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Wanted: circular pioneers for NextGen Demo in Flanders

Are you active in sustainable and innovative chemical and energy technology? In that case, NextGen Demo could be just the place to boost your groundbreaking work. Based in Antwerp (Flanders), this innovation hub focuses on pioneering startups, scaleups, spinoffs and pilot projects seeking space and support to test their projects before scaling them up. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched a new call for the lots available at NextGen Demo. Responding to the call is possible until 31 March 2023 via the port’s online portal.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Hub within a hub

NextGen Demo is an area within NextGen District, the circular economy hotspot at the heart of the Antwerp port area. NextGen District has already attracted various global pioneers that are giving end-of-life products second or third lives.

  • Plug (US) is building a green hydrogen plant.
  • Bolder Industries (US) is recycling car tires. 
  • Ekopak is committing to circular water consumption. 
  • Triple Helix is turning polyurethane foam and PET into new raw materials.

On top of that, PureCycle (US) has recently confirmed a large-scale investment in a plastics recycling plant. As a result, the first part of NextGen District is now full. But there are still a lot of opportunities for the taking.

NextGen Demo is the place of choice where new technology is incorporated into the exciting fabric of port and industry. We have refined our offerings so that we are readier than ever to welcome pioneers who are up for the challenge.

Jacques Vandermeiren
CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Specific tech domains

To fill NextGen Demo, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is now looking for startups, scaleups, spinoff companies and pilot projects concentrating on sustainable and innovative chemical and energy technology. Specifically, there is a focus on 4 tech domains:

  1. waste-to-X (chemicals/fuels) 
  2. carbon capture & utilization (CCU) 
  3. bio-based technologies 
  4. renewable energy storage and hydrogen technologies 

Synergies galore

The industrial port network – with its top global players and strong ecosystem – will contribute to synergies between the players at NextGen Demo, NextGen District and the other port companies. Other reasons for companies to choose NextGen Demo as their base include: the top-notch location in terms of setting up logistics as well as the available surrounding infrastructure, tailored guidance and financial support.”

This testing ground for technological and sustainable innovation will strengthen and diversify the port platform and support the transition of the Antwerp chemical cluster.

Annick De Ridder
Chair of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges board of directors

More info

NextGen Demo
Reported by
Port of Antwerp-Bruges press release
8 March 2023

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