The third cohort of Medellín Next comprises 20 early-stage and 30 growth-stage companies.
Through Ruta N, the District is preparing a new generation of technology-based companies to take the leap into new markets. These are companies that are born and grow in the city, turning knowledge and technology into solutions, and that now have the potential to scale, attract investment, and compete on the global stage. As part of this effort, 50 startups were selected to join the third cohort of Medellín Next, a program that strengthens and accelerates technology-based companies.
The selection process considered criteria such as maturity level, commercial traction, value proposition, and scaling potential. With these companies, Medellín Next has now supported more than 120 companies over the past year. Ruta N’s goal is to support them at one of the most critical stages of their development: turning technology and knowledge into stronger companies with access to markets, strategic connections, and real opportunities for growth.
“Technology-based companies that are able to grow and scale have the potential to create jobs, attract investment, and transform a city’s economy. That is why we work to identify and support the talent building new solutions across the District. Each of these companies represents talent, knowledge, and the ability to create new opportunities, strengthen our business ecosystem, and consolidate Medellín as a global benchmark for entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Santiago Henao, Director of CTI Business Development at Ruta N.
The composition of this new cohort also offers insight into the direction of Medellín’s business ecosystem. Forty percent of the selected companies operate in technology, software, and ICT; 14% are in financial services and insurance; and four belong to the DeepTech segment, developing solutions based on scientific, technological, or engineering knowledge with the potential to address global challenges.
Behind these figures are companies that are already taking these capabilities to market. One example is Runni, which is working to electrify last-mile delivery by renting electric bicycles and battery-swapping stations to delivery workers operating on digital platforms.
“We are part of the third generation of Medellín Next, and what excites us most is being part of this emerging ecosystem that is taking shape in the city and will build world-class companies,” said Pablo Pantoja, co-founder of Runni.
Over the coming months, the 50 companies will work to strengthen their commercial, organizational, and strategic capabilities, while Ruta N will facilitate valuable connections with corporations, potential customers, and investors who can contribute to their growth and scaling processes.
Medellín Next is part of a broader citywide commitment to strengthen technology-based companies capable of growing sustainably and turning science, technology, and innovation into economic and social development. Because the challenge does not end when a promising company is created. The next step is to give it the capabilities and connections it needs to grow from Medellín and compete globally.
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