Here you'll be able to work, learn and network, and develop tomorrow’s technologies. Far from being just another business centre, The Beacon is an Internet of Things community and the launch pad for your product. Our bricks and mortar are the cradle of an internationally connected Internet of Things ecosystem, crafted and managed by a dedicated innovation manager.
Cooperation, mentoring, shared projects and the valorisation of research into real products and real companies is at the heart of what we do. This is where the players that make up the IoT fabric - platforms, security specialists, connectivity experts, data scientists and many more - jointly develop new applications.
Amongst our tenants are the partners of Antwerp's Capital of Things - the Port of Antwerp, the University of Antwerp and research centre imec - who are joined by technology federation Agoria. Together they offer access to a vast industrial and logistics network of clients and partners.
Where?
Tolhuis, Sint-Pietersvliet 7, 2000 Antwerp
The Tolhuis symbolises the link between the city of Antwerp and its port. Leading maritime companies used to have their home here. Today, the city envisions a new future for this heritage site, transforming it into an innovation hub for industry, logistics and smart city.
Easily reachable by tram, bus and bike (the shared bike service ‘Velo Antwerpen’ is located just in front of the building), The Tolhuis offers outstanding accessibility by public transport. Additionally, it has an underground car park with 160 spaces for rent. Surrounded by restaurants and bars, this is the place to be with Antwerp's city centre and the lively district 't Eilandje just a stone's throw away.
For whom
Leading technology corporations that seek to involve small IoT business development teams, experts in data platforms, cyber security, hardware, connectivity, big data, or cloud computing, in their activities.
Flexible start-ups and scale-ups that develop smart applications and innovative business models to create and capitalise on new value chains for industry, logistics and smart cities.
The University of Antwerp is installing its IoT research labs in The Beacon so it can bridge the gap between scientific research and sustainable commercialisation. Start making use of the university's researchers’ expertise in the domains such as sensor solutions, low power WAN standards, 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data.
Imec - the leading global R&D and innovation hub in nano-electronics and digital technologies - is currently developing Europe’s largest IoT Living Lab right here in Antwerp, for which The Beacon is their operational headquarter. Through pilot projects with the city and its stakeholders, imec is able to gather a wealth of data in a range of smart city domains.
The Beacon is about co-existence of and collaboration. Bringing different stakeholders together under the same roof - or within the same international ecosystem - The Beacon lets you share knowledge, technologies, ideas and opportunities.
Several other parties that are strong in innovation but not necessarily linked to the Internet of Things, co-exist in synergy with The Beacon. These include innovation partners, incubation services, or digital experts in affiliated domains, who will take up residence on the three lower floors of The Beacon.
Services
Office amenities
The Beacon has private offices for Tech corporations, scale-ups, start-ups and researchers. Smaller start-ups may prefer to take one of the 24 available seats in the open co-working space.
Shared facilities
The shared facilities include 12 fully equipped meeting rooms, a board room, a seminar room and an informal open area. The Beacon offers its residents the unique opportunity of becoming part of a thriving IoT ecosystem.
The Beacon Management
The Beacon Management oversees and manages business development and stakeholder engagement within The Beacon. It allows all complementary companies in The Beacon to capitalize on collaborative opportunities. This experienced ecosystem manager crafts ties with international innovation hubs, strengthening The Beacon’s international network and positioning.
The Beacon Business Community
The Beacon business community gives access to a vast network of potential clients, partners and to The Beacon’s stakeholders.
You will be able to source project ideas and external expertise through The Beacon Business Community.
You can also…
- participate in research projects
- participate in events & workshops
- participate as a preferred partner in The Beacon business community
- capitalize on the expertise of UA and imec’s researchers on A.I., cloud, 5G, big data,…
- get counseling in issues on marketing, legal, HR, finances, scaling,…
- get counseling on and be involved in subsidized European innovation projects.
You can get to The Beacon by (Antwerp city Vélo) bike, bus, tram, Waterbus, and car.
Or rent a car or scooter by using Poppy, Scooty or Cambio.
Find out more by checking the route information to find out the easiest way for you.