Innovation in Antwerp:
A Look at the City's Progress and Potential


Antwerp is a city that has a long history of innovation, dating back to its days as a major port and trading hub. Today, the city is home to a thriving startup scene and is known for its innovative approach to business and technology. In this article, we will explore the current state of innovation in Antwerp and discuss some of the key factors that contribute to its success.

Antwerp's Start-up Scene

One of the key drivers of innovation in Antwerp is its thriving start-up scene. The city is home to a number of incubators and accelerators that support the growth of early-stage companies, as well as more established firms that are looking to scale up. Some of the most successful start-ups to come out of Antwerp in recent years include Loop Earplugs (earplugs that prevent the loss of hearing), and Apicbase (A restaurant management platform).

Strong Support for Innovation

In addition to its start-up scene, Antwerp has a number of other factors that contribute to its innovation ecosystem. The city has a strong focus on research and development, and is home to a number of world-class research institutions and universities. This includes the Antwerp Management School, which is known for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as the University of Antwerp, which has a strong track record in scientific research.

The city also has a number of organizations that support innovation and entrepreneurship, including Innovation Central, a network of innovation hubs that brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. There are also a number of co-working spaces and other resources available to help entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground.

Since Stretch Innovation is based in Antwerp, we are very pleased that the city offers companies and organizations solid support to roll out innovative concepts. This is certainly not obvious and is not the case everywhere. We are therefore proud to be part of this beautiful city and look forward to future innovation projects that will emerge. Being open to innovation projects is something we can only encourage.

A Strong Focus on Sustainability

One of the areas where Antwerp has really excelled in recent years is in the field of sustainability. The city has a strong focus on reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmentally-friendly practices, and this has led to the development of a number of innovative solutions.

For example, Antwerp is home to the world's first port-side LNG (liquified natural gas) plant, which helps to reduce emissions from shipping and other industrial activities. The city is also home to a number of cutting-edge renewable energy projects, including a solar-powered office building and a wind farm.  

Overall, Antwerp is a city that is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and growth in the future. With a thriving start-up scene, strong support for innovation, and a focus on sustainability, the city is poised to be a major player in the global economy. If you are looking to start a business or invest in innovative technologies, Antwerp is definitely a place to consider.

Also read the other articles of Stretch Innovation, to be fully prepared for growth: The Ambidextrous Organization, The Three Horizons of Innovation and The Growth Share Matrix.

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