Race to Innovation

"A blueprint for more effective entrepreneurship."

—KIRKUS REVIEWS 

“Race to Innovation is more than a book about business, it’s a call to action. At a time when America faces a growing innovation deficit, this powerful work challenges us to confront the systemic barriers that keep too many people, especially Black entrepreneurs, locked out of opportunity. Let this book inspire you to think differently, lead boldly, and invest in the brilliance that exists in every corner of our society.”

—WILLIAM HEATH, Former Group VP at Eli Lilly and Chief Scientific Officer at Persephoni BioPartners

“Passion for innovation and equity shines through in Race to Innovation. I found it both eye-opening and affirming—a reminder that if we want real impact, we must back overlooked innovators with more than words. I’m proud to support this important message.”

—SIMONE GRAPINI-GOODMAN, Chief Marketing Officer, American Diabetes Association

“In an era marked by unprecedented global and technological transformation, the imperative to translate the best ideas into action swiftly has never been greater. Yet, one of the most underappreciated catalysts of breakthrough innovation is diversity—particularly its role in enabling non-linear, cross-disciplinary thinking. This timely and insightful book offers a critical contribution to our understanding of how diverse perspectives drive meaningful progress in healthcare innovation and beyond. I am honored to endorse its message.”

—RENARD CHARITY, Growth Strategy Advisor to leading healthcare innovators and Managing Partner at Fletcher Spaght, Inc.

“We are standing at the edge of a new epoch—where innovation is no longer confined to labs or lecture halls but is becoming a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem that shapes every facet of our lives. This is more than a transition; it is a convergence of exponential technologies, reimagined education, and the urgent demands of a rapidly changing world. The global challenges we face—whether in energy, AI governance, or breakthroughs in biotechnology—require a new generation of scientists, systems thinkers, and creative problem-solvers. This realization has deepened my conviction that innovation is not just a discipline—it is the foundation of the future. To meet the moment, we must reimagine how innovation is taught, scaled, and shared, developing agile, tech-enabled, and forward-looking approaches that anticipate and adapt to the needs of the next two decades.”

—NAKIA MELECIO, PhD, Senior Research Faculty, Georgia Institute of Technology and Director of National Science Foundation I-Corps Southeast Hub

“Race to Innovation is a clear, inspiring look at how smart ideas and teamwork can spark innovation and entrepreneurship in communities often missed. It’s a great read for anyone who cares about making progress that matters.”

—KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, Former US Secretary of Health and Human Services

“Race to Innovation is a timely and insightful exploration of how diversity, resilience, and bold thinking drive true progress. This book challenges conventional norms and offers a powerful road map for leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who want to create lasting impact in today’s rapidly evolving world. It’s not just a call to innovate—it’s a call to lead with intention and purpose. A must-read for anyone serious about shaping the future.”

—JOEL WIGGINS, Founder of Wiggins Institute of Entrepreneurship and Life Development

“Race to Innovation is a compelling exploration of how entrepreneurship can be a powerful catalyst for economic equity and societal transformation. It acknowledges the hidden history of Black entrepreneurship and systemic barriers to success in America. Bamforth and Zwahlen expertly blend historical context with modern strategies, revealing the untapped potential of Black innovators as drivers of progress. This book is a call to action for leaders to rethink how they invest in diverse talent and ideas— not just as a moral imperative, but as a powerful engine for growth.”

—DANIELLE NEVELES-MCGRATH, Chief Impact Officer, Humana Foundation

“This book captures the themes of innovation through stories of grit that show entrepreneurship is not just about money, but also about courage. The free market is the best ‘even playing field’ we have, and Race to Innovation makes clear that our opportunity is to look for and invest in the entrepreneurial spirit in founders of all types. If we do, all our communities benefit from new, innovative, successful enterprises. Read this book!”

—MARCUS WHITNEY, Founder and Managing Partner, Jumpstart Nova

“Race to Innovation moved me deeply. It is a story of passion and purpose weaved together to honor the dreams, the grit, and the genius of Black entrepreneurs—many like the ones I grew up with—whose stories are too often overlooked or merely untold. It challenges us to reimagine what’s possible when access and opportunity intersect. As an educator and entrepreneur, I found it both emotionally powerful and intellectually necessary.”

—BERNARD BELL, Executive Director of the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship

“Race to Innovation provides a unique view into how, in history as well as current times, differences in culture, race, and experiences often produce tremendous value. The concepts the authors share, along with the proof points throughout the many real examples, make a compelling case for why we must all embrace the power of diversity. This book proves that when done right, diversity is clearly a catalyst for success.”

—TONY EZELL, EVP and President of the Americas, BD

“This book is a vital guide for anyone working to transform opportunity into commercial success—and it makes one thing clear: Diversity isn’t optional; it’s a strategic advantage. Drawing from deep experience across startups, academia, and industry, Race to Innovation illustrates how inclusive participation fuels stronger ideas, broader market relevance, and better outcomes. It’s a pragmatic, no-nonsense playbook for building innovation pipelines that reflect the full spectrum of talent and lived experience. If you care about unleashing innovation, you should care about who gets to innovate.”

—DOUG SPEIGHT, Chief Executive Officer of AxNano, Inc. and Co-Founder of Alcom Capital Partners, LLC