SuperNova 2025

On 27 and 28 March 2025, the two-day SuperNova technology event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation enthusiasts at the Waagnatie in Antwerp. As a proud partner, the University of Antwerp and university colleges were broadly represented, with our vibrant spin-off community, entrepreneurial researchers and valorisation experts. 

Antwerp: a thriving Innovation Powerhouse

The Antwerp, Innovation Powerhouse zone showcased the dynamic Antwerp innovation ecosystem. Our booth was dedicated to the University of Antwerp, where you could find open innovation hub BlueApp, the Electrification Institute, Science Park UAntwerp, and spin-off NSX - Normalized Systems. Here, we were highlighting our valorisation domains and collaboration opportunities.

Spotlight on our vibrant spin-off community

We are proud that 18 spin-offs and spin-off projects were present in various ways, whether through their own hotspot, a presentation, a sofa session, or as attendees. Below is a brief overview of their participation. 

Interactive sofasessions

SuperNova was more than just an exhibition, it was a platform for knowledge exchange. In collaboration with the City of Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges, we were hosting five interactive sofa sessions. These sessions brought together academic experts, spin-off founders, and business leaders to share valuable insights on the following topics:

• The power of collaboration: how Antwerp's sustainable chemistry ecosystem leads the world 
• The Future of Climate Tech: Profitability or Paradox?
  
• How data and digitalisation are revolutionizing the maritime future 
• The power of AI in health innovation: advantages & pitfall
  
• The power of solutions: how Antwerp businesses tackle water, soil & urban challenges

Breaking Innovation presentations​

Two of our spin-offs took the stage at the Break the Innovation sessions. During these presentations, they shared their experiences and insights on transforming groundbreaking research into promising companies:

• Turning a piece of research into a well funded commercial enterprise by spin-off Amber Therapeutics
• Advancing Pharmaceutical Innovation – Partnering for the Future of Wound Healing by spin-off Purna Female Healthcare
  
  

Investor Pitches

Three UAntwerp spin-offs were selected to present their innovations during the Investor Pitches, a unique opportunity to showcase their technologies to a curated audience of investors and industry leaders. As part of a group of 64 pre-selected startups, they presented their solutions, highlighting their vision, scalability, and market potential: 

• ​​D-CRBN
• iFLUX
• ​Sightera Biosciences