Port of Antwerp seeks candidates for NextGen Demo

Innovation hub for pioneers looking to test circular projects

NextGen District, the future hotspot for circular economy in the heart of the port of Antwerp, is starting to really take shape. Today Port of Antwerp will launch a market consultation for the plots available within NextGen Demo. This innovation hub, which is part of NextGen District, is aimed at pioneers looking for space and support to test their projects before scaling them up to the commercial level.

NextGen Demo: innovation hub within NextGen District

NextGen District is a site with a total surface area of 88 ha in the heart of the port, which Port of Antwerp has made available with the aim of creating a hotspot for circular economy there, thereby contributing to the transition to a climate-neutral society. Innovative players in the circular process and manufacturing industry will give end-of-life products a second or third life, explore circular carbon solutions and carry out experiments with renewable energy.

NextGen Demo is a zone within NextGen District, where new technologies and circular demo projects that have outgrown the lab are tested on a larger scale and in an industrial environment before being commercialised. The demonstrators benefit from an industrial network, with leading global players thanks to the extensive Port of Antwerp community. Ideal for linking up with the right partners and customers. The ecosystem will also help create synergies within NextGen District and with other players in the port. The excellent logistical location and availability of the necessary infrastructure are additional trumps to whet demonstrators' appetites. Based on their needs, Port of Antwerp will work with them to provide the desired facilities and accommodate them as effectively as possible.

Questionnaire

For NextGen Demo, Port of Antwerp is looking for candidates (start-ups, scale-ups, spin-off companies and pilot projects) that are active in sustainable and innovative chemical and energy technology. There is a specific focus on technologies within the areas of Waste-to-X (chemicals/fuels), CCU (Carbon Capture & Utilisation), bio-based technologies and storage of renewable energy (power-to-x). For companies wishing to apply for one of the plots within NextGen Demo, Port of Antwerp is today inviting circular pioneers in these sectors to submit their project proposals and communicate their needs via anaward procedure. The deadline is 28 February 2022.

For more information on the exact scope, conditions and technical specifications, please visit NextGen Demo | Port of Antwerp

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp. "By offering a suitable location and the required facilities, Port of Antwerp wants to eliminate the scale disadvantages typically faced by this type of demonstrator. In addition, the provision of support services and facilities will play an essential role in lowering the threshold for demonstrators to further develop their technologies. As an entrepreneur, you can also count on the industrial network including leading global players and the accompanying ecosystem.
Port alderwoman Annick De Ridder: "With the NextGen District, we are aiming to create hundreds of new jobs that will further contribute to the sustainable growth of our port. This testing ground for technological and sustainable innovation, where pioneers are given the room to grow, will contribute to the strengthening, synergy and diversification of the port platform. Moreover, this is the ideal location to accelerate the transition in the Antwerp chemical cluster. As such, we are continuing to focus on the added value of the future and therefore also on our prosperity. NextGen Demo, as an innovation hub, is aiming to be the ideal catalyst for sustainable innovations in the process industry and the energy transition".

 

 

 

 

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About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
 
The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society. 

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Vice-Mayor of Antwerp Annick De Ridder is President of the Board of Directors, the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management. 

www.portofantwerpbruges.com

The telephone number +32 492 15 41 39 is only for press inquiries. For other questions you can mail to communicatie@portofantwerpbruges.com

Contact

Havenhuis Zaha Hadidplein 1 2030 Antwerp Belgium

+32 492 15 41 39

press@portofantwerpbruges.com

www.portofantwerpbruges.com