You can now view the results of the initial review. If your application requires adjustments, you will have the opportunity to make the necessary corrections within the specified time frame to continue in the process.
To update your application, please send the information to the following email address:
rutan@rutanmedellin.org
Correction PeriodOctober 2–8
ValidationOctober 9–19
The city has already made its mark. Now it's the jury's turn.
Voting has ended, and the evaluation of the finalists is now underway. Very soon, we’ll find out who will be recognized at Gen N 2026 for proving that who we are makes a difference.
View results
The moment Gen N has been waiting for has finally arrived.
Get ready for a night filled with talent, inspiration, music, and recognition.
Medellín is packed with young people who create, lead, build businesses, protect the planet, mobilize communities, and transform lives every single day. Gen N was born to recognize them.
Gen N & Reconocimientos Proyector is the official award program by Ruta N and the Mayor's Office of Medellín, through the Youth Secretariat. It identifies, showcases, and empowers young leaders and collectives driving positive change in the city through science, technology, innovation, creativity, and leadership.
More than just an award, Gen N is a movement that connects those who are shaping Medellín’s present and demonstrates that every talent can become an opportunity to transform the city.
Who can apply?
Young people between 14 and 28 years old.
People who live in Medellín and study or work in the city.
Youth collectives (for eligible categories).
Individuals with initiatives, projects, or track records that make an impact through science, technology, innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity, or sustainability.
What is Gen N looking for?
Recognizing young talent.
Spotlight city-transforming initiatives.
Connect participants with new opportunities.
Inspire more youth to make their mark on Medellín.
Discover Your Gene
Which Gen do you belong to?
Answer 12 questions and find out what kind of impact best represents what you do.
Gen CrackGen PanasGen NextGen EcoGen Alpha
Question 1 from 12
When you see a problem in your neighborhood or community, what's the first thing you think of doing?
On a team, which of these roles do you almost always take on, even when nobody asks you to?
On a free weekend, what are you most likely to be doing?
If you had to solve the lack of drinking water in a neighborhood, what would your contribution be?
What gives you the most satisfaction?
Your friends or peers come to you when...
Which of these lines feels most like you?
If you got funding for your project, what would you put it into first?
How would you like your community to remember you?
Which kind of problem feels most urgent to solve in Medellín today?
At a fair or expo, which booth would catch your eye?
If you had to apply to Gen N today, where would you tell your story from?
Your result
Gen Crack
Creativity & Technology
You turn creativity into real impact, transforming simple ideas into solutions.
A real-life example
A young man who created a low-cost filter using recycled materials to purify water in his neighborhood.
Your result
Gen Panas
Social Impact
Are you a social worker, and is solidarity your best innovation project for the community?
A real-life example
A group of friends who set up a free music school in the community to keep children away from violence.
Your result
Gen Next
Entrepreneurship
You take your dreams to the next level and create solutions that generate economic and social value.
A real-life example
A young woman who launched a clothing brand made from recycled materials and is already creating jobs for women in her community.
Your result
Gen Eco
Sustainability
You are a young person who uses innovation to help the planet and defends nature through sustainable actions.
A real-life example
A young man who designed a system of vertical urban gardens so that neighbors can grow their own food.
Your result
Gen Alpha
Leadership
You are a purpose-driven leader who inspires people and creates collective impact through action.
A real-life example
A young man who organized his community to create a network of safe bike paths in the neighborhood and succeeded in getting the city to support the initiative.
02MEET THE GEN CATEGORIES
Five ways to make your mark.
Each Gen recognizes a different way of making an impact. Click the one that best represents you to see a real example.
01Creativity & Technology
Gen Crack
You turn creativity into real-world impact, transforming simple ideas into game-changing solutions.
Example
A young innovator who built a low-cost water filter using recycled materials to provide safe drinking water to their neighborhood.
See exampleShow less
04Sustainability
Gen Eco
You put innovation at the service of the planet, protecting nature through sustainable action.
Example
A young person who designed a vertical urban garden system so neighbors can grow their own food.
See exampleShow less
02Social Impact
Gen Panas
Do you lead community work and make solidarity your ultimate innovation project?
Example
A group of friends who set up a free music school in their neighborhood to keep kids safe from violence.
See exampleShow less
05Leadership
Gen Alpha
You are a purpose-driven leader who mobilizes people and creates collective impact through real action.
Example
A youth leader who organized their community to create a safe neighborhood bike lane network and successfully secured city backing.
See exampleShow less
03Entrepreneurship
Gen Next
You dream big and launch bold businesses that generate both economic and social value.
Example
A young entrepreneur who launched a clothing brand made from recycled textiles, creating jobs for local women in her community.
See exampleShow less
Not sure which one?
Explore each Gen before applying.
Read the descriptions, review the examples, and choose the one that best represents your story, journey, or project.
Applications open on September 5.
03HOW DO I APPLY?
How do I
apply?
You have until September 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The process is simple and completely free.
This is about way more than just winning an award.
You'll connect with people who believe in what you do, strengthen your project, and gain access to curated experiences designed to help your impact grow.
Opportunities include:
01
Specialized mentorship and 1-on-1 coaching.
02
Direct connections with Medellín’s innovation ecosystem.
03
Training programs to take your ideas to the next level.
04
Platforms and media exposure to share your story and project.
05
Cash incentives and tech vouchers, depending on your Gen category.
06
Official recognition from Ruta N and the Mayor's Office of Medellín.
07
Ongoing access to programs and growth opportunities.
✦Route N
✦Alcaldía de Medellín
✦Secretaría de la Juventud
✦Reconocimientos Proyector 2026
✦14 to 28 years
✦108 nominees
✦+31K votes
✦El Tiempo
✦Route N
✦Alcaldía de Medellín
✦Secretaría de la Juventud
✦Reconocimientos Proyector 2026
✦14 to 28 years
✦108 nominees
✦+31K votes
✦El Tiempo
06RELIVE GEN N 2025
In 2025, we experienced
something special.
Every edition brings together young visionaries who took the leap to share their stories and prove that transforming Medellín is possible. In 2025, we experienced an unforgettable event connecting the people who are building a better city.
"The next story to inspire Medellín could be yours."
108Applicants 2025
+31KVotes
15Nominees
5Winners
Behind the Stories of the 2025 Winners
07Frequently Asked Questions
Young people between the ages of 14 and 28 who live in Medellín and who, through their projects, initiatives, or leadership, are making a positive impact on the city are eligible to participate. Some categories are for individuals, while others are for groups.
Each Gen embodies a different way of making an impact:
Gen Crack: creativity, science, technology, and innovation. Gen Panas: community service and social impact. Gen Next: entrepreneurship and innovation. Gen Eco: environmental projects and sustainability. Gen Alpha: leadership and community mobilization.
You must complete the application form and submit the required documents for your category, which include a short video, a narrative, and supporting materials that demonstrate the impact of your initiative. The specific requirements vary depending on the Gen you are applying to.
No. Each participant or group must choose the Gen that best represents their story, journey, or project.
The process consists of two stages. First, nominations that meet the requirements will be put to a public vote. Next, the finalists will be evaluated by a panel of experts, who will consider criteria such as impact, innovation, leadership, creativity, and the evidence presented.
In addition to official recognition from the Medellín Mayor’s Office and Ruta N, the winners will receive incentives that include mentoring, connections to the innovation ecosystem, training, technology vouchers, and financial incentives, depending on each category.
Applications will be accepted from September 5 through September 24, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. After that date, it will no longer be possible to submit new applications.
If your application requires adjustments, you will be able to check the status of your registration and will have a set period of time to upload the requested documentation before the final review.
