Call for projects: up to 100,000 euros in support for digital, circular or health innovation
Antwerp stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship
Since April 2020, the City of Antwerp has regularly launched calls to start-ups and SMEs. These are thematic calls to submit innovation projects in areas or sectors where the city wants to support entrepreneurs.
The city already allocated 3.1 million euros in financial support to 41 Antwerp start-ups and SMEs. These companies received support of 20,000 to 150,000 euros as a kick-start to develop their innovation project.
Financial support for digital, circular or health innovation
Until 30 January 2023 - noon, you, as a start-up/SME, can submit a project that ensures digital or circular innovation, or innovation in the health sector. If your project meets the criteria, you have the chance to receive support of up to 100,000 euros to realise your project.
The total budget that can be distributed amounts to 700,000 euros. This is split into 300,000 euros in investment costs and 400,000 euros in operating costs.
Which projects
You want to realise an innovative project in the digital, circular or health economy; a project that provides innovation. The development of your project will make your company grow and give it national or international appeal. Your project also offers Antwerp added value; it shows that the city is an attractive place to do business.
The project you want to submit has a total cost of at least 25,000 euros. You are looking for an operating budget, an investment budget or both to develop it. The costs you contribute are mainly direct costs.
Your proposal is new. You still have to start developing the project and it can be operational within nine months after approval of the support.
For whom?
As an SME you must be able to demonstrate regular activities in the City of Antwerp (city and districts). This means having your own branch in the city, carrying out construction or renovation work in the city or being able to demonstrate that several of your clients are based in Antwerp.
Criteria for obtaining financial support
The request for support must meet a number of criteria. Read these thoroughly. You 'll read them in the regulations, and they mainly concern:
- the extent to which the financial support will stimulate the project;
- the quality of the business case and the action plan;
- the impact of the project on the City of Antwerp;
- the innovative nature of the project; and
- the available expertise and resources to realise the project.
Moreover, if you propose a cooperation to realise your innovation, this will be assessed positively.
Difficult to read for people with a visual impairment.
Submission timing
You can submit a file up to and including 30 January 2023 at noon.
A jury will assess the projects submitted. If you are selected, you can explain your project during a virtual question round on 27 and 28 February 2023. The bench of Mayor and Aldermen bases its decision on the jury’s report and awards the financial support per project on Friday 17 March 2023.
Support per project
The support will amount to a maximum of 100,000 euros per project (operating and investment budget combined).
As a company, you must contribute at least 25% of the total cost yourself.
More info about this call
Online webinar - Wed 30/11 from 10 am to 11 am
During the webinar you will learn more about this call for innovation, what the operating and investment budget involves and how you can submit your project proposal.
Live networking moment in BlueChem - Wed 21/12 from 8.30 am to 10.30 am
At BlueChem, in the morning with a coffee, you can ask questions about your file and network with other entrepreneurs.
Register for the live network event
Book an individual info session starting Monday 9/01 to Friday 13/01 inclusive.
During the course of this week (from 9/01 to 13/01) you can book a quick meeting to discuss your last-minute questions with Sophie Deckers, project manager.
Submit your project
If the link hereunder does not work or if you still have questions, send an email to businesseninnovatie@antwerpen.be and we will reply quickly.