INNOVATEā„¢ Antwerp Vol.2

Innovations of the World

INNOVATEā„¢ Antwerp Vol.2

Antwerp Volume 2: Discovering the ecosystems of the entire province

Following on the recent success of INNOVATEā„¢ 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 ā€˜Smart Highways’ project, it provides better transport for both citizens and entrepreneurs. Digital innovation is also helping to develop the major infrastructure project ā€˜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

THE SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

NANCY VERMEULEN TRAINS ASPIRING ASTRONAUTS IN HER SPACE TRAINING ACADEMY

People who see space as a playground for the super-rich fail to see the most crucial characteristic: space is a huge source of innovation....

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

START IT @KBC

START IT @KBC-OPENING DOORS FOR INNOVATION

OPENING DOORS FOR INNOVATION

Start it @KBC is a unique no-strings-attached startup accelerator supporting and promoting innovative and scalable entrepreneurship. As the largest startup ecosystem in Belgium representing around 1,000 coached startups, this rapidly growing community offers access to vast expertise, an enormous global network and state-of-the art work spaces. A unique proposition Start...

INEOS

INEOS-POWER TO METHANOL

POWER TO METHANOL, FUTUREPROOF INNOVATION IN FUEL AND FEEDSTOCK

In 2022 the construction of the Power to Methanol Antwerp plant starts in the Port of Antwerp. The plant has a production capacity of 8,000 tonnes of sustainable methanol, produced from hydrogen generated from renewable energy and captured CO2. A consortium of seven companies is setting up the pilot plant...

IMBY

IMBY: NUTRITION THAT DELIGHTS YOUR PET & HEALS THE PLANET TURNING THE CONVENTIONAL PETFOOD INDUSTRY UPSIDE DOWN

NUTRITION THAT DELIGHTS YOUR PET & HEALS THE PLANET TURNING THE CONVENTIONAL PETFOOD INDUSTRY UPSIDE DOWN

Did you know that 20% of the global meat production is consumed by dogs and cats? And that meat is the number one cause of pet allergies? The meat industry has an enormous negative impact on greenhouse gas emissions and thereby contributes to numerous unwanted climate effects. Moreover, it harms...

VLAAMSE REGERING

VLAAMSE REGERING-INNOVATION IS THE KEY TO CREATING GROWTH AND VALUE

INNOVATION IS THE KEY TO CREATING GROWTH AND VALUE

One of the most inspiring stories in Greek mythology tells how Prometheus, ā€˜the visionary’, out of love for mankind, stole the fire from the Olympian gods and gave it to mankind. From that day on, the rise of human genius and technological progress was unstoppable. The human ability to bring...

LEF IS MORE

LEF IS MORE- INNOVATION HAS A FACE

INNOVATION HAS A FACE

Lef’ is the Dutch word for ā€˜guts’ or ā€˜courage’, which is the perfect description of what I do: with LEF I push organizations and their leaders to explore, examine and create business opportunities for the day after tomorrow. Not only by optimizing their strategic thinking and solving underlying problems that...

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...

NOBI

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

FUTURE-ORIENTED SMART LAMP ā€˜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...

KU LEUVEN

KU LEUVEN-INNOVATION PARTNER PAR EXCELLENCE IN THE MECHELEN-KEMPEN REGION

INNOVATION PARTNER PAR EXCELLENCE IN THE MECHELEN-KEMPEN REGION

The Geel and De Nayer (Sint-Katelijne-Waver) campuses are part of the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven. Here, high-quality education and research go hand-in-hand: not only do these campuses train passionate engineers, they also offer many opportunities for companies that want to innovate. Our campuses play an active role...

PREBO INVEST / PCB SOLUTIONS

PREBO INVEST/ PCB SOLUTIONS:PROTOTYPING & MORE

PROTOTYPING & MORE

PCB Solutions is a Geel-based company, specialized in PCB-prototyping and assembly.   A PCB or printed circuit board contains all sorts of different electronic components that are connected through copper tracks, also called rails. On these print boards the components are placed through which they can execute certain functions. PCBs...

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...

HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE

HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE - THROUGHOUT WESTERN EUROPE FOOD PRODUCTION IS KNOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A WHOLE LOT OF GHG-EMISSIONS. HOWEVER

THROUGHOUT WESTERN EUROPE FOOD PRODUCTION IS KNOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A WHOLE LOT OF GHG-EMISSIONS. HOWEVER, THE HOLISTIC APPROACH OF FOOD PRODUCTION SHOWN AT THE INNOVATIVE FARM OF HEIRBAUT ALGRICULTURE, AIMS TO REDUCE CO2 BY EVERY SINGLE INITIATIVE TAKEN

If you think that every farm in the world which has dairy cattle puts pressure on the climate, it is clear you have never visited Temse! Kris and Ginny Heirbaut are overflowing with circularity and are determined to close all their cycles. Kris’ grandfather used to have a mixed farm...

THE ECOLOGICAL ENTREPRENEUR

THE ECOLOGICAL ENTREPRENEUR- THE PATHWAY TO YOUR CLIMATE NEUTRAL BUSINESS

THE PATHWAY TO YOUR CLIMATE NEUTRAL BUSINESS

The ā€œWhyā€ of sustainability is clear for most, the ā€œhowā€ and ā€œwhatā€, 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...

ULTRAZONIC

ULTRAZONIC- MEDICAL SCOOP TACKLES CURRENT CONTAMINATION WOES

MEDICAL SCOOP TACKLES CURRENT CONTAMINATION WOES

UltraZonic has received a true (medical) world premiere. This Belgian company, specialized in innovative medical cleaning devices, has developed the first semi-automatic pre-cleaner for flexible endoscopes. Not the biggest luxury invention, knowing that endoscopes are popular hotbeds for several bacteria. ā€œDue to great time pressure, staff often miss important cleaning...

TRIPLE HELIX GROUP

TRIPLE HELIX GROUP - TURNING WASTE INTO RAW MATERIALS

TURNING WASTE INTO RAW MATERIALS

Material reincarnation or trying to preserve existing molecules at their end of life, is the core business of Triple Helix Molecules as a Service, THX in short. The Antwerp based start-up takes specific waste streams and transforms those back into valuable building blocks for the chemical industry or produces new...

DELTA CARE

DELTA CARE -THE SOLUTION FOR MORE EFFICIENT HEALTHCARE IS NOT TECHNOLOGY ITSELF

THE SOLUTION FOR MORE EFFICIENT HEALTHCARE IS NOT TECHNOLOGY ITSELF, BUT HOW IT IS INTEGRATED AND EMBRACED BY USERS

European countries have been facing enormous pressure on their healthcare systems. The recent acute problems were resulting from exponential increases in the number of active COVID-19 cases, but there are several underlying challenges that the healthcare sector has been facing for some time now. These include the aging population and...

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...

ATHOMA

ATHOMA -STANDS FOR ā€œAT HOME IN ANTWERPā€

STANDS FOR ā€œAT HOME IN ANTWERPā€

ATHOMA is the name of the building where Antwerpen Zuid Kliniek is located. It is a new construction project with a central location in a very visible place due to its distinctive architectural design. It is easy to reach by car, bike, train, tram, bus and even Antwerp airport is...

TECHNOPOLIS

TECHNOPOLIS- EVERYTHING STARTS WITH WOW

EVERYTHING STARTS WITH WOW

Meet the new Technopolis. Bold, never afraid to reinvent itself and ready to blow everyone’s mind away. Everything starts with WOW is not just a tagline, it’s a promise to face the challenges of the future together. Not by waiting for the next Einstein, Marie Curie or Stephen Hawking to...

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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