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Innovation Story Search

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Engines that transform: decent employment, equity, and social awareness on wheels / Motores que Transforman: empleo digno, equidad y conciencia social sobre ruedas

The automotive workshop is dedicated to providing preventive and corrective maintenance services, focusing on engines, suspension, and brakes, while ensuring honest and reliable service for its clients. Through its business model, it aims to create decent employment and offer high-quality service in a sector often marked by distrust, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Additionally, it promotes gender equality by integrating women into the team, supporting SDG 5: Gender Equality.

Sustainability in the Spotlight

Every day on film and commercial sets, thousands of pounds of perfectly usable materials—props, furniture, wardrobe, even unopened food—are tossed into dumpsters. But one team is flipping the script on waste by creating a fast, flexible, and sustainable system for reuse. This story explores how a behind-the-scenes innovation is changing the way the entertainment industry thinks about trash.

The Fellowship Model

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a modern, mission-driven company that blends unique ice cream flavor combinations with a strong commitment to community, sustainability, and quality. Founded by Jeni Britton Bauer in 2002, the business grew from her passion for scent, history, and food, which translated into her launching an ice cream business which delivers a unique culinary experience through something rather traditional: ice cream. 

Jeni’s innovation lies in its Fellowship Model, working closely with local farmers, distilleries, and vendors to build strong, ethical partnerships. As a Certified B Corporation, Jeni’s also focuses on fair labor practices, women’s ownership, and environmental impact. Their success proves that businesses can grow while staying true to their values, now operating scoop shops across the country, selling in nearly 3,000 grocery stores, and setting a new standard for how companies can care for people and the planet simultaneously. The specific SDG's that the innovation covers is #3 Good Health and Well-Being, #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, #12 Responsible Consumption and Production.

Fueled by Innovation: Servco’s Hydrogen Journey

Servco’s work with hydrogen energy directly supports several United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Scoping into SDG 7, Servco’s development of Hawaii’s first public hydrogen fueling station represents a major commitment to increasing access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy. According to CEO Peter Dames, hydrogen fuel offers a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, addressing the urgent need for greener energy options.

Furthermore, Servco aligns with SDG 9 through their initiative by transforming industries and building resilient infrastructures. By pushing for hydrogen technology, even when initial profitability was low and significant regulatory barriers existed, Servco demonstrated how private sector leadership can drive new, sustainable industries forward.

Lastly, through their investments in clean energy and efforts to educate the public about hydrogen’s environmental benefits, Servco is contributing meaningfully to SDG 13. They are tackling climate change head-on by introducing a clean fuel source whose only byproduct is water, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for Hawaii and beyond.

From Ideas to Impact: Inside a Development Accelerator

Force & Brothers is a consultancy agency that started to work in 2017 in Istanbul. The general manager names his story as "A path from individual consultancy to collective teams". This consultancy agency was created by a dream: to have a domestic consultancy agency in Türkiye. This company solves complex problems with the most realistic and most beneficial solution rather than giving utopic solutions that would not be applicable due to capacity of the foundations they are working with. As they say, they ask the right question. The company rapidly continue to develop day by day with their newly opened branch in Belgium and to-be opened branches in different parts of the world.

They contribute to the society, the economy, and the environment with their projects, such as their projects about enhancing the education systems in schools (contributing to the SDG 4: Quality Education), opening Chemical Technology Center to increase Türkiye's efficiency in this area, saving millions of dollars in imports, and also helping the environment by making the facility work with reducing the shippings and carbon emissions (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 8: Decent Work, and Economic Growth, SDG 13: Climate Action)

Beauty from Students

Aura Beauty is a beauty center founded by two young female entrepreneurs near a university campus. The center offers a variety of services, including waxing, prosthetic nails, eyelash extensions, dance and event organization, and personal care consulting for both students and residents of nearby villages. With an affordable pricing policy and a commitment to accessibility, the enterprise contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Aura Beauty supports SDG 5 by adopting an employment model that promotes women's participation in the economy. The business also contributes to SDG 12 by planning to offer natural products sourced from local producers in recyclable packaging, encouraging responsible production and consumption habits. Furthermore, thanks to its fair wage policy, employee development programs, and safe working conditions, Aura Beauty creates decent job opportunities aligned with SDG 8.

Through its innovative approach that combines women’s entrepreneurship with sustainable beauty practices, Aura Beauty stands out as a meaningful example of a social enterprise making a positive impact in the beauty industry.

Reducing & Education On Electronic Waste

Belkin takes on the challenges of e-waste in multiple ways, such as partnering with certified recyclers like HUMAN-I-T and even using post-consumer recycled materials in their products like aluminum, copper, and tin. Efforts like these help to promote a circular economy by ensuring responsible material recovery, minimizing landfill waste that otherwise would seep into the environment, and even extending the lifecycle of their products. These innovations align with UN SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by combining both sustainable product development with transparent recycling practices.

A Business Model Driven by Sustainability and Community Empowerment

Ypê, a 100% Brazilian company with 75 years of history, is a leader in the hygiene and cleaning sector, present in over 95% of Brazilian homes. With a diverse portfolio of over 450 products and manufacturing facilities across Brazil. Ypê is committed to quality, sustainability, and ethical business practices. According to Andrea Salgueiro Cruz Lima, Chair of the Board and leader of the Strategy, Innovation, Productivity and Sustainability Committee, who brings extensive experience from Unilever and Whirlpool, Ypê continues to prioritize innovation, employee well-being, and environmental preservation, earning recognition as a Pro-Ethical Company and multiple Top of Mind awards.

SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production: ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Waste to Wonders: Indonesian Instant Noodle Giant’s Repurposing Initiative

The Green Warmindo program is an initiative by Indofood to transform small food stalls ("warung makan Indomie") across Indonesia into more sustainable businesses. There are over 3.5 million warung makans in Indonesia, and they contribute to over 70% of grocery sales. The Green Warmindo program involves eco-friendly practices such as recycled packaging, adding more energy efficient infrastructures, and sourcing products and supplies responsibly. Indofood also empowers locals to become entrepreneurs while contributing to environmental conservation. Bimantoro Triadi, who is the head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Indofood explained that,“We have to create a better environment because plastic is one of the biggest issues here. When customers purchase from Green Warmindo’s they know that the plastics are being disposed of correctly. The plastics are being disposed of and reused that is the difference when purchasing at Green Warmindos.” This initiative reflects Indofood’s commitment to supporting the UN Global Goals, especially SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Bringing the Cloud to Global Higher Education

Our story is about Google Cloud and its reimagining of Global Higher Education and its connection to the United Nations fourth Sustainable Development Goal: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.


A Regenerative Revolution rooted in Humanity

Christy Dawn has pioneered a new regenerative approach to the fashion industry through its innovative "Farm-to-Closet" initiative. This initiative goes beyond just sustainability and encourages regeneration, where all the materials used for each piece of clothing are grown on land undergoing regeneration, heavily helping solve the SDG of Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). Internally, Christy Dawn centers their business models around a "people-first" approach, encouraging Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) in local communities.

Innovating For A Greener Tomorrow

Hidrotem is an innovative micro-hydropower system developed by the Turkish state-owned engineering company TEMSAN. Designed for integration into existing pressurized water infrastructure—such as potable water networks, irrigation pipelines, and industrial systems—Hidrotem harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity without disrupting water distribution. This compact and modular system offers a sustainable alternative to conventional pressure-reducing valves, which typically waste energy by dissipating excess pressure as heat.

By converting otherwise wasted hydraulic pressure into usable electrical energy, Hidrotem significantly improves overall energy efficiency and reduces operational costs for utilities and facilities. Its plug-and-play design allows for easy installation and minimal maintenance, making it an accessible solution for both urban and rural settings.

Hidrotem contributes directly to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): by providing a renewable and decentralized energy source that lowers dependence on fossil fuels.

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): by promoting resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging the adoption of clean technologies in public utilities.

In essence, Hidrotem bridges the gap between water infrastructure and energy innovation, offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution to enhance sustainability in urban planning and industrial operations.

Empowering E-commerce Growth and Social Good

Makaseb is a Saudi-based digital marketing company that helps e-commerce stores grow in a sustainable way. Their innovations include AI-powered customer support, free SEO services for nonprofits, and an Arabic-language digital marketing academy. Makaseb focuses on making marketing smarter, more accessible, and socially impactful. Their work supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

From Thread to Transformation

In Summit, New Jersey, Sustainable Haus Mercantile is transforming how individuals think about consumption, health, and environmental responsibility. Founded by Janette Filbert Spiezio, Sustainable Haus is more than a retail space; it is mission-driven, committed to reducing toxins, eliminating waste, and promoting authentic sustainable living. By aligning closely with UN Sustainable Development Goals: Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Sustainable Haus proves that meaningful change begins with everyday choices.

Innovative Drone Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Robosys Mechatronics develops innovative UAV solutions that support sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and disaster response. By reducing chemical usage with precision spraying drones and offering eco-friendly alternatives like light show drones, the company actively contributes to SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Information through Light

Quark Optical is a leading Turkish technology company focused on developing advanced electro-optical and acoustic systems. The company’s foundations were born from its founder’s direct experience in global supply chains, making it a symbol of national resilience and innovation. Quark Optical designs and manufactures high-performance, custom-made optical sensing modules such as Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs), Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) and Time-to-Digital Converters (TDCs), as well as vital seismic detectors used in search and rescue operations.              The company’s main purpose is to contribute to Türkiye’s economic and technological independence by supporting domestic R&D and reducing external dependency. Quark Optical’s success story demonstrates how a purpose-based innovation strategy can create transformative effects in the business world, at a societal level, and in terms of national development.

Efficiency Meets Sustainability with I²ms

Danos' innovation is the Intelligent Integrated Materials Solutions (i²ms). i²ms is a service model designed to bring people, processes, and technology together to help businesses optimize their supply chain. This innovation aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG #13: Climate Action.

From Soil to Table

Aybige’s (Ayone Farm) is a traditional farm built around the principles of sustainable living, where eco-friendly production methods meet the empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs. Rooted in a deep respect for the soil as a way of life, the business offers an inspiring model that challenges today’s fast-paced consumer culture. By promoting mindful consumption and community-based agriculture, it directly contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Gender Equality (Goal 5), Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12), and Climate Action (Goal 13). Aybige’s shows that sustainable living, while challenging, is achievable through alternative practices - proving that even small-scale initiatives can drive lasting environmental and social impact.

ECOLLABO8: Transforming Bali's Plastic Crisis into Sustainable Innovation

Founded in 2019, ECOLLABO8 has revolutionized Bali's approach to plastic waste management by transforming discarded plastics into high-quality commercial products. Through innovative recycling technologies, the company diverts approximately 9 tons of plastic daily from landfills and oceans, converting environmental challenges into market opportunities.

ECOLLABO8's business model advances multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The company demonstrates that environmental stewardship and commercial success can work in harmony to address one of the region's most pressing ecological challenges.

“From Local to Global: Taşpınar Retailing’s Sustainable Success Journey”

Operating in the fields of furniture, white goods, electronics, and home decoration, Taşpınar Stores adopts sustainable development as one of its core objectives beyond mere commercial growth. The company actively contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on “Responsible Consumption and Production” (SDG 12) and “Climate Action” (SDG 13). Taşpınar promotes the sale of energy-efficient A+++ rated products and ensures operational sustainability through the use of low-energy LED lighting, thermally insulated store structures, recycled paper for signage, and waste separation systems. In e-commerce operations, the company implements eco-friendly solutions such as paperless invoicing, plans to adopt electric delivery vehicles, uses recycled packaging materials, and optimizes delivery routes to reduce carbon emissions. By partnering directly with local manufacturers, Taşpınar supports regional economies and participates in social projects that increase female employment and provide household goods to families in need. Through digital investments like e-invoicing, e-dispatch, and AI-powered inventory systems, the company enhances operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Employees receive regular training on zero waste and environmental awareness, and are encouraged to engage in community-based sustainability initiatives. All these efforts reflect the company’s vision to be not only a retail brand, but also a responsible organization committed to generating long-term social and environmental value.