Barbara Veranneman

How does BlueChem make a difference? 

"BlueChem offers a complete solution for every startup wanting to innovate in sustainable chemistry. We offer lab spaces and we provide startups with support such as a reception and security. Additionally, our strategic partners ensure that startups easily can access assistance such as legal advice and help to find opportunities for growth. Thanks to our support, startups can knuckle down and do what they love doing most, which is innovation and research." 

How do startups interact with major companies? 

"The physical presence of major companies such as ExxonMobil and Ineos is very important. That’s how a correlation between startups and the big chemistry industry is created. It goes both ways: major companies provide startups with advice on safety measures for example. In return, startups hope to sell their products to those major corporates. It’s great to observe those interactions happening in real life. Essenscia plays a significant role in that process too. As a federation of the chemistry industry and life sciences, we are part of a big network that we can use easily to connect parties with each other."

How is BlueChem different from similar ecosystems elsewhere? 

"Located in Antwerp, which hosts the second-largest petrochemical cluster in the world, our position is a significant asset. Also, the cluster’s remarkable density stands out. Corporates, startups, research institutions, and other entities are closely situated and easily accessible, particulary when compared to Houston – the world’s largest but also more sprawling petrochemical cluster. Within Antwerp’s chemical cluster, BlueChem – the incubator for sustainable chemistry – plays a key rol by fostering innovation, allowing it the thrive and contribute to the development of industrial-scale solutions. Other important neighbouring project include BlueApp – an open innovation for sustainable chemistry at the University of Antwerp – and NextGen Demo – an industrial site in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges dedicated to pilot and demonstration project in sustainable chemistry.

BlueChem, BlueApp, Blue Gate Antwerp, NextGen District and NextGen Demo collectively form a powerful ecosystem for sustainable chemistry, supported by the City of Antwerp. By fostering close collaboration among these initiatives, Antwerp has evolved into a European hotspot for sustainable chemistry.

What is circularity’s added value? 

"Circularity and climate are important topics. We are aware of Europe’s carbon reduction ambitions and as a chemistry industry we can make a crucial contribution. That’s why startups who want to co-operate with BlueChem must be able to prove their connection with circularity, producing more with less resources, recycling, water purification…"

"We aim to enhance supply chain sustainability. One example of this process is Faribrics, a French company in BlueChem.This company aims to convert CO2 into a new resource through a chemical process.We also have an UK company in our incubator, and other countries showing interest in Antwerp’s facilities include Italy, Vietnam and the Netherlands. We’ve decided to expand our building, as it will soon be necessary.

What do foreign entrepreneurs or investors need to know when doing business in Antwerp? 

"Antwerp is a small city, which makes it very easy to meet people in person. In a building that is filled with state-of-the-art-infrastructure, the coffee machine is the most important device at BlueChem. That’s the place where conversations arise and collaborations between startups and major companies develop. In fact, you could see Antwerp as one big coffee bar. Antwerp does business in a very natural and human way."