The international category recognizes best workplaces for innovators based in regions beyond North America that have invested in human capital and innovation infrastructure in their home markets.

BandLab, Singapore

Generous time-off policies protect space for ideation, helping employees develop products for the company’s music-creation platform.

Carbonaires, London

Leveraging internal innovations and outside expertise, the climate fintech company created a tool to customize investment portfolios for businesses pursuing decarbonization.

ESR, Shenzhen, China

The real estate asset management company tripled the size of its R&D team last year to continue nurturing new ideas, such as its new MagSafe wireless mouse.

FibreCoat, Aachen, Germany

A high-tech spin-off from RWTH Aachen University, the materials technology company employs students from that university, one of whom innovated a new product and eventually became the company’s R&D lead.

Henkel, Düsseldorf, Germany

An ERG for people with disabilities at the global conglomerate led to the first laundry detergent with smart codes that people with low vision and blindness can scan to find product information.

Itaú Unibanco, São Paulo

In its 100th year, Brazil’s largest private bank continues to cultivate innovation, most recently with a “super app” for customers to manage their finances and transactions.

Laborit, São Paulo

Transcending traditional problem-solving, Laborit’s Círculo method brings employees together for a multiday immersive innovation session that uses principles of philosophy, neuroscience, and social psychology to solve today’s challenges.

Ledger, Paris

Collaborative employee teams at the crypto hardware company developed Ledger Voucher, a reward mechanism that recognizes internal talent making waves in crypto.

Omnea, London

A hybrid policy and the ability to work from anywhere two weeks per quarter help inspire employees to find innovative solutions to complicated procurement processes.

Sanofi, Paris

Last year, the multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare company unveiled a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture next-generation vaccines and medications.

Siemens, Munich

One of just two companies that has made the Best Workplaces for Innovators ranking all seven years, the German engineering giant operates “Siemens Educates America” with 70 training partners, and last year it generated 5,250 inventions and 2,900 patents.

Uncommon Creative Studio, London

The global creative agency offers benefits that encourage creativity and freedom: flexible work schedules and generous parental leave, for example.

Xero, Te Aro, New Zealand

The global accounting software company offers a range of leave benefits, including a 90-day work-from-anywhere policy.

This story is part of Fast Company’s 2025 Best Workplaces for Innovators Awards. Explore the full list of companies that are key hubs for fostering innovative talent. Read more about the methodology behind the selection process.