Join our ecosystem
What is BlueChem?
BlueChem is the first incubator for sustainable chemistry in Belgium and the ideal location for start-ups and scale-ups to innovate, grow and succeed. Located in the heart of Europe’s largest chemical cluster, BlueChem boosts promising innovations to create the chemistry of the future.
Why BlueChem?
State-of-the-art infrastructure
BlueChem Kickstart Fund
Thanks to our flexible plug-and-play model with the customisable labs, you can tailor your innovation space to meet your specific needs. As a BlueChem resident, you enjoy exclusive access to the BlueChem Kickstart Fund. This fund was created by the City of Antwerp as part of its ambition to stimulate sustainable innovation in the chemical sector.
Prime location
BlueChem is located at Blue Gate Antwerp, the first eco-effective and water-bound business park in Belgium.
Blue Gate Antwerp is located on the site of the former Petroleum Zuid industrial estate, once the heart of the Antwerp petroleum industry. Today, the sites have been remediated and are ready for a new and sustainable chapter.
Ready to make an impact in sustainable chemistry?
Make Antwerp your first choice.
The chemical cluster at Europe’s second-largest port is crucial to the economies of Flanders and Belgium. Whatever your level of technology readiness, Antwerp’s ecosystem has an innovation hub to fit your needs. Moreover, this ecosystem is focused on solutions to address the climate challenge.
Why French startup Fairbrics chose Antwerp
"There are two reasons why Antwerp is the perfect location for us. First, it’s the largest chemical cluster in Europe, so the best location to find our clients, which are chemical companies with CO2 resources. Secondly, NextGen District’s concept inspired us. It’s a circular hotspot in the port, and their vision aligns seamlessly with what we want to do. One company’s waste becomes the next one's starting point. That kind of circular thinking is the change this world needs.”
- Benoît Illy, CEO at Fairbrics
Article by Business in Antwerp
All-in services and support
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and this is no different when your business is your baby. By taking care of absolutely everything else, we empower you to focus on that which you do best.
Enjoy the perks of our flexible facilities and the peace of mind our all-in service package entails. From keeping your packages safe while you finetune your formula to professional chemical waste disposal services, we’ve got you covered.
Antwerp Innovation Ecosystem for Sustainable Chemistry
Choose your own starting point in our innovation journey
Ready to scale up?
A company that wants to settle in Bluechem must comply with the following criteria
- You carry out research, development or innovation activities in the field of sustainable chemistry.
- You are open to collaboration and / or already has collaborations with other companies (within BlueChem), universities, research institutions, ...
- There is complementarity with other tenants within BlueChem.
- You have no exceptional financial difficulties at the time of application.
Let's meet up
You comply with all the criteria? Great!
Let's set up a meeting to get to know each other.
Contact us through info@bluechem.be and we'll set up a visit to BlueChem where you can take a look at our available laboratories, offices and workspaces.
Apply for a spot
Apply for a spot at BlueChem through our application form.
Pitch to the Board of Directors
As soon as we have received your application form, you will be invited to pitch your innovation to our Board of Directors. The Board will decide wether your activities and facility needs are suitable for BlueChem.
Welcome to our community!
Once your application has been approved by the Board of Directors, you can start planning your move into BlueChem. You can rely on our assistance throughout the whole settle-in process and beyond.
Can we help you?
Would you like some more information or do you have specific questions?