A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Innovation

ASQ was born out of necessity. After World War II, the demand for efficiency, standardization, and operational excellence surged. Visionaries in quality management recognized that systematic improvements in production and management could propel industries forward. Founded in 1946, ASQ quickly became the premier platform for knowledge-sharing, best practices, and professional growth in the quality discipline.

Today, ASQ unites over 30,000 members in 130+ countries. Committed to advancing quality, the organization empowers professionals and industries to harness its transformative power. “Quality is more than a standard—it is the foundation of success. It is what drives innovation, sustainability, and competitive advantage,” says ASQ CEO Sid Bhatnagar.

Empowering Organizations Through Knowledge and Certification

Quality is a journey, and ASQ provides the roadmap. Its globally recognized certifications, including the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and Six Sigma Black Belt, set the standard for operational excellence. With 19 specialized certifications developed over five decades, ASQ is the trusted authority for professionals and organizations striving for peak performance.

Beyond certifications, ASQ offers cutting-edge training programs led by industry experts, available virtually and on-site. “ASQ is about continuous learning. The world is changing rapidly, and staying ahead requires not just knowledge but the right application of that knowledge,” Sid says.

ASQ also provides an extensive peer-reviewed content library, technical resources, and best-practice guidelines that set industry benchmarks. The annual World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI) serves as a hub for thought leadership, bringing professionals together to explore advancements in sustainability strategies, risk management, and more.

Innovation: The New Face of Quality

Quality management has evolved from simply reducing waste and errors to optimizing effectiveness, efficiency, and impact. “Quality is no longer just about avoiding mistakes. It’s about making every process, every decision, and every investment count,” says Sid.

ASQ’s innovative approach integrates emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation into traditional quality frameworks. By embracing these advancements, ASQ ensures that organizations are not merely keeping up with industry changes but are leading them.

With 225 member-led sections and divisions worldwide, ASQ fosters collaboration between quality professionals, industry leaders, and technology innovators to drive progress. This culture of shared learning helps businesses and professionals navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities.

Upskilling for the Future

The workforce is evolving. Studies indicate that nearly half of all employees will need to acquire new skills within the next few years to remain competitive. Yet, only a fraction of organizations are actively investing in reskilling programs. ASQ is tackling this challenge head-on, providing tailored learning solutions that empower individuals and businesses to stay ahead of the curve.

“We are in a skills revolution,” Sid states. “Job descriptions are changing, and automation is redefining roles. But one thing remains constant: organizations that invest in upskilling their workforce will survive and thrive.”

ASQ’s focus on workforce transformation addresses critical gaps in critical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and adaptability. The organization works closely with businesses to integrate quality principles into talent development, ensuring professionals are prepared to lead in an increasingly complex world.

Sustainability and the Role of Quality

Quality is about more than efficiency—it’s about responsibility. ASQ recognizes that quality management principles are essential to achieving sustainability goals. By leveraging methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Risk Management tools like FMEA. ASQ helps organizations minimize waste, optimize resources, and align with sustainability strategies.

For over 40 years, ASQ has championed Lean principles to drive environmental and social impact. Today, the organization continues to refine these strategies, ensuring sustainability remains at the heart of quality. “The future belongs to organizations that prioritize both performance and purpose. Quality and sustainability are not mutually exclusive—they are deeply interconnected,” Sid asserts.

A Global Community of Change-Makers

ASQ’s influence extends beyond training programs and certifications. At its core, ASQ is a movement—a global community of problem-solvers, mentors, and innovators dedicated to making the world work better. ASQ’s members share a passion for continuous progress, collaborating to improve workplaces, industries, and global quality standards.

Through member-led communities, specialized forums, and networking opportunities, ASQ fosters an environment where knowledge flows freely, ideas spark action, and collaboration drives progress. Whether tackling industry-specific challenges, exploring advancements in digital transformation, or redefining quality standards, ASQ’s members are leading the charge.

“Our strength lies in our community,” Sid says. “Quality is not just a profession—it’s a mindset. When we come together, we don’t just improve processes; we transform industries and create lasting impact.”

The Road Ahead: Defining the Future of Quality

ASQ is not content with maintaining the status quo. The organization’s future vision includes expanding AI-driven analytics, advanced training methodologies, and a growing international footprint. By embracing technological advancements and adapting quality frameworks to meet tomorrow’s demands, ASQ ensures its impact continues growing.

“Our responsibility is not just to respond to change but to anticipate it,” Sid emphasizes. “We are building a future where quality is not an afterthought—it is the driving force behind sustainable success, innovation, and global progress.”

Quality as a Competitive Advantage

The business landscape is evolving faster than ever. Organizations that fail to integrate quality into their strategies risk falling behind. However, those who embrace quality as a competitive advantage unlock limitless possibilities. ASQ is the catalyst that transforms quality from a compliance requirement into a strategic asset.

With its expertise, cutting-edge solutions, and passionate global community, ASQ is more than an organization—it is a force for transformation. Quality is no longer just about reducing errors and waste. Today, it is about maximizing efficiency, effectiveness, and the optimal use of time, materials, and resources. The ultimate goal? To make the world work better—in business, nonprofits, government, and communities—by leading with quality at the core of every effort.

“The workforce of tomorrow will be defined by those who invest in continuous improvement today,” Sid says. “At ASQ, we believe that quality is the key to unlocking potential, accelerating innovation, and creating a future where excellence is the standard, not the exception.”

In Milwaukee, across the United States, and around the world, ASQ is shaping the future—one innovation at a time.

As American forces crossed the English Channel to liberate France in June 1944, Milwaukee native Lloyd A. Sauer was thinking forward to a post-war era.

Sauer purchased a small company called ColorPrint Products Printing and began producing window signage for shoe stores. But it was Cadillac and Harley-Davidson that propelled Sauer’s company forward once American factories started producing cars and motorcycles again for consumers after a three-year hiatus.

ColorPrint Products evolved into Display Corporation Milwaukee during the 1950s, then Display Corporation International (DCI) in the 1960s, and DCI Marketing in 1980.

Thirty-five years later, DCI Marketing was acquired by Marmon Holdings, Inc., a $12 billion member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. As part of Marmon, DCI Marketing has access to the knowledge of other world-class retail service companies and a diverse range of manufacturing businesses.

DCI Marketing Builds Brands

Many companies build signs, but Sauer was interested in building brand recognition. “He was extremely focused on the concept of building a brand in the 1940s,” says Don Michalek, DCI Marketing VP Operations.

“His entire business was built on the individual needs of his customers, ”Michalek continues. “If the customer needed something to be wood, metal, plastic, glass, whatever else he could find in his garage, he loved that concept; that idea of innovation and creativity, and an individual focus on a brand or a customer, is really in the roots of this company.

”Sauer’s client-focused approach remains an integral part of DCI to date.“When we’re at our best,” says Michalek, “we’re hyperfocused on the individual needs of our customer.”

Branding in the Digital Marketing Era

For decades, brands like Subaru – one of the top 15 most profitable global car companies – have looked to DCI Marketing for far more than its ability to build displays and kit out a showroom with U.S. manufactured fixtures, which are still a key part of the business.

As digital marketing became prominent, Subaru looked for a vendor to provide customizable signage that could be personalized to the location. DCI Marketing’s LiveGuide® was the answer. “We can source all the electronics and make sure that the fit and finish is perfect”, says Pat McGriff, DCI Marketing President. “And because of our marketing services background, we could develop content as well as the platform to deliver it. It gives us autonomy to be a one-stop shop for digital needs.”

Understanding the Consumer Journey

“Our clients are this triangle of the big Fortune 50 brands, the retail locations and the consumer,” says Brandon Vonck, DCI Marketing VP Technology & Finance.

“A lot of companies are showcasing a product,” says Vonck. “We’re the experts at understanding the consumer journey. How we approach innovation is really understanding the client needs, the consumer journey, the path to purchase and the pain points that consumers have.

”When $3 trillion software giant Microsoft launched the Xbox, DCI Marketing was there to help introduce the gaming console to consumers. “We didn’t have a huge global presence, and our organization needed to quickly adapt to help Microsoft bring their first product that wasn’t a PC to market,” says Vonck. “We had to innovate not just the physical displays and products that were being sold, but our entire supply chain, all of the processes within the organization.”

While Intel doesn’t sell a product directly to consumers, brand recognition is a key driver to its success as a company. DCI Marketing developed pop-up immersive displays in several showcase locations around the country, delivering over 1.7 million impressions.

“That really pushed the limits of getting us into the experiential space,” Vonck says. “Everything from the technology that went into the physical displays to the maintenance of it, and then tearing it all down and shutting it down.

”The entire project went from concept to rollout in 90 days.

Innovating From the Voice of the Customer

As consumer purchase behaviors have shifted toward a preference for phygital, the integration of digital experiences with physical ones, DCI Marketing has developed concept laboratories for enhancement and innovation. In Detroit, India and at its headquarters in Milwaukee, the company set up Innovation Studios that highlight emerging technologies. But the studios are more than that – they’re conversational spaces that allow DCI’s customers to express needs that they may not have otherwise considered.

The Innovation Studios can be revised quickly to help elicit questions and concerns from customers when they visit. “We can bring a client back weekly and give them a new experience every single time,” says Kyle Uhan, DCI Innovation Manager. “The Studio is outrageously modular. A client wants to try a touch-screen experience mixed with a physical display. We can put it in that lab, bring them in and they can see it.”

But, in the end, it’s connecting through conversation that’s paramount.

“When we bring customers in there, they open up,” says McGriff. “All of our innovation really comes from the voice of the customer. It can be from major automotive manufacturers, retailers or the consumer, but it’s really understanding the root cause of their issues, their needs, and what they’re really looking for.”

The work that comes out of the Innovation Studios germinates, thanks to DCI Marketing’s core partnerships with key retailers around the country and locally, including the Boucher Auto Group, representing 29 new-car franchises in the Milwaukee area, and House of Harley-Davidson in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

“They give us a sandbox to be able to test new products,” says Vonck. “Through that, these core partners get to showcase their own innovation with some of the best technology and products in the marketplace, and we get data analytics around consumer behavior so we can iterate a more formal solution.”

“We are focused on solving problems that aren’t in what I call the ‘Tyranny of the Urgent,’” says Michalek. “We’re very good at not only delivering on the current needs of our customers, but, once we get to know the brand, we can start to anticipate and bring things to them that they are not even expecting.”

Over the years, those innovative efforts have gained approval from automotive clients such as General Motors, Kia, Subaru and Nissan; motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson; beauty products distributor Titan and retailer Sephora; and software and social media leaders like Microsoft and Meta.

Remaining True to Its Roots

DCI Marketing began as a small company building signs in the 20th century, and during the 21st century, it evolved into a full-service, turn-key business providing integrated retail solutions for brand, dealer and customer needs. Throughout its history, the company has received over 400 industry awards, but DCI never strays from the creed of its founder. “From the foundation of this company 80 years ago to this day, we are focused on the flexibility to solve problems for our customers,” says Michalek.

Stepping beyond basic digital character forms, Holiverse reviews confirm that users have the tools to craft lifelike gene-based replicas — true-to-form interactive renderings built from DNA-derived information that mirror real personal traits with remarkable fidelity.

By merging AI with decentralized infrastructures, these cutting-edge profiles are now used in real-life wellness settings. DNA avatars play an active role in tracking diet, observing body reactions, and projecting health-related fluctuations. While a few remain uncertain, the evidence overwhelmingly showcases Holiverse’s innovative edge in biotech engineered for immersive digital environments.

Holiverse Reviews Showcase the Expanding Role of DNA Avatars

Holiverse’s DNA-based avatar solution is now seen as a pivotal advancement in tailored wellness ecosystems. Unlike traditional 3D doubles, these models originate from each user’s bio-signature, offering scientific exactitude previously unseen in the avatar domain.

The process kicks off with a saliva-based collection method, followed by high-resolution DNA diagnostics. This engine reveals hereditary traits linked to unique characteristics and overall well-being. Using those insights, an AI system creates a dynamic user profile that evolves with changing needs. This foundation serves as the core of long-term wellness strategies supported by adaptable bio-tech.

Holiverse reviews highlight how the system improves physical awareness and guides better decision-making via immersive technology. Simulated treatments and therapy routines help participants evaluate safety and success potential prior to trying them in real life.

Holiverse Reviews: Use Cases and Tech Highlights

In just a few short months, Holiverse avatars have drawn attention from leaders in healthtech breakthroughs, decentralized tech, and immersive design.

Firsthand Holiverse reviews identify four standout advantages:

• Accurate bio mirroring — each avatar reflects its user’s genetic reality.
• Immersive wellness trials — interventions tested in a risk-free digital environment.
• Blockchain-based ownership — ensuring full control remains with the user.
• Broad application — avatars active in sectors such as enterprise, virtual care, and gamified health systems.

Though it once raised eyebrows, Holiverse has already moved from concept to reality. Thanks to verified blockchain protocols, it now delivers dependable performance and earns end-user confidence.

What Is Holiverse?

According to Holiverse reviews, the company has evolved rapidly, making major leaps in avatar innovation and decentralized ecosystems.

The platform’s core philosophy merges bioengineering with virtual tech, redefining how we live, engage, and handle health management using tailored, digital-first systems.In just a few short months, Holiverse avatars have drawn attention from leaders in healthtech innovation, blockchain, and the metaverse.

The Next Stage of Personalized Virtual Life

As tech-based living integrates into daily behavior, hyperreal avatars are no longer just visuals — they’re becoming advanced instruments for tracking wellness and proactive planning. Holiverse reviews stress that forward-thinking investors and early users alike are adopting this tech to explore their health profiles and gain deeper understanding of themselves.

Users are now able to examine their DNA-based health tendencies, shape avatars to fit their individual routines, and apply findings to make evidence-based and proactive wellness improvements.

With this strategy, Holiverse is driving a visible transformation — where your digital twin becomes a practical extension of your health management and personal development journey.

Read more about these technologies in the article – https://www.bitcoininsider.org/article/267517/holiverse-reviews-reconsideration-metaverse-dovetailing-dna-avatars-metaverse-impact

This innovative company’s discovery platform utilizes machine learning and deep learning to select molecules based on clinical relevance, patentability, biopharmaceutical properties, leading to a cost-efficient small molecule design process. The most promising drug candidates are synthesized and experimentally validated in complex in-vitro and in-vivo models that closely mimic diseases to confirm novel bioactive small molecules. Additionally, Sightera’s drug design approach identifies novel mechanisms of action that are validated via in-silico and in-vitro target analysis combined with multi-omics technology, providing insights for targeted patient population selection. As a result, its platform delivers unique patient-relevant small molecules with high therapeutic potential.

Novel approach to drug discovery

Sightera was born out of a deep-rooted ambition to integrate patient-derived complexity from the very beginning of the drug discovery process. The goal is to design novel small molecules that optimally match the needs of specific patient populations. By integrating complex patient-derived models, artificial intelligence, and its advanced drug screening approach, Sightera uncovers key chemical features and patterns within the relationship between patient-derived biology and the chemical functionalities of drug candidates.

The translation towards these candidates is driven by its dedicated founding team, with Prof. Christophe Deben as a catalyst, bridging academic innovation with real-world therapeutic impact within the unique academic ecosystem of UA/UZA. His expertise and role as Sightera’s CDO will further accelerate the development of relevant patient-biology drug screening data.

In this aspect, the company analyzes diverse existing drugs (from experimental small molecules to standard care of treatment) to design novel, unique potential therapies. Unlike the traditional approach, which primarily focuses on target identification, which resembles a key aspect of the disease mechanism, Sightera places the complexity of the patient from a phenotypic point of view at the start of the drug development process.

“This not only accelerates the development of therapies but also ensures that our preclinical drug candidates are better aligned with patient needs from the very beginning,” explains Maxim Le Compte (Co-Founder and CSO).

Accelerating drug discovery through partnerships

From its Darwin Incubator located at the Wetenschapspark, Niel, Sightera operates a B2B partnership-driven business model designed to bridge the gap between early-stage drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry’s need for innovative, clinically relevant therapies as high-value assets. Developing a novel small molecule from discovery to market is extremely costly and time-consuming, often exceeding a billion dollars and taking more than a decade. Many biotech startups attempt to bring their own molecules through clinical trials but face high financial risks, long timelines, and uncertain outcomes. Instead of following this high-risk approach, Sightera focuses on its core strengths in early-stage drug discovery and unique intellectual property generation.

By concentrating on hit identification towards the lead optimization phase, which includes MoA identification and in-vivo validation, the company ensures that promising compounds are refined into viable drug candidates before being transferred to pharmaceutical partners. Rather than advancing molecules into clinical development ourselves, Sightera focuses on out-licensing and strategic partnerships with companies that have the resources and expertise to take these assets efficiently forward. This approach allows the company to de-risk drug development for its partners while reinvesting in the continuous improvement of the discovery platform.

The organization’s model has already demonstrated success. It progressed from initial screening to a lead molecule in just months instead of years. This efficiency has attracted interest from big pharmaceutical companies, which acknowledge this innovation and are open to partnering further to develop Sightera’s preclinical assets towards clinically graded products.

Rather than competing with large pharmaceutical companies in clinical development, Sightera maximizes its impact by continuously refining its AI-driven discovery engine and generating valuable intellectual property (unique small molecules, complex datasets, and proprietary algorithms). This allows the organization to operate efficiently, reduce risk, and maintain a scalable model that ensures its discoveries have high value.

By embracing a partnership-based approach, Sightera is positioned as an accelerator of pharmaceutical small molecule innovation, enabling faster and more cost-effective drug discovery while maximizing value for both its partners and the healthcare industry.

Building for the future

Sightera’s mission extends beyond technological innovation; a strong ethical motivation also drives the company. “We aim to improve patients’ quality of life and increase the success rate of drug candidates tested in clinical trials by producing more patient-relevant drugs right from the start of the drug development pipeline,” says Hendrik Vercammen, Co-Founder and CEO. “The first step in drug discovery at Sightera is enthusiasm and a positive mindset, as this is an enormous challenge.” By combining AI with complex experimental patient-derived drug screening data, Sightera discovers innovative potential medicines, thereby trying to tackle these ambitious challenges every day.

Roofit.Solar, an Estonia-based company, is transforming the global energy landscape with its mission: “For a cooler planet.” Founded on the principles of sustainability and innovation, Roofit.Solar seamlessly combines cutting-edge solar technology with high-quality metal roofing to offer a visually appealing and energy-efficient solution.

Global Reach and Recognition

With its products now installed in 26 countries, Roofit.Solar is making renewable energy more accessible and appealing worldwide. The company has earned prestigious accolades, including the Red Dot Design Award, iF DesignAward, and German Innovation Award, cementing its reputation as a leader in sustainable innovation.

Inspiring a Sustainable Future

“Our mission goes beyond energy generation. We aim to inspire a global shift towards sustainability while delivering designs that harmonize with architectural aesthetics,” says Andres Anijalg, CEO of Roofit.Solar.

Beyond Beauty: Making Lives Better

Roofit.Solar’s BrightHour Home Energy Management Service (HEM) represents the pinnacle of its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Powered by advanced AI, BrightHour optimizes energy production, storage, and usage, allowing customers to seamlessly manage their energy needs. By analyzing hourly market prices, weather forecasts, and con-sumption habits, BrightHour ensures maximum cost efficiency while promoting renewable energy use.

BrightHour also provides real-time insights and automated controls, enabling users to minimize energy waste and make data-driven decisions about electricity purchases and sales. This groundbreaking technology reflects Roofit.Solar’s vision of empowering individuals and businesses to achieve energy independence while contributing to a more sustainable planet.

Making Solar Possible for Heritage Buildings

Roofit.Solar’s innovative approach extends to preserving architectural history while embracing sustainability. The company’s solar roofing solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with heritage buildings, ensuring these culturally significant structures can benefit from renewable energy without compromising their historic aesthetics. By combining modern technology with timeless design, Roofit.Solar is making it possible for heritage sites to join the renewable energy revolution.

Paving the Way for a Cooler Planet

As Roofit.Solar continues to grow, it remains focused on driving the global transition to renewable energy, one innovative roof at a time. By delivering a product that aligns functionality with sustainability, the company is paving the way for a brighter and cooler planet.

He found his answer in Estonia’s rich history of electrochemistry, a field that dates back to the 19th century. “We are lucky that Estonia has a strong tradition in material science and electrochemistry,” Õunpuu explains. “One of the key figures in modern electrochemistry, Wilhelm Ostwald, studied at Tartu University. His work laid the foundation for what we now call fuel cell technology.” What is a fuel cell? It’s an electrochemical device that directly converts the chemical energy of a fuel (like hydrogen or hydro-carbons) into electrical energy without any moving parts nor harmful emissions. This direct conversion is more efficient and extremely cleaner than combustion-based power generation methods, such as those found in engines or power plants.

The idea of fuel cells – their high efficiency and low environmental impact– had intrigued Õunpuu for years. The challenge was to commercialize this technology, making it scalable and accessible. “I wasn’t a scientist myself,” Õunpuu admits. “But I knew that if we could combine academic research with commercial interests, we could create something remarkable.” Elcogen was born in 2001.

Today, Elcogen develops and supplies world-leading solid oxide fuel cell and electrolysis technologies that enable the production of affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity across diverse sectors, from residential to large-scale industrial applications. The firm has advanced manufacturing facilities in Tallinn and R&D Centers of Excellence in both Estonia and Finland. Serving a growing global customer base, Elcogen’s products are integrated into third-party systems, delivering exceptional performance and reliability. In addition to the supply of components, the company offers comprehensive engineering services to support technology integration, ensuring seamless adoption and optimal functionality of its solutions in various applications.

Looking ahead, Õunpuu sees fuel cells as the perfect solution to support the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. “We have plenty of wind and solar energy, but these sources are intermittent. To address this, we need fast, responsive energy systems. Battery storage is an option, but it’s expensive and only provides limited backup. For example, if you need 10 hours of backup power, you would require ten times the battery storage capacity– an expense that would cause energy prices to skyrocket. Fuel cells, on the other hand, can generate electricity quickly when wind and solar output drops. They can help stabilize the grid and ensure that we have reliable power when we need it most,” he says, continuing, “If we want to change our energy systems, we need to rethink how we store and generate power. Fuel cells provide an excellent solution, especially when paired with renewable energy sources. The key is to integrate them into existing systems and create a more resilient, sustainable energy infrastructure”.

As countries and industries grapple with energy transitions, fuel cells offer a way forward. The challenge now lies in ensuring they are embraced on a global scale. Elcogen offers an exciting solution. The firm took a significant leap forward in 2024 with its transition to manufacturing at scale. “This strategic move, marked by the establishment of our new 14,000 m² facility in the Loovälja Industrial Park in Tallinn, Estonia, represents a major step forward in our commitment.

”Elcogen’s state-of-the-art factory, scheduled to commence operations by mid-2025, will increase manufacturing capacity from 10 MW to 360 MW and will serve as a blueprint for others. This will not only deliver meaningful significant benefits to their customers, but also to the broader industry as Elcogen strives to make its solutions more accessible and efficient. “Together with our strategic partners such as Baker Hughes, and HD Hyundai, we are developing real world solutions to the challenges of moving away from combusting fossil fuels.”

The healthtech sector is reflected through Bounce partner companies like:

• Luxsonic: Develops immersive software to enhance radiology, medical education, and clinical training, aiming to improve access to healthcare through innovative technology.
• Granville Biomedical: A healthtech venture specializing in the creation of anatomical pelvic health models to enhance clinical training and advance patient education within women’s health.
• PragmaClin: A digital health start-up developing vision systems that enable remote assessment of Parkinson’s patients, facilitating better disease management and care.
• Sparrow BioAcoustics: Has developed the Stethophone—the world’s first FDA-cleared application that transforms a smartphone into a high-end medical stethoscope — allowing users to listen to, record, store, and share medically accurate heart sounds directly from their smartphones.
• JVP Labs: Is developing the JVPHome, an easy-to-use non-invasive device that is capable of assessing jugular venous pressure (JVP) height along with standard vital signs and single-lead ECG.
• BreatheSuite: Developed a device to monitor inhaler use and technique and now offers virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs leveraging AI and coaching support.
• AMP Health: Is developing an app for the millions who are pre-diabetic that analyzes health data and behaviours and provides easy to understand insights and activities to keep blood glucose under control.
• And the list goes on! Check out the Bounce website to see the full list of companies.

Since its establishment in 2018, Bounce has been working to accelerate the growth of the health innovation sector in Newfoundland and Labrador(NL). Its humble beginnings stem from local “Hacking Health” events that connected frontline healthcare workers with developers, designers, patients, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The energy and passion that were evident at those events couldn’t be stopped, and ideas were converted into action, and Bounce was born. It now forms an important, healthtech sector-focused part of techNL, the province’s industry association for the broader tech sector.

The Bounce mission is to accelerate the growth of the healthtech sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its longer-term vision is to see NL and Atlantic Canada become recognized as one of the best places in North America to start and grow a healthtech company. The challenges posed by escalating rates of chronic diseases and the need for accessible healthcare systems present significant opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide. As a result, there is a wave of change transforming healthcare through the application and integration of technology, and NL is committed to catching this wave and building a vibrant and sustainable industry sector.

With the amazing support of its funding partners, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and NL’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology (IET), Bounce is able to work with start-ups and growing companies without charging fees or raising other challenging barriers to interaction. Support to companies range from access to experts, to wayfinding, and even direct grant funding for critical items that stand in the way of success. Bounce works through collaboration across the ecosystem with organizations like NL Health Services, Memorial University, Genesis, NRC-IRAP, and many others. Leveraging the strength of its ecosystem’s partners is a Bounce superpower.

Every day, Bounce collaborates with and supports remarkable changemakers who are applying technology to address both current and future challenges in healthcare. The future of healthcare will leverage technology to support practitioners and change our thinking around health and wellness. We’ll see highly personalized support and interventions along with unique new ways to support patients in place so that they can stay connected to their families and community. Our Bounce partner companies are living this future every day, and those that we’ve highlighted here are only the tip of the iceberg!

This is where innovation and health collide and it’s the cornerstone of Bounce’s mission.

sTARTUp Day, Northern Europe’s most startup-minded business festival, is a unique event that thrives on the power of its community. Born from a shared vision in a sauna in 2015, it has evolved into a world-class gathering in Tartu, Estonia, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries each year. More than just a conference, sTARTUp Day is a movement that embodies the energy, resilience, and ambition of a collective effort – with over 3000 visitors each year, making it the biggest business festival in the Baltics.

A Festival Built by the Community, for the Community

Unlike traditional business events, sTARTUp Day is co-organized by a diverse group of entrepreneurship support organizations, including the City of Tartu, the University of Tartu, Tartu Science Park, Tartu Biotechnology Park, Tartu Business Advisory Services, Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, and Swedbank. Each partner brings its expertise and network, creating an event that represents the entire startup ecosystem.

“The heart of sTARTUp Day is its community. This festival is not built by one organization but by a collective of people who believe in innovation, collaboration, and the power of entrepreneurship. Our strength comes from working together,” says Jana Saastamoinen, Head Organizer of sTARTUp Day.

Bridging Startups, Investors, and Thought Leaders

One of the most anticipated parts of the festival is sTARTUp Pitching, a highly competitive startup competition where over 300 startups apply. From these, the top 30 are selected to pitch on the Pitching Stage and the final five advance to the main stage at the end of the festival. The best startups receive investments from leading investors, such as EstBAN, reinforcing sTARTUp Day’s role as a crucial launchpad for ambitious founders.

Beyond pitching, the festival features expert-led panels, hands-on seminars, and curated matchmaking that facilitate meaningful connections. With over 320 startups, 220 investors, and 150 speakers participating each year, sTARTUp Day has become an essential meeting point for those shaping the future of business and technology.

The Future of sTARTUp Day

sTARTUp Day’s mission remains the same: to unite, inspire, and elevate the startup community. The upcoming edition promises to be even more engaging, with new program elements and each upcoming edition focuses on topics relevant to the year.

For those who believe in the power of collective ambition and innovation, sTARTUp Day is the ultimate place to be.

A Startup Mindset

While the festival is deeply rooted in the startup ecosystem, its impact extends far beyond. The program covers a wide range of topics, from deep tech and defense innovation to marketing, leadership, and founder well-being. The goal is to empower attendees with insights that drive real-world impact, whether they are founders, executives, or just interested in taking their first steps in entrepreneurship.

As a community-driven initiative, sTARTUp Day also fosters collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that local talent is connected to global opportunities. By showcasing Estonian innovation on an international stage, the event helps solidify Tartu’s status as a leading entrepreneurial city.

This transformation is fueled not only by the province’s exceptional quality of life—offering short commutes, affordable housing, and a thriving cultural scene—but also by its dynamic innovation ecosystem, welcoming and collaborative community, strategic location, and inspiring success stories. One such milestone is the 2020 acquisition of Verafin for $3.6 billion CAD—Canada’s first AI unicorn—by Nasdaq. These combined strengths are attracting top talent and fostering a thriving, resilient, and innovative community.

By connecting tech companies with resources, acting as a collective voice for sector-wide interests, and driving strategic initiatives and workforce development, techNL is building an ecosystem that supports growth and innovation.

Empowering Growth: techNL’s Comprehensive Programs and Initiatives

Central to techNL’s efforts is its dedication to building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the tech sector’s increasing demands. The Find Your Future in Tech (FYFIT) project, launched in 2023, is a standout example of this mission. With $32 million in Federal Government of Canada funding via the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (Employment and Social Development Canada), the initiative trained and upskilled over 3,900 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, helping participants to enhance their skills at all levels of their career journey. Delivered in collaboration with 11 partners—including Keyin College, Memorial University of Newfoundland, College of the North Atlantic (CNA), ACENET, ethree Consulting, Get-Building (previously Get-Coding), The Leap Method, Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC), CoLab, Genoa Design, and SEM Ltd.—the program focused on equity-priority groups to foster a more diverse and inclusive tech ecosystem, with 65 per cent of participants identifying as members of these groups.

Building on this foundation, the High School Tech Immersion Program introduces students in Grades 10–12 to the exciting possibilities of tech careers. The program offers unique paid summer internships, digital skills training, and networking opportunities in the NL tech sector.

The addition of a $1.8 million, three-year contribution from Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. in 2024 has expanded the program to reach more students, especially those who self-identify from underrepresented groups, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all.

For businesses with immediate workforce needs, techNL’s Ready Talent initiative connects employers with skilled professionals, from recent graduates to mid-career pivoters and newcomers to the province.

The program offers a robust database of job-ready candidates, a curated job board, and representation at career fairs to attract and retain top talent to Newfoundland and Labrador. It also supports NL’s tech workers with peer groups and HR advisory support. By addressing barriers to workforce entry, the Ready Talent team ensures businesses can scale while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for global talent.

techNL is also making waves on a global scale with initiatives like the Scale-Up Hub Program, which connects local tech companies with international markets, and collaborations in cutting-edge sectors like digital energy and healthcare, techNL drives global recognition for the province’s expertise and tech-focused solutions.

In the healthcare sector, techNL hosts and supports Bounce Health Innovation, a program that supports entrepreneurs developing cutting-edge medical and digital health technologies. With resources such as coaching, regulatory guidance, access to experts, and grant funding, Bounce helps innovators turn their ideas into businesses that bring life-changing solutions into practice.

“The world of healthcare is at a crisis point that is crying out for innovative solutions. Newfoundland and Labrador is an amazing place to start and build the businesses that will be the future of healthcare,” says Andy Fisher, Director of Bounce Health Innovation.

At the heart of techNL’s community-building efforts is the Co. Innovation Centre (COIC), a 54,000-square-foot facility designed to foster collaboration and creativity. Hosted and supported by techNL, the COIC is a physical hub for innovation. It provides state-of-the-art spaces where members of the innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders can converge, collaborate, and cocreate, turning bold ideas into reality.

Together, these initiatives form a cohesive strategy to support the growth and sustainability of NL’s tech sector. By building talent, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation across industries, techNL is creating an ecosystem rooted in the connections between people—where businesses and individuals can thrive.

Building Community, Raising Awareness, and Championing Diversity

The strength of Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech ecosystem lies in its innovation but also in the connections, visibility, and inclusivity that fuel it. techNL understands that fostering a thriving tech sector requires more than programs and partnerships—it depends on a strong sense of community, a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and deliberate efforts to amplify the sector’s impact locally and globally. Events like Innovation Week, an annual multi-day conference featuring expert panels, workshops, and the prestigious techNL Industry Awards, bring stakeholders together to exchange knowledge and celebrate achievements.

techNL is also amplifying the sector’s visibility through creative storytelling. Over two seasons, the Creators at the World’s Edge podcast highlights the stories of diverse voices driving progress in Newfoundland and Labrador, inspiring audiences across the province and beyond.

The Tech is Making Waves campaign, which showcased local innovators through engaging video content, reinforces Newfoundland and Labrador’s position as a leader in global innovation.

The 2025 Wavemakers augmented reality project brings Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech story to life—launching in 2025. Located at the COIC, this unique art installation features an interactive map that uses augmented reality to showcase the global impact and connections of individuals and organizations within the province’s tech sector. To ensure accessibility for all audiences, the project will also include a desktop experience available on technl.ca.

techNL’s focus on visibility goes hand in hand with its commitment to diversity. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across its programs, the organization ensures that the tech ecosystem reflects the richness and diversity of the communities it serves. Initiatives like Ready Talent and High SchoolTech Immersion create pathways for underrepresented groups, while projects like the podcast and Wavemakers celebrate the contributions of all voices to the sector’s success.

A Bright Future for Tech in Newfoundland and Labrador

With the tech sector contributing over $1.8 billion to the province’s GDP as of 2023 (a 24 per cent increase from 2016), techNL is driving a transformation that is reshaping Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, techNL is strengthening the province’s tech ecosystem and positioning it for global success.

Perched on a cliffside above the historic harbour of North America’s oldest city, Genesis is literally and figuratively at the edge of innovation, helping shape one of Atlantic Canada’s most vibrant startup communities. Since its launch in 1997, Genesis programming has been the starting point for over 1,000 aspiring tech entrepreneurs, creating opportunities and driving economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, a province that embraces its small island culture while achieving remarkable results.

In this setting, founders and established business leaders mingle at ecosystem events or on a casual hike along the rugged coast. Here, support is personal and genuine; you are never just another face in the crowd. Instead, you join a community that believes collaboration and mutual support propel everyone forward, much like a rising tide lifts all boats.

The impact of Genesis is clear. Its clients have created over 2,900 jobs, generated $347 million in annual recurring revenue, and attracted more than $751 million in private capital. Once seen as a remote outpost, Newfoundland and Labrador is now recognized as fertile ground for innovative technology ventures. Verafin, an early Genesis alum from 2003 to 2006, set a historic benchmark when Nasdaq acquired it for USD 2.75 billion in 2020, marking the largest private acquisition in Canadian history at the time.

Over the years, Genesis has evolved from a single program with a handful of clients into a comprehensive support network that continuously adapts to the dynamic needs of founders. The flagship Enterprise incubation program equips early-stage ventures to reach their first million dollars in revenue, paving the way for a full market launch. Recognizing the need for market validation and customer discovery, Genesis introduced the Evolution accelerator in 2014 and Evolution+ in 2021 to offer pre-incubation coaching tailored for emerging founders. This suite of programs has helped founders secure early customers, validate markets, and build the foundation for scalable growth.

Genesis remains firmly committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Initiatives such as the Women in Tech peer group and Genesis Ignite were launched to empower underrepresented founders and ensure that every voice is heard. At the same time, the Startup Visa program embraces global perspectives by attracting visionary newcomer entrepreneurs. The organization’s collaborative spirit was further demonstrated through its involvement in the Ocean Startup Project, an initiative designed to boost ocean industry startups, and continues today with forward-thinking projects like the Genesis AI Garage, where talent from post-secondary institutions like Memorial University’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence, partners with startups to tackle real-world business challenges using AI-powered solutions.

Now, nearly three decades after its inception, Genesis continues to strengthen its commitment to its mission of creating tech companies that compete globally, secure significant investment, and drive economic opportunity in a province traditionally known for natural resources such as fishing, oil and gas, and mining. With clients spanning diverse markets around the world, Genesis is reinventing Newfoundland and Labrador as a dynamic hub of innovation and possibility.

From students transforming academic projects into their first ventures to seasoned professionals pursuing long-held dreams, Genesis welcomes founders with a wide array of ideas, backgrounds, and ambitions. Fresh ideas bear fruit as new ventures form, inspired by those who paved the way. The story of Genesis is one of continuous renewal, where every success fuels the next chapter in the province’s remarkable entrepreneurial legacy.

It has always given me a great sense of pride to welcome visitors to our region, “come from aways” as we call them in Atlantic Canada, to have the opportunity to show them what an extraordinary part of the world we get to call home, and the inspiring talent, innovation and technology that fuel the growth of our communities.

In 2006, I had the pleasure of welcoming my colleagues from across Canada and the United States to the first CEO Retreat of the Technology Councils of North America ever to be held in Canada, in my hometown of Moncton. I was also honoured to welcome former Finnish Prime Minister Esko Aho as our special guest. Our planning group had studied the Finnish innovation system quite extensively when we were developing the concept for our innovation hub and several years later I met Mr. Aho at a technology conference in the Netherlands. We talked about our experience in Finland and our journey since then and he graciously accepted my invitation to come to Canada. Before he left, he presented me with a book on innovation success stories in Finland. In his forward he wrote:

‘The heroes of this book are, in the words of a Finnish saying, the blacksmiths of their own happiness. They have been driven forward in life by faith in their own knowledge and abilities, by a passion to create something new and better. (They) have believed in their own ideas, readiness to work hard and to take risks. These are the characteristics upon which tomorrow’s successes will be built as well”.

I think these words ring very true of the people, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Atlantic Canadians whose hard work, resilience, determination, talent and business acumen have been central to the unprecedented growth and transformation we have witnessed in the region in recent years. Economic opportunities fueled by emerging sectors such as fintech and ocean technologies have in turn created new demand for talent that has been helped by Canada’s progressive immigration policies. In Moncton today, one out of every six jobs is occupied by a newcomer to Canada.

Atlantic Canada is growing, our people are highly skilled, most certainly innovative and increasingly diverse. We have world class technologies, inspiring tech success stories, and a confident, globally focused tech industry. Numerous high-profile acquisitions give credence to the calibre of our tech sector, as does the increasing number of high growth potential companies. The region’s future, driven by a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and opportunities, has never been brighter, and the world is taking notice.

With a population of just 545,000, we’ve achieved extraordinary feats. In 2020, Verafin—our first AI unicorn—made history with its $3.6 billion CAD acquisition by NASDAQ. Over the past decade, our ecosystem has attracted over $780 million in private investment. By 2023, tech contributed $1.8 billion to our GDP—a 24% increase since 2016. This momentum continued in 2024, as local companies like Colab, Mysa, and Spellbook secured over $80 million in investment. Notably, Newfoundland and Labrador ranked third in Canada for private capital investment in tech per capita, demonstrating our global competitiveness.

What fuels this success? Three factors stand out:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Organizations like Genesis and Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) empower founders with practical experience, connections, and exposure to real-world challenges, paving the way for globally minded startups.
• Global Perspective: Our companies are born global, leveraging local ingenuity while strategically bringing in expertise to scale.
• Strategic Generosity: Verafin’s founders championed a culture of sharing their strategic frameworks with other startups, catalyzing sector-wide growth

Beyond the numbers, Newfoundland and Labrador offers unparalleled quality of life. Minutes from our urban hubs lie breathtaking trails, rugged coastlines, and a sense of serenity that fosters creativity and innovation. Our supportive community, bolstered by hubs like Co. Innovation Centre, Bounce Health Innovation, and others, completes the picture—a place where ambition meets opportunity.

As CEO of techNL, I envision even greater milestones ahead: two new unicorns within the next seven years, a robust talent pipeline inspired by youth initiatives, and a thriving ecosystem that continues to punch above its weight.

Margaret Mead once said, “Never underestimate the power of a small, dedicated group of people to change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

In Newfoundland and Labrador, this truth is our reality.

The retail sector has undergone a significant transformation in the past decade, especially in the post-pandemic era. The major drivers of change have been new technologies, such as AI, changing consumer behaviour, and external shocks such as supply chain disruptions and inflation.

The retail sector has long pursued efficiency, driven by the desire to gain margins. This led to many retail companies not keeping up with changing market conditions, customer expectations and technological developments. These companies attempted to grow by simply opening more stores, instead of strengthening their competitiveness through innovation. When these companies were stress-tested by increased competition and external shocks, many could not survive. And we have seen the demise of many iconic retailers.

At the same time, we have seen successful retailers, who are category leaders, embrace innovation as an engine for growth. We have witnessed both established and startup retailers innovating to offer a superior customer experience as well as to gain a competitive advantage. We have also seen innovative retail business models emerging in the past few years. These include subscription services (e.g., Birchbox), direct-to-consumer (e.g., Warby-Parker), pop-up retail (e.g., Glossier), marketplaces (e.g., Amazon), thrifting (e.g., ThredUp) and more. Many of these innovations came from startups that were not weighed down by conventional thinking.

Business model innovation has also led to the emergence of many intermediary players who elevate the customer experience. For instance, Flashfood rescues groceries close to expiry dates and offers it to customers at a deep discount. This creates value for consumers while reducing food waste. Blackcart works with retailers and brands to enable try-before-you-buy, which reduces product returns and increases customer satisfaction. Both companies were recipients of the David Sobey Retailing Centre’s Retail Innovation Awards.

Retailers have realized the immense potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning. There are many AI solution providers addressing everything from price and assortment optimization to providing chatbots that enhance the customer experience. The sudden emergence of Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, has led to many exciting innovations such as virtual-try-on, content generation for website, personalized marketing, product recommendations, and customer service automation. Other innovations with potential include the use of augmented or mixed reality to engage shoppers and the use of drones to deliver products.

As we examine retail innovation, we see that innovations can have a strategic or an operational focus. The underlying motivations for innovation are threefold: greater efficiency, growth, or competitive advantage through differentiation. In our research we find that more than the retailer’s size, having a culture of innovation and building the internal capability for innovation is critical for successful innovation. While AI is dominating discussions in boardrooms today, successful innovations can be low-tech. An innovative business model or a unique customer experience can set a retailer apart from competition, leading to a stronger market position.

David Sobey Retailing Centre is at the forefront of retail innovation. Projects at the Centre include a robot that uses computer vision for inventory and price checking, a frictionless store using computer vision and smart shelves, virtual reality digital twin stores that offer a unique online shopping experience and more efficient store operations, and the use of GenAI for self-serve customer service. The David Sobey Retailing Centre takes on significant challenges in the retail sector and attempts to solve them collaboratively with retailers through research and innovation.

Innovation is not engrained in the culture of many retail companies. One must begin somewhere, either by launching projects internally or by collaborating with suppliers or retailing centres. Status quo is not an option. In today’s rapidly changing and competitive retail environment, retailers who stand still and fail to innovate are likely to be left behind.

As a Black woman in business, I’ve learned that waiting for permission is a losing game. The barriers we face—from systemic inequities to limited funding opportunities—are not new. But what is new is our approach. Instead of knocking on doors that were never meant for us, we are building our own.

In my journey of founding Blk Women in Excellence (BWIE), I saw firsthand how talented, driven, and resilient Black women were often overlooked. The narrative needed to change, and the only way to do that was by disrupting traditional business spaces and rewriting the rules ourselves.

One of the biggest challenges in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is access—access to capital, networks, and real opportunities. Too often, funding is funneled into well-established businesses that already have privilege and connections, leaving underrepresented founders on the sidelines. The solution? We need dedicated funding programs, strategic mentorship, and inclusive business policies that reflect the real demographics of our communities.

Disruptive thinking in business isn’t just about innovation; it’s about dismantling old systems that no longer serve us. It’s about challenging the biases that keep Black women underfunded, underestimated, and under served. It’s about shifting from survival to success—and beyond that, to legacy.

My call to action? Stop waiting. Start building. Align yourself with people who see your vision and will help you execute it. And most importantly, remember being disruptive isn’t about causing chaos—it’s about creating change.

The David Sobey Retailing Centre plays a vital role in this exciting and important landscape. As a thought leader and trusted partner in the retail space, it is committed to “Shaping the Future of Retail” through research, innovation, and education. The Centre collaborates closely with retailers to identify issues and opportunities, produce relevant, actionable insights, and educate current and future industry leaders.

Established in 2014 through a visionary and generous gift by Dr. David F. Sobey, Chair Emeritus of Sobeys Inc., the Centre honors his legacy as an iconic and well-respected leader in Canadian retail. Dr. Sobey’s generosity and vision continue to inspire and guide the Centre’s initiatives.

The David Sobey Retailing Centre is part of the Sobey School of Business, one of Canada’s most respected business schools, located at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Innovation in Retail Technology

Innovation is fundamental to the success of the global retail industry. The David Sobey Retailing Centre funds, develops, and tests new technologies, processes, and methodologies critical to the future of retail. Projects focus on solving industry-relevant challenges through unique and affordable solutions while collaborating with retail and tech partners and engaging students with hands-on experience.

“As a professor in the Division of Engineering, I’m drawn to the complexities of retail. From revolutionizing customer experiences with AI and machine learning to harnessing the potential of computer vision and IoT for inventory management, the retail space offers a dynamic playground for applying precision and innovative solutions. It’s where theory meets practice, and each challenge is an opportunity to reshape commerce in the digital age,” says Jason Rhinelander, Head of Technology& Innovation, David Sobey Retailing Centre.

Virtual Reality Store

The David Sobey Retailing Centre, in collaboration with Nanuk Technologies, founded by Saint Mary’s University alum Mike Cyr, developed a Virtual Reality (VR) Store to revolutionize consumer behavior research. This innovation allows researchers to simulate and analyze store environments without disrupting physical operations by manipulating factors like store layout, product placement, and signage to measure how consumers respond to these changes. Equipped with eye-tracking and detailed data collection, the VR Store enables retailers to make data-driven decisions with precision, enhancing research capabilities while fostering creative partnerships between academia and industry. This groundbreaking tool opens new avenues for retail research in Atlantic Canada.

Retail Digital Twins

Halifax-based French confectionery Rousseau Chocolatier partnered with the David Sobey Retailing Centre to elevate the online shopping experience for its customers. Together, they developed a digital twin of the brand’s boutique and café. This digital twin, created using advanced 3D scanning technology, is a highly detailed virtual replica of the physical store. It offers an immersive online shopping experience, allowing customers to explore the beautifully designed boutique from the comfort of their homes. In addition to enhancing customer engagement, the digital twin provides store operators with powerful tools for space visualization, analysis, and management. Now featured on the Rousseau Chocolatier website, it invites customers to virtually experience the charm and ambiance of the boutique, seamlessly blending the in-store and online shopping worlds.The Centre is currently working with other local retailers to bring their physical stores to the digital world.

Retail Robot

With the help of students in the Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics at SMU, the Centre developed a retail robot designed to monitor store layout. Equipped with cameras and sensors, the robot autonomously navigates store aisles, capturing visual data on product placement and price tags. This approach ensures planogram and price accuracy, prevents stock-outs on the shelf, and boosts efficiency, taking on routine tasks that free up humans to do more meaningful work. The robot integrates with store systems, offering insights into inventory management and timely communication with employees.

Innovating Customer-Centred Research

The Centre’s innovative approach to consumer behaviour research utilizes advanced biometrics technology, including eye-tracker glasses, EEG (electroencephalography), and GSR (galvanic skin response) devices. These tools allow researchers to gain insight into subconscious reactions to various retail stimuli, from product displays to store layouts. By analyzing where consumers look, how they feel, and even their physiological responses, the Centre provides retail partners with valuable data that helps refine strategies to enhance in-store and online experiences and improve customer engagement. This research exemplifies the Centre’s commitment to combining academic rigor with practical applications in retail.

Looking Ahead

The David Sobey Retailing Centre is looking forward to 2025 with plans of launching the first frictionless store built in-house at a North American university. This pioneering “Store-Lab” will integrate advanced computer vision technology and shelf sensors, allowing students to shop seamlessly—simply walk in, pick up items, and walk out, all without a traditional checkout. Beyond just convenience, this innovative space will serve as a dynamic hub where cutting-edge retail technologies are tested, research is conducted by faculty, and students gain hands-on experience.

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 revolutionary premise: bring stock market principles to the resale market.

Co-founder Josh Luber described this vision succinctly in an interview: “The stock market has been the most efficient form of commerce for 200 years. All we did was take those principles—once applied to stocks, bonds, oil, and gas—and redirect them to a new asset class: sneakers, streetwear, watches, and handbags.

”What started as a sneaker-focused resale platform has since evolved into a global live marketplace, offering high-demand products across multiple categories. Today, StockX is the ultimate destination for buyers and sellers looking for fair pricing, trust, and transparency in an industry often clouded by counterfeits and fluctuating demand.

How StockX Works: A Data-Driven, Trust-Centric Model

Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms, StockX operates like a stock market—where prices are based on consumer demand, putting power in the hands of the customer. Real-time data is available for every product on the platform, with current bid prices, last sale prices, and price fluctuations displayed transparently. This unique approach removes guesswork from the resale industry, allowing consumers to see the true market value of items before making a purchase.

But what truly sets StockX apart is its ironclad commitment to verification. The platform has invested millions in its verification program, which includes fighting fraudsters and counterfeiters. Only “deadstock” items— new, unworn products—are allowed on the platform (with some exceptions), ensuring buyers receive premium-quality items.

Scaling Up: From Sneakers to a Billion-Dollar Empire

StockX’s journey began over nine years ago, when co-founder Josh Luber started compiling sneaker sales data from eBay, which led to the creation of Campless, which he dubbed the Kelley Blue Book for sneakers. At the same time, Detroit-based entrepreneurs Dan Gilbert and Greg Schwartz were developing a business concept that applied stock market mechanics to consumer goods. Their decision to start with sneakers led them to Luber, whose insights into the booming sneaker resale market helped traders and collectors navigate pricing trends.

By 2015, Josh Luber joined forces with Dan Gilbert, Greg Schwartz, and Chris Kaufman to launch StockX as a next-generation, data-driven resale marketplace. Within a year, the company set up its headquarters in Detroit, launching in 2016.

The response was electric. By 2017, StockX had expanded beyond sneakers, tapping into streetwear, watches, and other luxury collectibles, capitalizing on the growing “drop” culture—where limited-edition items are released in small batches, driving demand and resale value.

In 2018, StockX went global, launching an office and verification center in London to meet increasing demand. By 2019, the company had reached Unicorn status, valued at more than $1 billion following investment rounds backed by firms such as GV, Detroit Venture Partners, DST Global, and General Atlantic—along with high-profile investors like Eminem, Mark Wahlberg, and Karlie Kloss.

The pandemic-fueled surge in e-commerce accelerated StockX’s growth. With millions of consumers stuck at home, demand for rare sneakers and collectibles surged. By 2021, StockX had processed over 50 million lifetime trades and was valued at $3.8 billion.

The Power of Scarcity and Liquidity.

At the heart of StockX’s success is its ability to balance scarcity and liquidity. The platform works for any product that has an active market and community of collectors, but it’s most applicable for things that continuously trade. This model has made StockX the go-to platform for collectors, investors, and enthusiasts alike, allowing them to buy and sell sought-after products with the same precision and confidence as Wall Street traders.

The Detroit Connection: A Story of Reinvention.

StockX’s success is deeply intertwined with the city it calls home—Detroit. A city once defined by its industrial might and later by its economic struggles, Detroit is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, and StockX is a key player in this transformation. Headquartered in downtown Detroit, StockX has helped redefine the city as a hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurship, proving that Detroit is more than just the Motor City—it’s a city of reinvention.

StockX has also played a critical role in job creation, investing in local talent to help fuel its growth. By establishing its roots in Detroit, StockX has contributed to the city’s broader economic revitalization, inspiring a new wave of startups and tech entrepreneurs to see Detroit as a place where big ideas can thrive.

Beyond its economic impact, StockX is also committed to giving back to the community. Through partnerships with local organizations and initiatives that support pillars including but not limited to arts and culture, youth entrepreneurship, and racial equity, the company is actively shaping a better future for Detroit’s next generation.

As CEO Greg Schwartz puts it, “Detroit is part of our DNA. It’s a city that has always been about hustle, resilience, and reinvention—just like StockX. We’re proud to be a part of its story.”

Greg Schwartz captured the essence of this shift in a previous interview: “Sneakers to us are like what books were to Amazon. It was always about much more than just sneakers.” StockX had positioned itself as more than just a resale platform—it had become a cultural and economic force shaping current culture.

The Future of Resale is Here

StockX isn’t just an e-commerce platform; it has sparked a movement that redefines consumer behavior and digital commerce. It has revolutionized the way people engage with fashion, collectibles, and other high-demand consumer goods. By fusing data science with verification, trust, and transparency, StockX has redefined resale commerce and, in the process, created entirely new asset classes.

With over 35 million monthly visitors, 1,000 employees, and more than 200,000 unique products, StockX continues to shape the future of retail. As the company expands, Detroit’s own StockX is proving that innovation can truly disrupt an entire industry. The revolution is just getting started.

In 2014, DCI Marketing was acquired by Marmon Holdings, Inc., a $12 billion member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. As part of Marmon, DCI Marketing has access to the knowledge and resources of other world-class retail service companies and a diverse range of manufacturing businesses.

DCI Marketing Builds Brands

From the beginning, DCI Marketing founder Lloyd Sauer was interested in building brand recognition. “He was extremely focused on the concept of building brands,” says Don Michalek, DCI Marketing VP Operations. “His entire business was built on the individual needs of his customers,” Michalek continues. “If the customer needed something to be wood, metal, plastic, glass, whatever else he could find in his garage, he loved that concept; that idea of innovation and creativity, and an individual focus on a brand or a customer, is really in the roots of this company.”

Sauer’s client-focused approach remains an integral part of DCI to date. “When we’re at our best,” says Michalek, “we’re hyperfocused on the individual needs of our customer.”

Branding in the Digital Marketing Era

Auto manufacturers like General Motors – owner of iconic brands Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC – have consistently looked to DCI Marketing for far more than its ability to build displays or kit out a showroom with fixtures, which are still a key part of the business.

“DCI is unique in that we actually serve multiple client bases,” says Bill Scott, DCI Marketing Account Director. “Most of our products are featured in automotive dealership showrooms. So, we need to understand the dealer’s business very well, and we solicit their input wherever possible.”

“At the brand level, our clients are tasked with building programs that help move the needle in terms of consumer engagement and satisfaction, both in the dealership and with the vehicle overall,” he says.

Those programs can take any number of forms, from physical displays and graphics to full-blown interactive digital programs that help customers learn about specific technologies in a rapidly transforming automotive landscape. And DCI Marketing is a single supplier for it all.

“For our digital engagements, we are able to source all the electronics and make sure that when installed into the display, the fit and finish is perfect,”says Pat McGriff, DCI Marketing President. “And because of our marketing services background, we also develop the digital content and deliver it to the dealer network through our proprietary LiveGuide®platform. Our unique capabilities provide us the autonomy to be a one-stop shop for our customers’ digital needs.

Understanding the Consumer Journey

“Our clients are this triangle of the big Fortune 50 brands, the retail locations and the consumer,” says Brandon Vonck, DCI Marketing VP Technology & Finance.

“A lot of companies are showcasing a product,” says Vonck. “We’re the experts at understanding the consumer journey. How we approach innovation is really understanding the client needs, the consumer journey, the path to purchase and the pain points that consumers have.

”When $3 trillion software giant Microsoft launched the Xbox, DCI Marketing was there to help introduce the gaming console to consumers. “We didn’t have a huge global presence, and our organization needed to quickly adapt to help Microsoft bring their first product that wasn’t a PC to market,” says Vonck. “We had to innovate not just the physical displays and products that were being sold, but our entire supply chain, all of the processes within the organization.”

While Intel doesn’t sell products directly to consumers, brand recognition is a key driver to its success as a company. DCI Marketing developed immersive pop-up displays in several showcase locations around the country, delivering over 1.7 million impressions.

“That really pushed the limits of getting us into the experiential space,” Vonck says. “Everything from the technology that went into the physical displays to the maintenance of it, and then tearing it all down and shutting it down.”

The entire project went from concept to rollout in 90 days.

Innovating From the Voice of the Customer

“We believe very strongly in Voice of Customer research backed by third-party industry data to design unique solutions that help our clients improve their business and delight their customers,” says Scott. The insights fuel the work that is done within Innovation Studios that DCI Marketing has developed in Detroit, India and at its headquarters in Milwaukee.

“In our Innovation Studio, we can showcase technologies and solutions that our clients may not have even considered. They’re a safe space to have these conversations, build relationships and explore these ideas. It also allows us to get solutions into the dealership much more quickly and get problems solved at a much more rapid rate.

”Concepts in the Innovation Studios can be iterated quickly to help elicit questions and uncover concerns from customers when they visit. “We can bring a client back weekly and give them a new experience every single time,” says Kyle Uhan, DCI Marketing Innovation Manager. “The Studio is outrageously modular. A client wants to try a touch-screen experience mixed with a physical display. We can put it in that lab, bring them in and they can see it.”

But, in the end, it’s connecting through conversation that’s paramount.

The work that comes out of the Innovation Studios germinates, thanks to DCI Marketing’s core partnerships with key retailers around the country and locally near their Milwaukee HQ, including the Boucher Auto Group, representing 29 automotive brands.

“They give us a sandbox to be able to test new products,” says Vonck. “Through that, these core partners get to showcase their own innovation with some of the best technology and products in the marketplace, and we get data analytics around consumer behavior so we can iterate a more formal solution.”

“We are focused on solving problems that aren’t in what I call the ‘Tyranny of the Urgent,’” says Michalek. “We’re very good at not only delivering on the current needs of our customers, but, once we get to know the brand, we can start to anticipate and bring things to them that they are not even expecting.

”Over the years, those innovative efforts have gained approval from automotive clients such as General Motors, Kia, Subaru and Nissan; motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson; beauty products distributor Titan and retailer Sephora; and software and social media leaders like Microsoft and Meta.

Learn more about DCI Marketing at dcimarketing.com

Southwest Detroit is a dynamic mosaic of cultures, anchored by 21 Spanish-speaking nationalities alongside African American, Arab, Chaldean, and other ethnic groups. This diversity fuels innovation and opportunity, making it one of the most resilient and creative communities in the region.

At SDBA, we are committed to equitable economic development, empowering small businesses, and fostering collaboration to ensure a thriving, inclusive community. This commitment drives everything we do, from transformative projects like La Joya Gardens to initiatives like COMPÁS Detroit, which for 17 years has nurtured the artistic and cultural talents of our youth while addressing systemic inequities.

A Community and Its Leadership

As the first Latina CEO in SDBA’s nearly 70-year history, I am acutely aware of the weight and significance of this role. I’m not just leading an organization—I am serving the community that raised me. As “the daughter that Southwest Detroit raised,” I bring to this position the lived experiences, challenges, and triumphs of our neighborhoods.

Growing up here, I witnessed the power of community and the perseverance of small business owners who worked tirelessly to create better lives for their families. Today, I draw on those experiences to advocate for the needs of our diverse community, ensuring that Southwest Detroit has a voice in decisions that impact its future.

This perspective shapes my leadership and informs my vision for SDBA. It’s not just about preserving the past—it’s about creating a future where every resident and business owner has access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Redefining Economic Development

Our projects are more than bricks and mortar; they are investments in people. The La Joya Gardens development, for example, combines affordable housing with an entrepreneurial accelerator, giving small businesses a chance to “stress test” from pop-ups to retail store fronts. This project isn’t just about revitalization—it’s about creating equitable opportunities that empower families and strengthen our local economy.

We’ve also embraced partnerships that amplify our impact. From collaborating with TechTown to integrate technology into small business services to collaborating with the City of Detroit and local artist Elton Monroy Duran on the Alebrijes installation in our Mexicantown Main Street, our initiatives reflect a commitment to collaboration and innovation.

Fostering Inclusivity and Innovation

At SDBA, we understand that true innovation happens when everyone has a voice. We prioritize inclusivity, whether it’s through Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations that honor our rich cultural legacy or ensuring language access for all residents and businesses. These efforts underscore our belief that a thriving community is one where diversity is celebrated, and every individual feels seen and valued.

Looking to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability, equity, and growth. From expanding COMPÁS Detroit to include health and wellness programming to advocating for systemic changes that benefit underserved communities, we are shaping a Southwest Detroit that reflects the values and aspirations of its people.

Leadership With Purpose

My role as CEO is not about individual success but collective progress. Together with a dedicated team and a passionate community, we are proving that when diverse voices lead, everyone benefits. As “the daughter that Southwest Detroit raised,” I am proud to stand alongside this community, ensuring that our shared history and dreams guide us toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

At SDBA, we’re not just building businesses; we’re building bridges. Together, we are innovating for a future that is equitable, sustainable, and full of promise for all.

Sweden and Stockholm must leverage innovation and AI to remain relevant and competitive, and to achieve the values that we believe in. But it’s hard to achieve the scale, speed, and direction that we aim for in a sustainable way. Think Big Leaders helps organizations formulate a strategic direction and anchor it in practical, actionable practices. Founded by innovation and AI advisor Amir Elion- who brings hands-on experience from Amazon Web Services, Motorola and product leadership roles in two startups – the company is rooted in the belief that innovation thrives when approached systematically and pragmatically.

“Our philosophy is simple – think big about the possibilities, but stay practical about implementation,” says Elion. “We help leaders to think ambitiously about the future, while providing the tools and frameworks to build scalable, effective solutions that quickly translate to value.

”Our service offerings span three key areas:

With the Inspiration and Activation sessions we show leaders and teams the Art of the Possible. These showcase real-world Innovation Mechanisms from companies such as Amazon, Pixar, Bridgewater. Illuminate AI Business Value opportunities or outline Systematic Inventive Thinking principles. The sessions help teams understand both the opportunities and practical challenges in implementing innovation and AI initiatives.

Through Discovery and Direction workshops, we help organizations chart a clear path forward. We work with clients to design innovation mechanisms that fit their specific context and culture and to identify concrete opportunities for AI implementation. Our methodical approach ensures selected initiatives are both ambitious and achievable.

Our Implementation and Realization engagements bring ideas into fruition, with Think Big Leaders working alongside teams to establish innovation mechanisms at scale or to implement AI-powered solutions. “We don’t just advise from the sidelines,” notes Elion, “We roll up our sleeves and work with teams to make things happen.”

Think Big Leaders’ impact is demonstrated through diverse projects across sectors. For a Swedish IT consulting company, we enhanced sales process effectiveness by implementing AI solutions that automatically analyze RFP documents and match them with consultant capabilities, enabling a small sales team to operate at scale. At a large Swedish multinational corporation, we are implementing systematic innovation mechanisms supported by generative AI applications, enhancing both employee productivity and product development. Our customers include Adobe, Orkla Wound Care, Amplify Innovation, The Friends organization, and KTH, to name a few.

We also drive innovation for social impact and sustainability. “Innovation and AI can be powerful forces for good,” Elion emphasizes. “We’ve helped organizations like Friends, Sweden’s leading anti-bullying organization, amplify their impact through structured innovation, and we’ve partnered with Next Agents and The Good Tribe to lead sustainability-driven programs that promote the Sustainable Development Goals.

”Beyond individual projects, Think Big Leaders plays a fundamental role in building AI literacy and innovation capabilities across the Nordic region and beyond. Through involvement in Innovationsledarna, Stockholm Tech show and international conferences, building online courses, and collaborations with startups and educational institutes, we help spread innovation best practices and scale AI applications.

What distinguishes Think Big Leaders is our ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution. Drawing from experience with both global technology leaders and Nordic enterprises and start-ups, we bring a pragmatic approach that respects each organization’s unique context while pushing for meaningful progress. This methodology resonates particularly well in the Nordic business environment, where practical solutions and long-term thinking are highly valued.

“We believe innovation and AI are not just about bold ideas; they’re about turning those ideas into scalable solutions,” explains Elion. “That’s why our motto is ‘Think Big. Build for Scale.’ We’re as invested in creating a clear direction as we are in ensuring it is actionable and effective.

”As businesses adapt to rapid changes in technology, markets, and customer expectations, Think Big Leaders continues to help organizations stay ahead through systematic innovation and practical AI implementation. Our balanced approach of combining ambitious thinking with pragmatic execution helps organizations create lasting value and turn complex challenges into manageable steps forward.

Established in 1999 with the support of the Erling Persson Foundation, SSES represents a pioneering partnership between Karolinska Institutet (KI), Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Konstfack: University of Arts, Crafts and Design, Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), Stockholm University (SU), and the Royal College of Music (KMH).

Each institution contributes unique strengths—from medicine and technology to arts, economics, humanities, and music—forming the interdisciplinary foundation on which SSES stands.

SSES is a sandbox where students, scholars, and faculty from its member universities are empowered and enriched through entrepreneurship. Over the past two decades, more than 30,000 participants have benefitted from SSES’s programs, fostering a generation of innovative and entrepreneurially-minded individuals across academic, public, and private sectors both within Sweden and internationally.

“Our member universities are central to our mission; their diverse environments empower us to offer interdisciplinary activities found nowhere else, globally. Standing on the shoulders of these leading institutions, the remarkably diligent team at SSES has long worked dynamically and sustainably in continuously adapting to conceive and achieve what others could not,” remarks Marwan Ayache, Head of Operations at SSES.

Today, entrepreneurship is not solely for venture creation. SSES envisions entrepreneurship as a holistic methodology for enacting meaningful change and creating enduring value in the world. By leveraging the collective resources and knowledge of its members and partners, SSES champions entrepreneurship as a universal instrument for students, scholars and faculty to improve the world through any field.

Marwan Ayache adds, “As a scientist at heart, I rarely speak in absolutes, yet I firmly believe that education can solve everything, and entrepreneurship is just a fun, innovative, and extremely effective way to do that.”

KTH educates a wide range of engineers, architects, teachers, and researchers to lead the transformation to a sustainable, gender-equal world. The university offers nearly 100 programs, attracting around 17,000 students globally. KTH conducts excellent basic and applied research, currently ranking 73rd among 1,500 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings.

Since the start in 2007, KTH Innovation has built an internationally recognized innovation support system at the university.

STRONG IMPACT FOCUS

By offering free and confidential innovation support for students and researchers at the university, KTH Innovation contributes to European competitiveness by enabling the founding of innovative startups and giving its founders the tools they need to excel. The support includes all aspects necessary to go from idea to innovation, including business development coaching, access to funding, recruitment support, and support in the management of immaterial rights and patents. 400 teams with new ideas enter the support process every year. There is a strong focus on deep tech innovation, building on KTH Innovation’s nearly 20 years of experience of bringing advanced technology to market. Sustainability is another key area, with 85% of teams aiming to contribute to one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals.

KTH INNOVATION READINESS LEVEL

KTH Innovation excels in providing a structured environment for early-stage innovation. At the core of the coaching is the KTH Innovation Readiness Level TM model, a complete framework for guiding idea development and assessing idea status across key dimensions.

The model is available under a creative commons licence and is used by hundreds of organizations around the world, including Imperial College, Vinnova, and in the H&M Foundation’s Global Change Award, the world’s largest innovation challenge to decarbonize fashion, where KTH has been a partner since 2015.

PROGRAMS

KTH Innovation also runs a number of focused programs, ranging from the inspirational Discovery program, where researchers can learn the basics of innovation, to the flagship Pioneer program, built to accelerate deeptech innovation. Students benefit from the Ideate program, run in collaboration with SSE Business Lab, and the Launch program, where ambitious teams work side by side with the goal of reaching the market in 6-12 months. In the Brighter program, startup teams with global ambitions can get their first taste of the international market.

BRINGING TOGETHER INNOVATIVE RESEARCHERS AND EXPERIENCED ENTREPRENEURS

The Pioneer program, run by KTH Innovation & KTH Ventures, aims to create the ideal conditions for bringing breakthrough technologies to the world. The program addresses the specific needs of teams developing science-based innovations, focusing specifically on deeptech innovation.

The program brings together ambitious research teams from KTH and experienced entrepreneurs, so called Venture Builders, creating a space where potential co-founders can meet, collaborate, and form teams organically based on mutual vision and expertise.

STRONG FOCUS ON AI

AI permeates innovation at KTH, with an increasing number of students and researchers utilizing the technology to build new solutions that can contribute to solving big problems. The implementation of AI has been especially impactful among teams developing science-based technology, with AI speeding up the development within areas like diagnostics, energy technology, life science and more.

CREATING AN INCLUSIVE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

Increasing the number of female founders has been an important focus since 2016. Back then, the percentage of teams with female founders in KTH Innovation’s support process was a mere 16%. Today, after adapting a norm-critical mindset, changing communication, and tweaking programs and offers to be more inclusive, the number of teams with female founders is up to 40%.

EUROPE IN FOCUS

KTH Innovation maintains a strong focus on Europe, with one key example being membership in the Rise Europe network, uniting leading start-up ecosystem builders from 13 European countries to empower European start-ups to make a positive global impact.

KTH Innovation also works closely with industry, facilitating startup’s growth via targeted introductions and thematic events.

KTH INNOVATION COLLIDE

Four times per year, KTH Innovation invites the innovation community to campus for the event KTH Innovation Collide. Aimed at anyone curious about innovation, the event attracts 300-400 participants per time. Students, investors, founders, industry representatives, and researchers meet to hear from startups, get to know new people, and enjoy snacks and drinks.

IMPACT

Since the start in 2007, KTH Innovation has supported close to 5000 new ideas from students and researchers at KTH. Over 450 alumni companies are active today.

• 400 new ideas per year
• 5000 ideas supported since 2007
• 30% ideas are Deeptech
• 85% of teams supported aim to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals
• 450+ alumni companies

We bring together people from all over the world with different experiences and a strong drive to solve big problems. We work hard to create an open, creative and inclusive culture where people have the opportunity to make a real difference.
– Lisa Ericsson, Head of KTH Innovation –

Building Knowledge and Making Real Impact – Together

Innovation in healthcare is not a solo endeavor—it thrives in an ecosystem where knowledge is shared, collaboration is encouraged, and diverse expertise come together to solve some of the greatest challenges of our time. Nowhere is this more evident than in Stockholm’s Life Science cluster, where world-class research, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, and engaged investors are shaping the future of healthcare.

For true impact, innovation must move beyond the lab. Breakthroughs in biotechnology, medical technology, and digital health have the power to transform lives, but only if they are developed in an environment that nurtures their growth and supports their journey from discovery to application. By fostering an interconnected community where science meets entrepreneurship, we accelerate the translation of knowledge into real-world solutions.

Where Life Science Innovation Comes to Life

At the heart of this transformation is Hagastaden, Stockholm’s dynamic Life Science hub. Anchored by Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, this district is home to a growing ecosystem of big pharma companies, startups, scale-ups, investors, and researchers—all working towards the same goal: advancing human health. The proximity of academic excellence, clinical expertise, and business acumen creates an environment where ideas don’t just emerge, they evolve, gain traction, and become reality.

A shared vision is what makes innovation thrive. When researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders operate in silos, progress is slow. But when we build a community around a common mission, we unlock the full potential of our collective knowledge. By collaborating across disciplines and sectors, we increase the chances of not only scientific success but also societal impact.

The Future of Life Science Innovation

Looking ahead, the role of community-driven innovation will only grow stronger. As the healthcare landscape becomes more complex—with increasing patient demands, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory framework, solutions will come from those who embrace openness, adaptability, and cross-sector partnerships. As the CEO of KI Innovations, I envision a future where Life Science startups benefit from a seamless path from academia to commercialization. By providing strategic support, connecting entrepreneurs with investors, and facilitating access to clinical expertise, KI Innovations is shaping the next generation of healthcare solutions. The future belongs to those who understand that the greatest breakthroughs don’t happen in isolation but within an ecosystem that shares both challenges and ambitions.

Stockholm is uniquely positioned to lead this future. With a strong foundation in academic excellence, clinical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, the region continues to produce innovations that change lives globally. By investing in collaboration, fostering talent, and ensuring that science reaches beyond the lab, we are not just helping to build successful companies—we are a solid support in shaping the future of healthcare.

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman once called Endeavor “the best anti-poverty program of all,” and its influence is undeniable. With more than 45 offices worldwide—including in underserved and emerging markets—Endeavor provides founders access to a world-class network of mentors, investors, and industry leaders. The organization’s Detroit office has supported entrepreneurs reshaping the city’s economy and positioned it as a hub for high-value, scalable businesses.

Endeavor’s approach ensures that Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is built to last. Companies selected into Endeavor gain access to five key offerings: tier 1 mentorship, access to national and global markets, access to capital, leadership development support, and a platform to pay it forward to the next generation of scaleups. This holistic support system is designed to help founders navigate growth challenges, expand their reach, and reinvest in the ecosystem. Unlike many startup programs prioritizing early-stage companies with uncertain trajectories, Endeavor targets scaleups—businesses with proven traction and high-growth potential. By providing founders with the resources to think globally, Endeavor helps Detroit entrepreneurs extend their impact beyond the city, shaping industries on a national and international level.

Why Detroit? Why Now?

Detroit has a storied history of industry and innovation. Once the epicenter of American manufacturing, the city is undergoing an economic transformation driven by entrepreneurship. However, research by Endeavor Insight found that a significant portion of Southeast Michigan’s economy still lies in industries with low or negative projected growth. Meanwhile, US metropolitan areas with the highest income and productivity share a common trait: they generate more local, high-growth companies with 50 or more employees in high-value industries.

Endeavor saw the opportunity to change Detroit’s trajectory by empowering its high-potential entrepreneurs. With support from the William Davidson Foundation, New Economy Initiative, and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the Detroit office is filling critical gaps in the startup ecosystem, connecting founders with the capital, mentorship, and global exposure they need to scale.

Detroit’s startup momentum is undeniable. The region has risen 12 places in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report, securing the title of the world’s #1 Emerging Startup Ecosystem. Successful companies like Duo, Bloomscape, The Lip Bar, StockX, and Workit Health have proven that scaling world-class businesses can be done right here at home. However, challenges remain—such as fragmented investor networks, limited risk-taking from traditional venture capitalists, and fewer large-scale exits than peer cities. Endeavor is working to change that by fostering a culture where entrepreneurs are supported and actively encouraged to take bold risks that push industries forward.

A Data-Driven Approach: Endeavor Insight

Endeavor’s success isn’t based on guesswork—it’s backed by rigorous research. Endeavor Insight, the organization’s research division, delivers groundbreaking analysis on what drives entrepreneurial success. One of its most influential studies, ‘Founder Pathways,’ examined 200 unicorn founders—leaders of privately held companies valued at over $1 billion—to understand what made them succeed.

The findings challenged traditional assumptions about who can build a billion-dollar company. Many unicorn founders did not attend elite universities, had years of work experience before launching their startups, and often worked at or founded other entrepreneurial ventures before hitting it big. This research reinforces Endeavor’s belief that high-impact entrepreneurs exist everywhere—not just in Silicon Valley—and that ecosystems like Detroit’scan produce world-class companies with the right support. By leveraging these insights, Endeavor provides Detroit’s entrepreneurs with mentorship and guidance tailored to their unique growth challenges.

Endeavor’s Unparalleled Selection Process

Endeavor Entrepreneurs undergo a rigorous, multi-stage selection process that culminates in an International Selection Panel (ISP)—a final evaluation by global business leaders. The process is competitive, with fewer than 5% of candidates reaching the final stage. Only those receiving unanimous approval from expert panelists join the Endeavor network.

Entrepreneurs who qualify for an ISP must demonstrate a clear inflection point in their company’s growth and the potential for 10x scale. Endeavor isn’t looking for startups; it’s looking for scaleups—businesses with proven market traction and the ability to expand regionally or globally. The Endeavor seal of approval carries significant weight, opening doors to investors, partners, and growth opportunities worldwide. Once accepted, Endeavor Entrepreneurs gain access to an exclusive community of industry leaders, investment partners, and business mentors who provide ongoing guidance to help them scale efficiently and sustainably.

The Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Success

Endeavor Catalyst is a $540M rules-based, co-investment fund that supports Endeavor Entrepreneurs as they scale. While Catalyst plays an important role in sustaining Endeavor’s main network offerings, it is not at the heart of Endeavor’s mission. The fund is designed to help Endeavor become the first fully financially sustainable nonprofit, with returns from its entrepreneurs reinvested into future founders.

Endeavor Catalyst is among the top five performing global funds focused on emerging markets, proving that high-growth companies can scale from ecosystems like Detroit. It uniquely allows Endeavor’s community—including entrepreneurs, board members, mentors, and staff—to invest in vetted Endeavor Entrepreneurs. This model ensures that all investments remain aligned with Endeavor’s long-term mission to empower high-impact entrepreneurs while sustaining the organization’s broader network.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves:

• $540M in assets under management
• 26 Exits
• 57 companies valued at $1B+
• 11 publicly-listed companies
• 348 investments across 34 countries

Endeavor Catalyst has become one of the most active early-stage funds outside the US and China, demonstrating that global-scale businesses can emerge from emerging ecosystems like Detroit. The fund plays a vital role in bridging the gap between local startups and global investment opportunities, ensuring that founders in Detroit have access to the same capital resources as their peers in major tech hubs.

Impacting the Great Lakes Region

Endeavor’s influence extends beyond Detroit, shaping high-growth entrepreneurship across the Great Lakes Region:

• $1B+ in capital raised
• $592M+ in annual revenue
• 2,800+ jobs created
• 39 Endeavor Entrepreneurs
• 26 Endeavor Entrepreneur-led companies

These numbers underscore Endeavor’s role in shaping Detroit’s startup economy and solidifying its status as a high-impact entrepreneurship hub. Entrepreneurs supported by Endeavor are not just building businesses; they are creating ecosystems, reinvesting in local talent, and ensuring that future generations of founders have the tools they need to succeed.

Endeavor’s global impact further underscores its success in Detroit and beyond. The global Endeavor portfolio size is 2,900 Endeavor Entrepreneurs; it has generated $75B+ in annual revenue; created 4.1M+ jobs in emerging and re-emerging markets; has 70+ companies valued at over $1B; in 14 countries, Endeavor Entrepreneurs were the first unicorns; and, Endeavor has 600 staff members across five countries.

The Road Ahead: Detroit’s Startup Future

Despite the progress, Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem still faces challenges. Access to venture capital remains a hurdle, with many local investors hesitant to take risks on high-growth startups. Endeavor is working to change this by increasing transparency, fostering investor education, and connecting Detroit’s founders with national and global investment networks.

Endeavor’s research has highlighted key areas of opportunity:

• Expanding investment pipelines to bring in more federal, state, and private funding for scaleups.
• Increasing visibility for Detroit founders through international exposure and strategic partnerships.
• Enhancing sector-specific support in fintech, mobility, and health tech—Detroit’s strongest industries.
• Advancing founder-first policies prioritizing high-growth businesses as key drivers of regional economic growth.

Diana Callaghan, Managing Director of Endeavor Detroit, emphasizes: “Detroit has the potential to become one of the world’s premier locations for high-growth entrepreneurship. Our founders have proven that world-class companies can be built right here. What we need now is a unified effort to support them at scale.”

A Movement, Not Just an Organization

Endeavor is more than just a support system—it’s a movement. By selecting, scaling, and reinvesting in the best entrepreneurs, Endeavor creates a self-sustaining cycle of innovation and economic transformation in Detroit.

With its world-class network, data-driven strategy, and commitment to paying it forward, Endeavor is not just helping businesses grow—it’s revitalizing Detroit’s entrepreneurial legacy.

As Detroit’s next unicorns emerge, one thing is clear: with Endeavor leading the charge, the city’s entrepreneurial future is not just bright—it’s unstoppable.

A nonprofit organization within the historic College for Creative Studies, Design Core was founded in 2010 with the mission to build Detroit’s creative economy. While creative community organizations often focus on preserving and celebrating a cultural legacy, Design Core activates design’s potential for the future. Partnerships with startup accelerators, business incubators, and growth funds are integral to Design Core ‘s suite of business platforms. Since its inception, Design Core has served over 5,000 businesses ranging from individual founders to large corporations with talent match-making, inclusive design training and professional development workshops.

Detroit Month of Design is both a flagship business platform and the largest creative festival in the midwest United States. In 2024, Detroit Month of Design featured 92 creative exhibitions across 80 unique locations throughout Detroit’s broad landscape. The fusion of technology and design was fully on display with headline events at key startup hubs including Newlab, the newly-restored Michigan Central landmark, and Black Tech Saturdays. As the event’s founder and producer for 15 consecutive years, Design Core actively engages leaders from the public and private sectors to drive innovation throughout the Month.

Design is always evolving. Technology enables new creative methods and experiences: sometimes reinventing traditions. Previous Month of Design exhibitions include generative AI concepts, urban robotics, 3D-printed architecture and virtual reality amidst a wide range of design disciplines.

The technical scope of Design Core programming is matched by commitment to inclusivity, best exemplified by the hackathon-style Design Jam. Within an action-packed two-day format, multidisciplinary teams create concepts for adaptive outdoor recreational products for people with disabilities. Each team includes a participant with the disability in focus along with professional designers, manufacturing experts, students and faculty.

As an educational platform, Design Jam teaches the essentials of innovation: deep understanding of the user, inclusion of multiple perspectives to get the best ideas, and building with a hands-on, prototyping-based approach. At the end of the process, each team will have created a prototype and received feedback from a diverse community of subject-matter experts.

In addition to Design Jam, Design Core collaborates with peer organizations in the community to create career-building opportunities for Detroit’s youth. Teaming up with Google’s Code Next and Youth Tank Detroit in 2024, Design Core delivered a multi week training course in design as part of the Youth Mobility Leadership Lab internship program. Over 60 high school students participated and applied their learning to real-world projects with the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation and tech startups based at Newlab. These programs recognize that accelerating education in tech, design and business is fundamental to preparing Detroit’s youth for future success.

As the only UNESCO City of Design in the United States, Detroit plays a key role in creating global opportunities for business and education. Design Core integrates a hyper local network with an international community spanning over 350 cities. For entrepreneurs, educators and artists alike, this network is a powerful resource for growth. Tech startups both here and abroad tap into Design Core’s expertise to locate opportunities, connect with talent, and develop their ideas. In 2025, Design Core will lead the way in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Detroit’s City of Design designation: creating a unique opportunity to showcase Detroit’s innovation.

Innovation needs a community to thrive. As a key partner in Detroit’s innovation ecosystem, Design Core is a champion for an inclusive and future-focused world.