 volunteers took up residence to test polio vaccines, that was the setup for Poliopolis, a study at UAntwerpen conducted within a closed container village on campus, in 2017. To ensure proper follow-up, participants remained in quarantine for 28 days. The...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

TRIBE NETWORK

IS BUILDINGA GLOBAL NETWORK OF ENTREPRENEURS AND INNOVATORS FOR RACIALIZED PEOPLE.

Tribe Network is a community of racialized people pursuing technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. They envision a world where Black, Indigenous, and people of colour are at the forefront of these disciplines, fully armed with the knowledge, resources, skills, and connections they need to start, build, and scale thriving businesses. TRIBE...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

DEFENCE TRAILBLAZER

THE SA ‘TRAILBLAZER’ DRIVING DEFENCE INNOVATION

Dr Sanjay Mazumdar: The SA ‘trailblazer’ driving defence innovationIn 2022, South Australia reinforced its reputation as the nation’s “defence state” when the University of Adelaide established the Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability in partnership with the University of New South Wales. Now, this ground-breaking research commercialisation program has...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

LUCENT BIOSCIENCES

GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

In the upcoming decades, global food systems will profoundly change as we adapt to more sustainable food production and distribution approaches. Farmers are currently being challenged to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Backed by years of research...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

BAZ ART

ART SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS -BAZ-ART CREATES PUBLIC INTERACTION THROUGH URBAN ART

Co-founders Alexandre Tilmans (Sales, Marketing and Financial Director) and Melissa Cucci (Operations and Art Director) started the company in 2016 with the vision to make South Africa a flagship and main actor in the public art and marketing sector....

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Eagle Wings Enterprises - Using Technology To Improve All Facets Of A Business

Eagle Wings Enterprises - Using Technology To Improve All Facets Of A Business

ELEVATOR PITCH We document a plan for efficiency and success. That plan could include hardware, software, app development, or just the use of apps that offer better efficiency. We measure our progress, document the improvement, profitability, and savings that are produced by our efforts. Then we help our customers identify...

INNOVATION Quebec

CENTRE RISC

SPÉCIALISE EN SÉCURITÉ CIVILE ET EN INTERVENTION D’URGENCE EN ADRESSANT LES ENJEUX

Il dispose d’expertises multidisciplinaires à la fois scientifiques et pratiques, ainsi que d’infrastructures uniques faisant converger ses activités de recherche et développement, de formation et d’accompagnement. Son site expérimental multidisciplinaire – véritable laboratoire à ciel ouvert – permet de simuler avec réalisme la réponse aux principaux aléas, ainsi que les...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

ABCO SYSTEMS

Driving Efficiency, Accuracy, and Sustainability in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Driving Efficiency, Accuracy, and Sustainability in Warehouses and Distribution Centers Meeting the ever-growing demands of modern distribution and order fulfillment requires more than incremental improvements—it demands innovative solutions that revolutionize how businesses operate. FastFetch, powered by ABCO Systems, has emerged as a transformative tool that combines efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability...

INNOVATION Quebec

ACCORD

PROMOTE BUSINESS GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH THE ACCORD INITIATIVE

Launched in April 2002, the ACCORD Initiative (concerted action for regional development cooperation) seeks to create an environment conducive to the development of businesses. It fosters collaboration between businesses and organizations in a specific field and territory. For more than 20 years, this regional development strategy has been a significant...

INNOVATE™ Toronto

DESTINATION TORONTO

DESTINATION TORONTO-THE PLACE TO BE

THE PLACE TO BE

Toronto is the driving force behind Canada’s tech, finance, manufacturing, creative and service sectors. It’s also a cultural powerhouse. The most diverse city on the planet, Toronto is a place to convene, create, play, do business and launch the next great idea that could change the world.   Top of...

INNOVATE™ Flanders

FOUR & FIVE

Business Advisors Disguised as Lawyers

In a rapidly evolving world where technology consistently outpaces the law, bridging the divide between legal frameworks and innovation has become more critical than ever. At the heart of this intersection lies Four & Five, a boutique law firm founded six years ago by Dimitri Coun and Anneleen Vander Elstraeten...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

CROWDSCAN

CROWDSCAN- FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

Worldwide evolutions and events show that monitoring and managing crowds has become crucial. Just think of increasing urbanisation, the rise of mega-events and the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, there is a growing concern for privacy, resulting in ethical debates and, ultimately, appropriate legislation. CrowdScan balances both. CrowdScan originated...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

Q-LITE

Q-LITE -THE SMARTEST KIND OF ATTENTION

THE SMARTEST KIND OF ATTENTION

Q-lite is specialised in designing, producing and maintaining digital information systems and the accompanying software. Their wide product range includes pharmacy crosses, the zone-30 traffic signs that slow you down, the digital scoreboard of your favourite football team, transparent LED screens and parking guidance systems for cars and bicycles from...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

NAII

ACCELERATING AI AND QUANTUM IMPACT: FROM STOCKHOLM TO THE WORLD

Founded in 2017, the Stockholm-based Nordic Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) is an independent think-and-do tank that converts advances in AI, quantum, energy, and space technologies into executive-level strategy and delivery. NAII sits at the intersection of technology, industry, policy, and society with a consistent lens on European technological sovereignty. VIRTUAL...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

WINDMOTORS

TURNING ROADS INTO RENEWABLE POWER: WINDMOTORS’ VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

WindMotors, a Stockholm-based startup, is pioneering an innovative approach to renewable energy by transforming roadways into sources of clean power. Their mission is to integrate compact wind turbines into road infrastructure, capturing energy from passing vehicles and natural wind currents to generate electricity. The company’s modular system combines aerodynamic turbines...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

PLAYMAKER RECRUITING

Is here to level the playing field for student athletes and coaches, providing more access to opportunities and resources

Playmaker Recruiting was born from the broken system that is college athlete recruiting, with the mission to help students and coaches navigate the complicated recruiting process, and provide greater access to opportunities at the next level. Having seen friends and family go through the college recruiting process, it was apparent...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

SEARCY FINANCIAL

REDEFINING FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR THE MODERN ERA

In an industry often defined by numbers, Searcy Financial Services stands apart by focusing on people. Founded in 1976 and independently owned by second-generation leaders Jessica Kmetty, Marc Shaffer, John Fales, and Ryan Brooke, the firm has built a reputation not just for managing wealth, but for helping people make...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

WESGRO

WESGRO-THE CAPE TRADE PORTAL

THE CAPE TRADE PORTAL

Building Resilience Builds CompetitivenessWesgro is the official tourism, trade, investment and film promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. It serves as the first point of contact for foreign investors and local companies. In addition, this agency attracts and facilitates national and international investment, works to grow the...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

THOMAS MORE EXPERIENCE HUB

THOMAS MORE EXPERIENCE HUB-MAKES DIGITAL INNOVATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

MAKES DIGITAL INNOVATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

DISCOVER, CREATE, RESEARCH AND EVALUATE The Experience Hub is the innovation and inspiration hotspot for AR and VR solutions and digital experiences, located at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen and Antwerp.   We are committed to meaningful digital innovation: no gimmicks, but solutions that really improve and...

INNOVATE® Nashville

FIRST SOUTH FINANCIAL

BANKING WITH FRIENDS

The Story of First South Financial’s Strength, Innovation, and Community Impact. For nearly seven decades, First South Financial has stood as a trusted partner in helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals. What began as a modest effort to provide accessible banking services has grown into one...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES

PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES- BUILDING THE PORT OF THE FUTURE

BUILDING THE PORT OF THE FUTURE

Major challenges on energy transition, climate, mobility, and digital transformation are ahead of us and are closely linked to the activities of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, being the 2nd largest port in Europe and the 2nd largest integrated chemical cluster in the world. The recent merger between the ports of Antwerp...

Global Innovation Spotlight

Education 2025-2026: new formats, key trends, and the role of Lectera

The field of education is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Technology, new methods, and societal changes are shaping a completely different approach to learning. All of this makes knowledge more accessible and the process itself more flexible and tailored to the needs of each student. This approach is being implemented...

AI Québec

CEuMONTRÉAL

CEuMONTRÉAL-Un organisme à but non lucratif qui a pour mission de développer une culture entrepreneuriale et d’innovation à l’Université de Montréal

A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO DEVELOP AN ENTREPRENEURIAL AND INNOVATION CULTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTRÉAL

Mission University of Montreal’s entrepreneurship center (CEuMONTRÉAL) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, while providing support to entrepreneurs for the creation of scientific and technological businesses in several fields, such as life sciences, biomedical, education, agriculture, law, etc. For over 20...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

DELTACORE CAPITAL

DELTACORE CAPITAL-

A HEDGE FUND FOR DIGITAL ASSETS - CRYPTO INVESTMENT FUND AND CONSULTING FIRM

Deltacore Capital was established in 2018, after finding success in the very popular 2017 crypto bullrun. Since then their focus has been on consulting, educating on financial crypto literacy as well as being the General Partner for Deltacore Digital Assets LP, a multi strategy investment fund focused solely on digital...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

SHOWPIECE VACCINOPOLIS

SHOWPIECE VACCINOPOLIS - OPENS ITS DOORS

OPENS ITS DOORS

A container village on Campus Drie Eiken, in which 30 volunteers took up residence to test polio vaccines, that was the setup for Poliopolis, a study at UAntwerpen conducted within a closed container village on campus, in 2017. To ensure proper follow-up, participants remained in quarantine for 28 days. The...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

TRIBE NETWORK

IS BUILDINGA GLOBAL NETWORK OF ENTREPRENEURS AND INNOVATORS FOR RACIALIZED PEOPLE.

Tribe Network is a community of racialized people pursuing technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. They envision a world where Black, Indigenous, and people of colour are at the forefront of these disciplines, fully armed with the knowledge, resources, skills, and connections they need to start, build, and scale thriving businesses. TRIBE...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

DEFENCE TRAILBLAZER

THE SA ‘TRAILBLAZER’ DRIVING DEFENCE INNOVATION

Dr Sanjay Mazumdar: The SA ‘trailblazer’ driving defence innovationIn 2022, South Australia reinforced its reputation as the nation’s “defence state” when the University of Adelaide established the Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability in partnership with the University of New South Wales. Now, this ground-breaking research commercialisation program has...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

LUCENT BIOSCIENCES

GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

In the upcoming decades, global food systems will profoundly change as we adapt to more sustainable food production and distribution approaches. Farmers are currently being challenged to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Backed by years of research...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

BAZ ART

ART SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS -BAZ-ART CREATES PUBLIC INTERACTION THROUGH URBAN ART

Co-founders Alexandre Tilmans (Sales, Marketing and Financial Director) and Melissa Cucci (Operations and Art Director) started the company in 2016 with the vision to make South Africa a flagship and main actor in the public art and marketing sector....

INNOVATE® Jacksonville

Eagle Wings Enterprises - Using Technology To Improve All Facets Of A Business

Eagle Wings Enterprises - Using Technology To Improve All Facets Of A Business

ELEVATOR PITCH We document a plan for efficiency and success. That plan could include hardware, software, app development, or just the use of apps that offer better efficiency. We measure our progress, document the improvement, profitability, and savings that are produced by our efforts. Then we help our customers identify...

INNOVATION Quebec

CENTRE RISC

SPÉCIALISE EN SÉCURITÉ CIVILE ET EN INTERVENTION D’URGENCE EN ADRESSANT LES ENJEUX

Il dispose d’expertises multidisciplinaires à la fois scientifiques et pratiques, ainsi que d’infrastructures uniques faisant converger ses activités de recherche et développement, de formation et d’accompagnement. Son site expérimental multidisciplinaire – véritable laboratoire à ciel ouvert – permet de simuler avec réalisme la réponse aux principaux aléas, ainsi que les...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

ABCO SYSTEMS

Driving Efficiency, Accuracy, and Sustainability in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Driving Efficiency, Accuracy, and Sustainability in Warehouses and Distribution Centers Meeting the ever-growing demands of modern distribution and order fulfillment requires more than incremental improvements—it demands innovative solutions that revolutionize how businesses operate. FastFetch, powered by ABCO Systems, has emerged as a transformative tool that combines efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability...

INNOVATION Quebec

ACCORD

PROMOTE BUSINESS GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH THE ACCORD INITIATIVE

Launched in April 2002, the ACCORD Initiative (concerted action for regional development cooperation) seeks to create an environment conducive to the development of businesses. It fosters collaboration between businesses and organizations in a specific field and territory. For more than 20 years, this regional development strategy has been a significant...

Ecosystems