INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

Innovations of the World

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

Antwerp Volume 2: Discovering the ecosystems of the entire province

Following on the recent success of INNOVATE™ Antwerp Volume 1, we published the second volume, focusing on the entire region of Antwerp.

Where the first edition focused on the innovators and innovation enablers defining the City of Antwerp, the second edition focuses on the vibrant province of Antwerp. This region is recognized globally as an innovation hub and a European pole of growth and is well known for its rich tapestry of historical cities, thriving industries, and entrepreneurial spirit. We look forward to showcasing the thought leaders and companies that make this region so special.

Fast growing start-ups

Antwerp residents are digital entrepreneurs. The city is an international reference in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). With the regularity of the clock, start-ups are born. These, in turn, grow into scale-ups. Some figures? In 2020 Antwerp had around 500 start-ups or scale-ups.

These innovative companies raised an enormous amount of capital in 2020: 200 million euros, an increase of 50% compared to 2018.

From port sectors to e-health

Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe. A port, that means different industries coming together. With numerous partners, the city works on innovation in typical port sectors such as industry, logistics and safety. Moreover, it also thinks about its citizens. Antwerp also innovates on mobility and health. With the website www.slimnaarantwerpen.be and the ‘Smart Highways’ project, it provides better transport for both citizens and entrepreneurs. Digital innovation is also helping to develop the major infrastructure project ‘The Major Connection’. And the BlueHealth Innovation Center (BHIC) is responsible for digital progress in the health sector.

The Beacon

The Beacon is Antwerp’s anchor point for digital innovation. Start-ups, scale-ups, researchers and technology companies: they are all housed in the 10-storey building on Sint-Pietersvliet. They are working on innovative cross-fertilisation in the fields of industry, logistics and smart cities.

The Beacon now has 37 residents, including the founders imec, Lantis and the University of Antwerp. Most of them are specialists in cutting-edge technology, especially in artificial intelligence (AI) or the Internet of Things (IoT). The Beacon community consists of more than 80 members, who are brought together in various ways to work on solutions for the city, port and industry of the future.  That network – The Beacon Community – is still growing every day.

Leader in sustainable innovation

Antwerp stands for innovation. Digital, but also sustainable innovation. Of every 3 companies that focus on clean technology in Flanders, one is based in Antwerp. Above all, the city is a leader in sustainable chemistry. Local government, research institutes and large chemical companies work closely together on sustainable innovation. Their results are echoed worldwide.

From the treatment of raw materials to waste treatment

Antwerp masters chemistry down to the finest atoms. Technical contractors, specialists in process optimisation, safety companies: everything is in place so that chemical companies can process their raw materials into finished products. And even then it doesn’t stop. Because the companies in the port of Antwerp have also built up years of expertise in waste processing. The sustainable waste management company Indaver grew from Antwerp company to European multinational. Moreover, Antwerp is a pioneer in hydrogen technology. And another fascinating project: the turbine of the Kallo lock extracts all its energy from the water. A pilot project that is followed closely by the whole world.

BlueChem and BlueApp

To the south of Antwerp lies the Blue Gate Antwerp, a site exclusively for eco-effective businesses. There you’ll find BlueChem, an incubator for start-ups working on sustainable innovations in chemistry. BlueChem also helps them to develop that technology on an industrial scale.

Through the BlueChem Kickstart Fund, the city of Antwerp also gives a grant to companies that rent lab space in BlueChem. The University of Antwerp is also present at Blue Gate Antwerp. Together with industrial partners, they set up BlueApp. They invest in applied research into sustainable (bio)chemical processes.

Creativity as a raw material

Creativity is in Antwerp’s DNA. Antwerp also enjoys a longstanding reputation as a design centre. From the most progressive artists and cultural entrepreneurs of the 16th century to the avant-garde fashion designers and other creative businesses of today. 1 in 10 Antwerp businesses have creativity as their raw material. The city is the ideal breeding ground for creative businesses to flourish and grow internationally.

Creative industry

Creative industry: when it comes to Antwerp, those two words fit together perfectly. The atmosphere of innovation stimulates creative companies to redesign their products. To reinvent themselves time and again. An attitude that benefits the entire economy. This creative vision is also reflected in Antwerp’s fashion and jewellery designers. With the Antwerp Six in your 80s, with every new fashion direction at the Antwerp Academy, and with the talented jewellery designers that Antwerp has to offer.

Creative networks and festivals

Antwerp as a matchmaker. The platform ANTWERP. POWERED BY CREATIVES (APBC) connects the creative industry with other sectors. APBC motivates creative entrepreneurs to innovate and grow. The same entrepreneurs you might come across on Us by Night. This is one of the many Antwerp networking events that link creativity to digital entrepreneurship. Us by Night attracts artists from all over the world. The city of Antwerp is investigating the possibilities of connecting talented fashion designers and companies in a fashion hub. With partners such as the Fashion Academy and MoMu, the Fashion Hub fits this city like a glove.

The world of media and entertainment is also looking more and more in the direction of Antwerp. A large number of media companies and their investors have their headquarters here. The city is developing the Mediaplein near the Central Station in order to boost its ambition even further.

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Innovators

Featured Innovators

GUMPTION

GUMPTION -TACKLES DIGITAL AND BUSINESS ISSUES WITH CO-CREATION

TACKLES DIGITAL AND BUSINESS ISSUES WITH CO-CREATION

The health crisis has presented companies with new challenges. The appetite for digitization is now larger than ever before. Start-ups play an important role as drivers of innovation. Gumption is an innovation hub and ecosystem for young companies. The group’s 20 companies focus on business challenges and IT solutions, such...

AVIA GIS

SOFT WARE TECHNOLOGIES FOR A HEALTHIER WORLD

“OUR RESEARCH DOESN’T STOP AFTER WRITING THE CONCLUSION.” – GUY HENDRICKX, FOUNDING MANAGING DIRECTOR, AVIA-GIS Ever heard of the proverb “better safe than sorry”? Well, Avia-GIS sure has. Even better: they built their entire business around it. Founder and CEO Guy Hendrickx started Avia-GIS in 2001 as a company with...

THE ECOLOGICAL ENTREPRENEUR

THE ECOLOGICAL ENTREPRENEUR- THE PATHWAY TO YOUR CLIMATE NEUTRAL BUSINESS

THE PATHWAY TO YOUR CLIMATE NEUTRAL BUSINESS

The “Why” of sustainability is clear for most, the “how” and “what”, unfortunately much less. For many, sustainability remains an utterly vague, complex, and confusing concept. And even without confusion, questions concerning usefulness of actions and impact arise.   The Ecological Entrepreneur translates complexity to concrete guidelines, policies, and activities...

FORUM ADVOCATEN

FORUM ADVOCATEN- WAS FOUNDED IN 2012 BY FOUR ASSOCIATES: REINER TIJS

WAS FOUNDED IN 2012 BY FOUR ASSOCIATES: REINER TIJS, FREDERIC ROSIERS, JANA KERN AND ILSE DE GEYTER. THEY DRASTICALLY CHANGED THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE WITH THEIR UNIQUE METHODOLOGY: THEY BASE THEIR WORK ON A RELATIONSHIP-ORIENTED APPROACH TO LAW

innovationsoftheworld.com

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CREATIVEYEWORKS

CREATIVEYEWORKS- HAVING THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SOCIAL IMPACT AND CREATING A REALISTIC SOCIAL

HAVING THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SOCIAL IMPACT AND CREATING A REALISTIC SOCIAL, CIRCULARECONOMIC SELF-SUSTAINING SYSTEM. THIS IS THE MISSION OF THE CREATIVEYEWORKS PROJECT. THE PROJECT AIMS TO CREATE A GREAT ADDED VALUE THAT FLOWS COMPLETELY BACK TO SOCIETY

I am Koen Van Pottelbergh and due to a serious accident where I lost half of my sight, my view on life changed drastically. That is why I created the concept “CreativEyeworks”. Because everyone in the world has the right to see well, and to take all opportunities life has...

TEXTUP COPYWRITING

TEXTUP COPYWRITING: Lifting Your Technical Content To A Higher Level

Lifting Your Technical Content To A Higher Level

Copywriters come in all sizes, colours and weights. A technical copywriter that adheres to the principles of SEO is like searching for a needle in a haystack.   TextUp Copywriting specialises in writing technical SEO copy and content revision. TECHNICAL COPYWRITINGLetting the world know about your business isn’t that hard....

PEACE OF MEAT

PEACE OF MEAT - RETHINKING MEAT FOR TOMORROW

RETHINKING MEAT FOR TOMORROW

The messy story behind meatBy 2030, we’ll reach a global population of almost 10 billion. Worldwide demand for food is soaring, and so is the demand for meat. Despite the growing popularity of plant-based diets, meat is still an important part of the daily menu across the globe. With good...

SUCCES KOFFIE

SUCCES KOFFIE -A STORY ABOUT NEVER NO COFFEE AND NEW EXPERIENCES

A STORY ABOUT NEVER NO COFFEE AND NEW EXPERIENCES

Succes Koffie is a coffee roaster/brand with a never ending passion for nature, experiences and a little rebellion. As a team they channel these interests into their coffees and the way they engage with their customers. Tom Arts, CEO The journey of Succes Koffie started more than 130 years ago...

DE SATELLIET OF DE MAANWANDELAARS IN BOECHOUT

DE SATELLIET OF DE MAANWANDELAARS IN BOECHOUT- WHERE DIVIDING UNITES

WHERE DIVIDING UNITES

De Maanwandelaars are well known for offering housing solutions and meaningful daytime activities for adults with medium or severe mental disabilities. With five locations in the southern outskirts of Antwerp, they consciously opt for warm small scale and flexibility. This forms a favorable framework for offering people maximum participation in...

ELIXIR D’ANVERS

ELIXIR D’ANVERS-ARTISAN LIQUEUR. UNIQUE TASTE. UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY. 160 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

ARTISAN LIQUEUR. UNIQUE TASTE. UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY. 160 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

19th of March 1863, in a house in a suburb of Antwerp, François-Xavier de Beukelaer – after finishing his studies as a doctor and pharmacist – discovered early in the morning after years of research, the recipe for a delicious liqueur: Elixir d’Anvers. Elixir d’Anvers soon became famous for his...

GORILLA MARKETING

THE TIMECHAMBER

With their fresh, innovative ideas they already proved themselves worthy as a marketing agency, helping dozens of companies defining their position in the market and upping their (digital) game....

SAM

SAM-SENSORY-FRIENDLY CLOTHING THAT LOWERS STRESS

SENSORY - FRIENDLY CLOTHING THAT LOWERS STRESS

Every day we experience an overload of sensory stimuli: we see, hear, feel, smell, and taste a lot. Whenever our brain has a hard time filtering and processing all those stimuli, this can lead to overstimulation. Children who are highly sensitive, have ASD, ADHD, mental limitations, or brain injuries are...

SHOWPIECE VACCINOPOLIS

SHOWPIECE VACCINOPOLIS - OPENS ITS DOORS

OPENS ITS DOORS

A container village on Campus Drie Eiken, in which 30 volunteers took up residence to test polio vaccines, that was the setup for Poliopolis, a study at UAntwerpen conducted within a closed container village on campus, in 2017. To ensure proper follow-up, participants remained in quarantine for 28 days. The...

PUXANO

PUXANO- ACCELERATING STRUCTURE-BASED PROTEIN RESEARCH

ACCELERATING STRUCTURE-BASED PROTEIN RESEARCH

PROTEIN STRUCTURESProteins are key building blocks and fulfill many essential roles within all living organisms. They are involved in processes such as immunity, metabolism, perception, etc. As many diseases are the result of malfunctioning proteins, understanding what they look like and how they work is essential to develop better therapeutic...

THE CITY OF ANTWERP

THE CITY OF ANTWERP-A SMART CITY

A SMART CITY, WHERE CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION GO HAND IN HAND

Antwerp, just another historic city with a port? Think again. The urge to excel, a nose for opportunities and an impressive flamboyance make Antwerp an ideal breeding ground for creative ideas. Discover in this introduction the story of an extended network for innovation and entrepreneurship, across a wide range of...

KOMMA BOARD

KOMMA BOARD -BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY AS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY AS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

In 2013, Komma Board started out as a consulting company in ICT & Finance. Our business model is atypical, as we act as a subcontractor to main ICT or Finance contractors for multinational or international Fortune 500 companies. Acting as an independent partner, this specific market position allows Komma Board...

NOBI

NOBI -FUTURE-ORIENTED SMART LAMP ‘NOBI’ HELPS ELDERLY CARE TO PREPARE FOR THE SILVER TSUNAMI

FUTURE-ORIENTED SMART LAMP ‘NOBI’ HELPS ELDERLY CARE TO PREPARE FOR THE SILVER TSUNAMI

Meet NobiAn Antwerp scale-up known for its AI-driven smart lamps, used for fall detection, fall prevention and lifestyle monitoring. When founding their company, Roeland Pelgrims, Stijn Verrept and Bert De Haes believed that everyone on this planet deserves to grow old in a dignified, safe and happy manner. Pretty ambitious...

Q-LITE

Q-LITE -THE SMARTEST KIND OF ATTENTION

THE SMARTEST KIND OF ATTENTION

Q-lite is specialised in designing, producing and maintaining digital information systems and the accompanying software. Their wide product range includes pharmacy crosses, the zone-30 traffic signs that slow you down, the digital scoreboard of your favourite football team, transparent LED screens and parking guidance systems for cars and bicycles from...

ARCO INFORMATION

ARCO INFORMATION - OPTIMISING DOCUMENT DIGITALISATION

OPTIMISING DOCUMENT DIGITALISATION

Across the enterprise arena, digitalisation has empowered accounting and budgeting teams to view their information in an all-new light. From billing automation and procurement to legal signings and contract management, computational products have changed the way firms engage with customers. As information across digital channels continues to create a buzz...

PFL

PERSISTS IN BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE!

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CROWDSCAN

CROWDSCAN- FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

FROM TOMORROWLAND TO THE BUSIEST SUBWAY STATIONS OF THE WORLD. THIS UNIQUE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY IS READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF CROWD ANALYTICS

Worldwide evolutions and events show that monitoring and managing crowds has become crucial. Just think of increasing urbanisation, the rise of mega-events and the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, there is a growing concern for privacy, resulting in ethical debates and, ultimately, appropriate legislation. CrowdScan balances both. CrowdScan originated...

3D CADWORKS

3D CADWORKS-TOP-SHELF INNOVATION

TOP-SHELF INNOVATION

OUR GOAL Our goal is helping companies to solve their mechanical challenges. Our innovation culture, eye for detail and focus on quality is what attracts customers such as Total, CNH, DEME, ArcelorMittal or Pfizer. From the moment a customer submits a problem to us, he feels the eagerness of our...

OMC

OMC-OPEN INNOVATION: THE WAY TO PRODUCE LOCALLY

OPEN INNOVATION: THE WAY TO PRODUCE LOCALLY

Marc is a passionate engineer who has been active for more than 40 years in first-of-a-kind product development from the first multi-media computers to DVD recorders to smartphone chipsets and EUV light sources for the newest chip making machines of ASML. Marc spent most of his international career in The...

THOMAS MORE ICE CUBE

THOMAS MORE ICE CUBE- INNOVATION

INNOVATION, CREATIVITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP MUST HAVES FOR TOMORROW

“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” John Dewey’s famous advice for educators, although over a hundred years old, seems more relevant than ever, as we find ourselves faced with a wide range of extremely difficult – even wicked – challenges like climate...

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The Publisher

Freddy Arnauts

International networking was a logical result of my profession during my long career mainly in the Pharma and Medical World. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to start B19 Antwerp, a selective business club in this city, allowing me to get in touch with many visionary enablers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and other key opinion... click to read more

The Publisher

Freddy Arnauts

International networking was a logical result of my profession during my long career mainly in the Pharma and Medical World. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to start B19 Antwerp, a selective business club in this city, allowing me to get in touch with many visionary enablers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and other key opinion... click to read more

Other Ecosystems