
Antwerp: breeding ground for health innovation
Antwerp acts as a living laboratory for innovative digital and technological applications, products and services. More and more high-tech projects are seeing the light of day in the healthcare sector, thanks to financial support from the city. Minze and Salvus are two perfect examples of innovative companies that were able to realise their health project with extra funding by the Antwerp’s city council. In this way, the vibrant ecosystem of Antwerp offers every opportunity for the development of new technologies in the field of e-health.
The growing strength of e-health
Apps and sensors are increasingly monitoring our health from a distance. They detect our health parameters before the patient does and alert our specialists when necessary. Telemonitoring is here to stay, in all its facets: with apps, sensors, shared platforms between hospitals, doctors, specialists and patients. This reduces the pressure on hospitals and improves the follow-up of each patient.
Antwerp as a catalyst for health innovation
Antwerp has a vibrant innovative ecosystem: a true catalyst for companies with cutting-edge healthcare products. On its territory, Antwerp has 28 hospital campuses with a total of 5300 hospital beds, 2300 doctors and nurses. In addition, world-renowned research institutions such as the Institute of Tropical Medicine and the University of Antwerp are located here. Finally, the recent construction of the Vaccinopolis in Antwerp shows that we are conducting research into fighting pandemics at the highest level. The healthcare sector is certainly one of the most important innovation clusters in Antwerp. In 2021 the focus will shift to smart health (e-health) and infectious diseases. Today more than 50 Antwerp start-ups are active in health, which is an increase of more than 100% compared to 2015.

Financial support
Antwerp takes the lead in innovation and digitalisation and develops further as a smart city. Smart technology is making life more enjoyable for Antwerp's citizens, businesses, students and visitors. Earlier in 2021, the city therefore launched an open call for innovative projects, releasing EUR 500,000 in financial support. In this context, two e-health projects will receive a total of 142,000 euros: Minze and Salvus.

Are you working on innovations in e-health? Do you want to be part of the vibrant ecosystem of the Antwerp health sector? The city government of Antwerp supports your innovations and offers you every opportunity to develop to the fullest.
Contact us and discover all the possibilities.