Stories of Innovation

INNOVATE™ South Africa

iTOUCH

FROM ZERO TO BILLION$

In a world where data has become the currency of our supposed future resulting in valuations of businesses from zero to billions within a relatively short while, you need to ask yourself this question; How am I benefitting from the data-sets I have in my business, if at all? And...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CarpeDM

Innovating the Dating Experience for Professional Black Women

“CarpeDM can have a massive positive impact on the collective economic and health status of the Black community.” Swiping right and superficial connections often dominate the realm of online dating. Naza Shelley founded CarpeDM to revolutionize how professional Black women find love in Washington, D.C., and beyond. This exclusive, member-only...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

WOOD BUFFALO REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK

There’s no better time and place to get started with the Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network

The Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network (WBRIN) was born of a need to connect business support organizations in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo to each other, as well as entrepreneurs in the region and Alberta. It is a network of six organizations in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, who occupy the roles...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

AfroCharts

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OF AFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OFAFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE AfroCharts, founded by Leonard Novati in 2020, is a pioneering digital music platform dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of African music to the global audiences. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, AfroCharts has rapidly grown to become a vibrant hub for artists, fans, and event...

INNOVATION Quebec

CHAIRE DIAMENT

HUMANISER L’INNOVATION NUMÉRIQUE EN SANTÉ MENTALE

La Chaire Diament est la Chaire de recherche stratégique de l’UQAM en design pour la cybersanté mentale. Son titulaire est le professeur Stéphane Vial. Mission et visionCréée en janvier 2020, la Chaire Diament est hébergée à l’École de design de l’Université du Québec à Montréal, et rattachée au Centre de...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

COOPERATIVA HIDROELECTRICA DE LA MONTAÑA

COOPERATIVA HIDROELECTRICA DE LA MONTAÑA-Puerto Rico’s first electric power cooperative brings 21st century innovation to the rural center of the island

Puerto Rico’s first electric power cooperative brings 21st century innovation to the rural center of the island

THE COOPERATIVA HIDROELÉCTRICA DE LA MONTAÑAThe Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña (the Hydroelectric Cooperative of the Mountain, in English) is Puerto Rico’s first electric power cooperative. The Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña is organized with the purpose of providing business owners and residents in the municipalities of Adjuntas, Jayuya, Lares...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

UMKC Innovation Center

THE UMKC INNOVATION CENTER UNLOCKS THE POTENTIAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY HELPING PEOPLE TURN THEIR IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS INTO VENTURES THAT SHAPE AN ECONOMY OF HOPE.

Founded with the vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,the UMKC Innovation Center was established in 2003 to transform Kansas City into a thriving hub of entrepreneurial activity. The center’s purpose is to nurture and support entrepreneurs, from fledgling startups to established businesses, by providing vital resources, coaching, and connections. By...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

UNFOLD HOSPITALITY

Innovating D.C.’s Culinary Scene

Unfold Hospitality is the brainchild of Richard Brandenburg and Rubén García, two culinary powerhouses with a shared passion for transforming the food and hospitality industry. Both have extensive experience working under the legendary chef José Andrés, where they earned the nickname “Delta Force” for their ability to conceptualize and execute...

INNOVATION Quebec

THE ESPACE D’ACCÉLÉRATION ET DE CROISSANCE DU BAS-SAINT-LAURENT (EAC BSL) FACILITATES INNOVATION

THE ESPACE D’ACCÉLÉRATION ET DE CROISSANCE DU BAS-SAINT-LAURENT (EAC BSL) FACILITATES INNOVATION PROJECTS AND GROWS VALUE CREATION IN BAS-SAINT-LAURENT. Our interventions include networking, collaboration and referral of experts who offer entrepreneurs technical and business support services. Exemplary regional cooperationThe EAC BSL is led by the Collectif régional de développement (CRD)....

Global Innovation Spotlight

Sticker Builder

Unlocking the Next Frontier

“Mass customization made simple. Creative chaos made scalable.” In today’s experience-driven economy, personalization isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of competitive advantage. Customers expect more than just products; they want creative control, self-expression, and seamless experiences. That’s where Sticker Builder by Antigro Designer, based in Kraków, Poland, comes in. This...

INNOVATE® Nashville

GEEQ

FROM THE VULNERABLE ECONOMY TO THE VERIFIED ECONOMY

It’s Time for a Major Change For two decades, the digital economy has been driven by growth at any cost. Platforms built fortunes by selling data first and asking forgiveness later. Success was measured by clicks and likes – often at the expense of genuine value. That playbook is collapsing....

INNOVATION Quebec

LE CENTRE DE GÉOMATIQUE DU QUÉBEC (CGQ)

CCTT IN GEOMATICS

The Centre de géomatique du Québec (CGQ) is a college centre for the transfer of technology (CCTT) affiliated with the Cégep de Chicoutimi. Our centre is part of Tech-Access Canada’s network of technology access centres (TACs). Our mission is to promote the development of businesses and organizations through innovation, research...

INNOVATION Quebec

Kemitek

CCTT EN CHIMIE VERTE ET MISE À L’ÉCHELLE DE PROCÉDÉS

Fondé en 2002, Kemitek est à la fois un CCTT et un centre d’accès à la technologie canadien (CAT) affilié au Cégep de Thetford. Notre centre a pour mission d’aider les entreprises à innover dans les domaines de la chimie verte et de la mise à l’échelle de procédés tout...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Benore Logistic Systems, Inc.

Driving Excellence

Benore Logistic Systems, Inc. stands as a testament to unwavering commitment, family heritage, and industry-leading innovation. Founded with a vision to redefine logistics, the company has grown into a powerhouse, seamlessly integrating transportation, warehousing, and supply chain solutions for some of the world’s leading industries. From its inception, Benore Logistic...

INNOVATE® Detroit

StockX

Leading Next Gen Retail

The Birth of a Marketplace Revolution. In 2016, in downtown Detroit, a disruptive idea took shape—one that would forever change the way people buy and sell limited-edition sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles. StockX, the brainchild of Greg Schwartz, Josh Luber, Dan Gilbert, and Chris Kaufman, was built on a simple yet...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

SATOCCI

SCAN & PAY

THE SCANDINAVIAN RETAIL-TECH INNOVATOR SHAPING THE MIDDLE EAST’S CASHLESS FUTURE Emerging from Sweden’s dynamic startup landscape, Satocci Scan & Pay has become one of the most closely watched retail-technology ventures entering the Middle East. Founded and led by Swedish entrepreneur Melodi Askelöf, the company is redefining how consumers shop and...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

EMPIST

EMPIST-Reliable & Transparent Technology Solutions Designed To Help Your Business Grow

Reliable & Transparent Technology Solutions Designed To Help Your Business Grow

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....

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

NanoBioFAB

Pioneering the Future of Medical Sensing Technology

NanoBioFab blends nanotechnology with artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions for early infection detection and personalized healthcare. Founded by Dr. Xiaonao Liu, this medtech company is revolutionizing the medical industry with its AI-driven smart sensors and high-throughput 3D nano-printing technology. NanoBioFab is on a journey fueled by personal motivation, cutting-edge...

INNOVATION Quebec

CIRRELT

CIRRELT- Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur les réseaux d’entreprise

Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur les réseaux d’entreprise, la logistique et le transport.

Qu’on en commun des défis tels que les changements climatiques, la pénurie de main-d’œuvre, l’organisation en santé et l’incertitude économique ? Assurément le besoin de mieux comprendre les phénomènes, de prédire les tendances avec justesse, mais aussi de concevoir des modèles et systèmes plus efficaces et résilients, durables et sécuritaires,...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

RENAULT GROUP

A 25-YEAR LEGACY AND THE START OF A NEW ERA

On 12 March 1996, Renault Group chose Paraná as the site for its new plant, marking the start of a new chapter in automotive history for Brazil. On 4 December 1998, the Ayrton Senna industrial complex opened its doors in Curitiba, becoming one of Renault Group’s main sites in South...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

IGNITE

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A ONE-STOP DESTINATION TO TURN BOLD IDEAS INTO GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES, LAUNCH THRIVING BUSINESSES, OR EXPAND ESTABLISHED COMPANIES GLOBALLY, LOOK NO FURTHER.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A ONE-STOP DESTINATION TO TURN BOLD IDEAS INTO GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES, LAUNCH THRIVING BUSINESSES, OR EXPAND ESTABLISHED COMPANIES GLOBALLY, LOOK NO FURTHER. Ignite equips entrepreneurs and businesses with the tools to succeed in an evolving marketplace. Together with our partners at Planet Hatch, we are committed to...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

RAINFOREST ALBERTA

Building the framework for tech and innovation in Alberta

RAINFOREST ALBERTA IS ROOTED IN AN ANALOGYAlthough the cold, dry climate of Alberta might not seem to have much in common with the Rainforest, our innovation ecosystem sure does. This connection is explored in the book: “The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley” by Greg Horowitt and...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

SC Competes | SC Logistics

South Carolina's Logistics Cluster

SC Logistics is South Carolina’s statewide logistics and supply chain cluster initiative managed by South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) alongside its collaborative partners. The cluster operates as an open network built to serve South Carolina’s full logistics ecosystem along rail, across the sea, over the road, and through...

INNOVATION Quebec

INNOVER ENSEMBLE

LE MODÈLE DU CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC

Le Centre-du-Québec, c’est 5 territoires d’appartenance et une démarche régionale de co-développement unique. Elle favorise l’innovation, la mise en commun de l’expertise, la réalisation de projets communs et surtout, une complémentarité quicrée un véritable effet de levier. Ce modèle de concertation innovant permet aussi un partage des responsabilités liées au...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

iTOUCH

FROM ZERO TO BILLION$

In a world where data has become the currency of our supposed future resulting in valuations of businesses from zero to billions within a relatively short while, you need to ask yourself this question; How am I benefitting from the data-sets I have in my business, if at all? And...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

CarpeDM

Innovating the Dating Experience for Professional Black Women

“CarpeDM can have a massive positive impact on the collective economic and health status of the Black community.” Swiping right and superficial connections often dominate the realm of online dating. Naza Shelley founded CarpeDM to revolutionize how professional Black women find love in Washington, D.C., and beyond. This exclusive, member-only...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

WOOD BUFFALO REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK

There’s no better time and place to get started with the Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network

The Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network (WBRIN) was born of a need to connect business support organizations in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo to each other, as well as entrepreneurs in the region and Alberta. It is a network of six organizations in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, who occupy the roles...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

AfroCharts

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OF AFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OFAFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE AfroCharts, founded by Leonard Novati in 2020, is a pioneering digital music platform dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of African music to the global audiences. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, AfroCharts has rapidly grown to become a vibrant hub for artists, fans, and event...

INNOVATION Quebec

CHAIRE DIAMENT

HUMANISER L’INNOVATION NUMÉRIQUE EN SANTÉ MENTALE

La Chaire Diament est la Chaire de recherche stratégique de l’UQAM en design pour la cybersanté mentale. Son titulaire est le professeur Stéphane Vial. Mission et visionCréée en janvier 2020, la Chaire Diament est hébergée à l’École de design de l’Université du Québec à Montréal, et rattachée au Centre de...

INNOVATE® Puerto Rico

COOPERATIVA HIDROELECTRICA DE LA MONTAÑA

COOPERATIVA HIDROELECTRICA DE LA MONTAÑA-Puerto Rico’s first electric power cooperative brings 21st century innovation to the rural center of the island

Puerto Rico’s first electric power cooperative brings 21st century innovation to the rural center of the island

THE COOPERATIVA HIDROELÉCTRICA DE LA MONTAÑAThe Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña (the Hydroelectric Cooperative of the Mountain, in English) is Puerto Rico’s first electric power cooperative. The Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña is organized with the purpose of providing business owners and residents in the municipalities of Adjuntas, Jayuya, Lares...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

UMKC Innovation Center

THE UMKC INNOVATION CENTER UNLOCKS THE POTENTIAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY HELPING PEOPLE TURN THEIR IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS INTO VENTURES THAT SHAPE AN ECONOMY OF HOPE.

Founded with the vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,the UMKC Innovation Center was established in 2003 to transform Kansas City into a thriving hub of entrepreneurial activity. The center’s purpose is to nurture and support entrepreneurs, from fledgling startups to established businesses, by providing vital resources, coaching, and connections. By...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

UNFOLD HOSPITALITY

Innovating D.C.’s Culinary Scene

Unfold Hospitality is the brainchild of Richard Brandenburg and Rubén García, two culinary powerhouses with a shared passion for transforming the food and hospitality industry. Both have extensive experience working under the legendary chef José Andrés, where they earned the nickname “Delta Force” for their ability to conceptualize and execute...

INNOVATION Quebec

THE ESPACE D’ACCÉLÉRATION ET DE CROISSANCE DU BAS-SAINT-LAURENT (EAC BSL) FACILITATES INNOVATION

THE ESPACE D’ACCÉLÉRATION ET DE CROISSANCE DU BAS-SAINT-LAURENT (EAC BSL) FACILITATES INNOVATION PROJECTS AND GROWS VALUE CREATION IN BAS-SAINT-LAURENT. Our interventions include networking, collaboration and referral of experts who offer entrepreneurs technical and business support services. Exemplary regional cooperationThe EAC BSL is led by the Collectif régional de développement (CRD)....

Global Innovation Spotlight

Sticker Builder

Unlocking the Next Frontier

“Mass customization made simple. Creative chaos made scalable.” In today’s experience-driven economy, personalization isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of competitive advantage. Customers expect more than just products; they want creative control, self-expression, and seamless experiences. That’s where Sticker Builder by Antigro Designer, based in Kraków, Poland, comes in. This...

INNOVATE® Nashville

GEEQ

FROM THE VULNERABLE ECONOMY TO THE VERIFIED ECONOMY

It’s Time for a Major Change For two decades, the digital economy has been driven by growth at any cost. Platforms built fortunes by selling data first and asking forgiveness later. Success was measured by clicks and likes – often at the expense of genuine value. That playbook is collapsing....

INNOVATION Quebec

LE CENTRE DE GÉOMATIQUE DU QUÉBEC (CGQ)

CCTT IN GEOMATICS

The Centre de géomatique du Québec (CGQ) is a college centre for the transfer of technology (CCTT) affiliated with the Cégep de Chicoutimi. Our centre is part of Tech-Access Canada’s network of technology access centres (TACs). Our mission is to promote the development of businesses and organizations through innovation, research...

INNOVATION Quebec

Kemitek

CCTT EN CHIMIE VERTE ET MISE À L’ÉCHELLE DE PROCÉDÉS

Fondé en 2002, Kemitek est à la fois un CCTT et un centre d’accès à la technologie canadien (CAT) affilié au Cégep de Thetford. Notre centre a pour mission d’aider les entreprises à innover dans les domaines de la chimie verte et de la mise à l’échelle de procédés tout...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Benore Logistic Systems, Inc.

Driving Excellence

Benore Logistic Systems, Inc. stands as a testament to unwavering commitment, family heritage, and industry-leading innovation. Founded with a vision to redefine logistics, the company has grown into a powerhouse, seamlessly integrating transportation, warehousing, and supply chain solutions for some of the world’s leading industries. From its inception, Benore Logistic...

INNOVATE® Detroit

StockX

Leading Next Gen Retail

The Birth of a Marketplace Revolution. In 2016, in downtown Detroit, a disruptive idea took shape—one that would forever change the way people buy and sell limited-edition sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles. StockX, the brainchild of Greg Schwartz, Josh Luber, Dan Gilbert, and Chris Kaufman, was built on a simple yet...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

SATOCCI

SCAN & PAY

THE SCANDINAVIAN RETAIL-TECH INNOVATOR SHAPING THE MIDDLE EAST’S CASHLESS FUTURE Emerging from Sweden’s dynamic startup landscape, Satocci Scan & Pay has become one of the most closely watched retail-technology ventures entering the Middle East. Founded and led by Swedish entrepreneur Melodi Askelöf, the company is redefining how consumers shop and...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

EMPIST

EMPIST-Reliable & Transparent Technology Solutions Designed To Help Your Business Grow

Reliable & Transparent Technology Solutions Designed To Help Your Business Grow

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....

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

NanoBioFAB

Pioneering the Future of Medical Sensing Technology

NanoBioFab blends nanotechnology with artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions for early infection detection and personalized healthcare. Founded by Dr. Xiaonao Liu, this medtech company is revolutionizing the medical industry with its AI-driven smart sensors and high-throughput 3D nano-printing technology. NanoBioFab is on a journey fueled by personal motivation, cutting-edge...

INNOVATION Quebec

CIRRELT

CIRRELT- Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur les réseaux d’entreprise

Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur les réseaux d’entreprise, la logistique et le transport.

Qu’on en commun des défis tels que les changements climatiques, la pénurie de main-d’œuvre, l’organisation en santé et l’incertitude économique ? Assurément le besoin de mieux comprendre les phénomènes, de prédire les tendances avec justesse, mais aussi de concevoir des modèles et systèmes plus efficaces et résilients, durables et sécuritaires,...

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

RENAULT GROUP

A 25-YEAR LEGACY AND THE START OF A NEW ERA

On 12 March 1996, Renault Group chose Paraná as the site for its new plant, marking the start of a new chapter in automotive history for Brazil. On 4 December 1998, the Ayrton Senna industrial complex opened its doors in Curitiba, becoming one of Renault Group’s main sites in South...

INNOVATE™ Atlantic Canada

IGNITE

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A ONE-STOP DESTINATION TO TURN BOLD IDEAS INTO GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES, LAUNCH THRIVING BUSINESSES, OR EXPAND ESTABLISHED COMPANIES GLOBALLY, LOOK NO FURTHER.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A ONE-STOP DESTINATION TO TURN BOLD IDEAS INTO GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES, LAUNCH THRIVING BUSINESSES, OR EXPAND ESTABLISHED COMPANIES GLOBALLY, LOOK NO FURTHER. Ignite equips entrepreneurs and businesses with the tools to succeed in an evolving marketplace. Together with our partners at Planet Hatch, we are committed to...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

RAINFOREST ALBERTA

Building the framework for tech and innovation in Alberta

RAINFOREST ALBERTA IS ROOTED IN AN ANALOGYAlthough the cold, dry climate of Alberta might not seem to have much in common with the Rainforest, our innovation ecosystem sure does. This connection is explored in the book: “The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley” by Greg Horowitt and...

INNOVATE® South Carolina

SC Competes | SC Logistics

South Carolina's Logistics Cluster

SC Logistics is South Carolina’s statewide logistics and supply chain cluster initiative managed by South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) alongside its collaborative partners. The cluster operates as an open network built to serve South Carolina’s full logistics ecosystem along rail, across the sea, over the road, and through...

INNOVATION Quebec

INNOVER ENSEMBLE

LE MODÈLE DU CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC

Le Centre-du-Québec, c’est 5 territoires d’appartenance et une démarche régionale de co-développement unique. Elle favorise l’innovation, la mise en commun de l’expertise, la réalisation de projets communs et surtout, une complémentarité quicrée un véritable effet de levier. Ce modèle de concertation innovant permet aussi un partage des responsabilités liées au...

Ecosystems