This is Health in Antwerp

Prosperous growth cluster

Innovation cluster health covers a wide range of services and products in Antwerp. It succeeds in dealing with present and future challenges relating to public health and health services research. We are talking about clinical trials, e-health applications, medical devices and urban health. In this way, the innovation cluster health answers the needs of citizens of Antwerp’s greater region and offers them the best possible care today and tomorrow.

Why Antwerp?

Antwerp has acquired an essential spot in this prosperous business and growth cluster. Why? Because of a diverse and rich ecosystem consisting of a dense and constantly evolving hospital network of 28 campuses, including a university hospital and top research institutions like:

• Vaccinopolis is a state-of-the-art place for vaccine trials. It is part of a growing ecosystem for pandemic control where start-ups, scale-ups and corporates find each other to develop new products and services connected with pandemic control.
• This world-renowned Institute for Tropical Medicine Antwerp promotes the advancement of science and health for all through innovative research, advanced education, professional services and capacity building of partner institutions in the South. It has unique expertise in tropical diseases, HIV, tuberculosis, infectious diseases and inadequate healthcare.

Start-ups and spin-offs find their way to the city

In Antwerp’s ecosystem, innovation and diversification play a crucial role, and that’s why the city succeeds in attracting start-ups and spin-offs:

• Innovation hub Dunden is an essential growth space for-start-ups in the heart of Antwerp, focusing on businesses with a particular interest in healthcare.
• One of its members is the incubator and accelerator BlueHealth Innovation Center (BHIC). Governments, companies, research and healthcare institutions join forces to encourage digital transformation in healthcare. IT service provider Cronos, pharmaceutical company UCB, member organisation In4care and Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), all partners of BHIC, founded BlueHealth Innovation Fund (BHIF). This investment fund provides capital for digital health companies.

Proximity and talent

In an ecosystem, proximity is a crucial factor. Antwerp offers a lot on a small surface, which works very well. Antwerp also is an attractive city for talent, thanks to education programmes at the University of Antwerp, AP University of Applied Sciences and Art and the Institute for Tropical Medicine. Businesses praise this talent for its flexibility and its internationally-orientated view.

Business opportunities

The city of Antwerp plays a connecting and innovative role in this ecosystem. By providing financial support, for example. Are you planning on developing a project that focuses on innovation in healthcare? Up to 100.000 euros of aid is waiting for you.