The Province of Antwerp focuses on innovation with the new Innovatiefonds Provincie Antwerpen, a tool designed to support projects capable of transforming ideas and research into concrete applications and generating an impact on the local economy.
The first call is open until 30 September 2026 and provides a contribution of up to 1 million euros per individual project.
From idea to concrete application
The fund targets projects in the research, start-up or development, where collaboration, testing infrastructures and investments can help accelerate the transition from innovation to its economic application.
Priority is given to four strategic sectors for the province of Antwerp:
- port and logistics;
- chemicals and life sciences;
- construction;
- agri-food.
Projects may relate to, among other areas, sustainable and circular economy, research aimed at valorisation, development of new products and initiatives dedicated to attracting and developing talent.
Who can participate
Projects can be submitted by businesses, research and knowledge institutes, local authorities and young entrepreneurs, including student entrepreneurs from the province of Antwerp.
A central role is attributed to collaboration between different actors: the fund aims to support projects capable of strengthening partnerships and contributing to consolidating innovation within the province's economy.
The first application window, open from 1st June 2026, will close on 30th September 2026.
Source
VLAIO – Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen, 21st August 2026: https://www.vlaio.be/nl/nieuws/tot-1-miljoen-euro-steun-voor-innovatieve-projecten-provincie-antwerpen