50 plan which will make Rotterdam even better

CityLab010: Working Together to Make Rotterdam Greener, Cleaner, Safer and More Social

Plastilose produces 100% biodegradable drinking straws made from bacterial cellulose derived from waste streams. A machine that refurbishes bicycle batteries—three to four times faster than manual work. These are two examples of the 26 plans that received funding in 2024 through CityLab010, a support programme for innovative initiatives that contribute to Rotterdam and its residents.

In 2024, the Municipality of Rotterdam made a total of €1 million in subsidies available through CityLab010 for plans that help make the city greener, safer and more social. That year, 137 plans were submitted, of which 26 initiatives by Rotterdam-based innovators were selected to be realised. All plans were assessed by 12 members of the so-called City Jury. Their jury report was presented to Alderman Simons.
Through CityLab010, Rotterdammers with strong ideas and a passion for the city are brought together. This makes CityLab010 the workshop for the city of tomorrow—a city that creates space for innovation and entrepreneurship. This vision aligns seamlessly with the Rotterdam Make It Happen mentality, where turning both small and big dreams into reality takes centre stage.

Below are several original initiatives that were awarded a start-up grant during a festive evening in March 2025, enabling them to realise their innovative plans in the coming years.

Halte Charlois

Fashion designer Nada van Dalen works together with local residents to create an annual collection that reflects the identity of Charlois. This social and cultural fashion project provides a platform for local fashion designers and organises an annual neighbourhood “fashion week,” giving new talent the opportunity to be seen.

Leavy’s Living Wall

Green space in cities is increasingly making way for construction, leading to challenges such as heat stress and declining air quality. While Rotterdam is committed to adding more greenery to the city, available space is limited. Leafy is developing a biobased, modular green façade panel. By focusing on sustainability, efficiency, affordability and ecological implementation, Leafy aims to make a real difference. The panel is currently being tested at a pilot location in collaboration with the Municipality of Rotterdam.

SymbioFoam

SymbioMatter produces a compostable soft foam called SymbioFoam, made from organic waste sourced from Choi Kee Tofu’s food factory. This sustainable alternative to memory foam is fully biodegradable and leaves no harmful residues. SymbioFoam can be used in the furniture industry, packaging and construction, contributing to the circular economy in Rotterdam.

From Dredged Material to Fish Hotels

Blauwe Bagger, in collaboration with Urban Reef in Rotterdam, aims to create fish hotels in locations such as the Keilehaven tidal park. These fish hotels are produced using local clay from dredged material, such as clay from the River Maas, and are 3D-printed. The fish hotels support underwater biodiversity. Blauwe Bagger is testing different types of clay and working with biologists, the Municipality of Rotterdam and local partners within the Circular Dredging Consortium. Underwater cameras allow a wide audience to follow the project’s results.

Great Idea? START-UP FUNDING AND FREE ADVICE Are Also Available in 2025

CityLab010 is eager to provide a platform for innovative ideas. In 2025, €1 million will once again be available through CityLab010 to support new initiatives. Rotterdammers can easily submit their ideas, receive expert guidance and have a chance to secure a start-up grant—the first step towards realisation.
Do you have a great idea for Rotterdam? Check the applicable conditions, take the space and share your plan!

Photo: Fish hotel in the River Maas by Blauwe Bagger