Today, SBD, in collaboration with the City of Antwerp, brought together industry experts, innovators, and diamond professionals for the second edition of Diamond Innovation Connect. With around 40 participants, the event served as a dynamic platform to exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities.

We are grateful to share our amazing program highlights with you:

• Opening speech by SBD President Dave Oste

• Welcome address by Mr. Johan Klaps, Antwerp Alderman for Port and Economy

• Keynote session by Pieter Lesage (Dott Achilles)

• Antwerp Diamond Innovation Opportunity Program, presented by Wendy Peleman (City of Antwerp) & three cases by Pepijn Van de Putte (Verhaert)

• Research opportunities presented by Melissa Smet (SBD)

• Support & subsidies explained by Hans Haagdorens (VLAIO)

After the presentations, SBD members had the unique opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with some of the speakers at expert tables. These valuable exchanges fostered ideas for the future of diamond innovation.

A big thank you to all our speakers, participants, and especially our co-organizer, the City of Antwerp, for making this event a success!

We are already looking forward to the next edition!

Some pictures from Diamond Innovation Connect: