EEPA Awards

BlueChem wins double European recognition for innovative and sustainable chemistry 

November 2025

The innovative ecosystem for sustainable chemistry in Antwerp, with the BlueChem chemistry incubator as its centrepiece, has won two European awards. On November 11th, the city of Antwerp not only won the prestigious European Enterprise Promotion Award (EEPA) in the category “Supporting the Sustainable Transition”, but also received the Grand Jury Prize for the best project across all categories. Together with pre-incubator BlueApp and the NextGen District in the port of Antwerp, BlueChem is transforming Europe's largest chemical cluster into an international hotspot for sustainable chemistry and the circular economy.

From 386 to Number 1

Out of 386 submitted projects from no less than 30 European countries, Antwerp emerged as the overall winner. The European Commission awarded our innovative ecosystem in the 'Supporting the Sustainable Transition' category. But it didn't stop there: the jury also selected our project as the best across all categories.

What Makes Our Ecosystem So Unique?

The jury was particularly impressed by Antwerp's collaborative model that covers the entire innovation chain, from laboratory research to industrial production. Three complementary initiatives together form a powerful ecosystem:

BlueApp: In this pre-incubator at the Blue Gate Antwerp eco-business park, the University of Antwerp combines its expertise with start-ups developing groundbreaking innovations. Think carbon recycling and sustainable hydrogen.

BlueChem: Our chemistry incubator, a collaboration between essenscia, the city of Antwerp, POM Antwerpen, and VITO , helps start-ups scale up their innovations. With specialized laboratory infrastructure, tailored services, and an international network, we connect emerging companies with established players in the sector. BlueChem is also home to Catalisti, the spearhead cluster for innovation in chemistry and plastics.

NextGen District: In the Port of Antwerp, companies can build pilot and demo installations to test their innovations in an industrial context. This zone is evolving into a leading testing ground for circular chemistry and advanced recycling technologies.

Strong signals

Johan Klaps, Alderman for Port and Economy of the city of Antwerp, emphasizes the importance of the award: "With this recognition, Antwerp confirms its position as a centre of innovation and sustainable chemistry in Europe. The city demonstrates that collaboration between government, industry, and knowledge institutions delivers concrete results for people, the environment, and the economy."

Barbara Veranneman, Chair of BlueChem and Director of International Affairs at essenscia, sees the award as motivation for the future: "This international recognition underscores BlueChem's unique innovative power as the engine of sustainable chemistry for the future. Even in challenging economic times, our entrepreneurs continue to innovate at full capacity. They convert CO2 and waste into valuable raw materials, recycle plastics more effectively, and make chemical processes more efficient and climate-friendly. This is how BlueChem helps our society move forward."

Antwerp as an International Hotspot

With this double European recognition, Antwerp strengthens its position as an international hotspot for sustainable chemistry and the circular economy. Europe's largest chemistry cluster is transforming before the world's eyes into a centre where the chemistry of the future is conceived, developed, and implemented.