5 innovative fashion and design projects receive financial support and will be showcased at Antwerp events for creatives

Out of the 26 fashion and design projects submitted, 12 were shortlisted to present their ideas. Following a round of questions, an independent jury selected five projects: three in the fashion sector and two in the design sector.

The selected innovations will be showcased at events supported by ANTWERP. POWERED BY CREATIVES. or at venues such as the MoMu shop in Antwerp. A total budget of 97.400 euros has been allocated to these projects, all of which will contribute to strengthening Antwerp’s fashion and creative ecosystem.

This support not only offers growth opportunities to five Antwerp entrepreneurs but also highlights the attractive entrepreneurial climate in Antwerp.

SUMURA | Revolutionizing e-bike charging and safety

In 2025, Sumura will introduce a smart and sustainable solution for e-bike users: a home charging station that combines adapter-free charging with advanced security features.

Sumura addresses the needs of urban mobility by enabling safe, efficient bike charging right at the doorstep. This innovative product is paired with a powerful app that provides insights into energy consumption, smart functionality, and shared charging options.

With this project, Sumura is taking a major step towards a safer, more sustainable, and better-connected mobility system.

Antwerp serves as the perfect base for the development and rollout of this smart charging and safety solution.

David Dos Santos | www.sumura.eu | +32 473 863 880 | david@sumura.eu

ECOBIRDY | Island Collection. Timeless Sustainability Inspired by Antwerp’s Marine Legacy

ecoBirdy will launch the Island Collection in 2025 to show its geographic connection to the Port of Antwerp and transform maritime plastic waste into aesthetic and functional furniture pieces.

The collection will include functional and innovative furniture pieces. Crafted from recycled marine plastic using ecoBirdy's patented, cutting-edge manufacturing process, these products showcase the potential of giving plastic waste a second life through collaboration with local companies in Flanders.

ecoBirdy will research methods to recycle plastic from the maritime industry into high-quality products that reflect Antwerp's rich history and versatility. The Island Collection aims to inspire the local design industries while embodying ecoBirdy’s mission to create functional, sustainable and timeless products for all generations.

Joris Vanbriel | ecoBirdy.com | +32 3 246 46 40 |  info@ecobirdy.com

___UND ULI | Local production of a capsule collection with Belgian alpaca wool

Und Uli, a family-run business based in Antwerp, specialises in handmade knitwear crafted in their atelier. Each collection begins with the materials, blending diverse yarns with innovative, self-developed knitting techniques.

Their upcoming capsule collection offers a sustainable alternative to mass production and fast fashion. Partnering with Flanders Fibre Mill - a small, organic Belgian alpaca spinning mill with its alpaca breeding – offers the opportunity to create a collection that is not only unique in knitting technique but also in the look and feel of the yarns with natural colors and textures, avoiding dyes or chemicals throughout the process.

With this project, Und Uli aims to produce an ecological, locally made collection that combines craftsmanship, sustainability, and uniqueness.

Noah Herremans | Und-uli.com | +32  473 630 707 | info@und-uli.com

FLORENTINA LEITNER | Fusion of quilting craft with modern design

Florentina Leitner’s project blends traditional Belgian craftsmanship with technology and storytelling. The collaboration with partners such as Libeco, INDECOR DP, Bakermat and Jens Burez highlights the power of local production through unique quilted products, including garments created by Florentina Leitner. NFC technology embedded in the products offers customers an interactive experience, unveiling the rich heritage and sustainable practices behind each item.

The project underscores Antwerp’s position as a global hub for fashion innovation, celebrating the fusion of artisanal excellence with modern design.

Florentina Leitner | florentinaleitner.com | +32 468 178 596 | info@florentinaleitner.com

JULIE KEGELS | Sustainability to become an integral part of luxury collections

Designer Julie Kegels is committed to local collaborations in Antwerp and across Belgium. By working with a network of innovative entrepreneurs who share a similar vision, her brand contributes to a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to luxury fashion. Julie employs a step-by-step approach to upcycle waste streams - both within and outside the fashion industry. In doing so, she combines innovative and responsible implementations.

Luxury fashion is about beauty, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Sustainability aligns seamlessly with this ethos, according to Julie Kegels. Luxury does not have to sacrifice anything to become sustainable. On the contrary, sustainability can enrich it.

Julie Kegels envisions sustainability as a shared goal for the fashion industry, a standard that should become an integral part of its ecosystem.

Julie Kegels | juliekegels.com | +32 483 483 028 | mauranne@juliekegels.com

By June 2025, all selected projects must be finalized. Afterwards, the entrepreneurs can present and sell their products at Antwerp design and fashion events or venues.

In addition to financial support, the entrepreneurs will receive guidance from Business & Innovation project leaders, who will facilitate connections with the right companies to help bring their products to market successfully.

To date, the city of Antwerp has launched ten calls inviting entrepreneurs to submit innovative projects in the digital, circular, and health economy or the fashion and design sector. Furthermore, the city has been supporting innovative projects in the diamond sector for four years.

In total, 597 companies have submitted projects, and 73 entrepreneurs have received financial support to accelerate their innovation. The budget allocated to this support is currently 4.587 KEuros.