Delegates from six countries gather at this event organized by IASP in partnership with Ruta N.
For the first time, Medellín is hosting the regional meeting of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP), bringing together representatives from Brazil, Cuba, Argentina, Spain, Panama, and Colombia to share experiences and cooperation opportunities within innovation ecosystems.
The event, taking place on April 23 and 24 at Ruta N, strengthens international innovation networks in the region. Ruta N is currently one of Colombia’s two representatives in this global network and is part of the Innovation Districts community through its FutuMed strategy, the District’s first Special Treatment Zone.
“This network includes more than 80 countries. It is a space where we expect to build valuable connections, discuss what is happening across regions, share experiences, and strengthen the Science, Technology, and Innovation District. Special treatment zones represent a disruptive opportunity for economic and social development through science, technology, and innovation,” said Ruta N’s Executive Director, Carolina Londoño.
For Medellín, hosting this meeting represents an opportunity to showcase its institutional and technological capabilities, strengthen its positioning as a global innovation benchmark, and consolidate its connection with global knowledge and investment networks.
“One of the most valuable aspects of this network is the collaboration among different innovation spaces in our cities and regions, such as Ruta N. We operate as a platform for knowledge exchange and also as a global observatory. In this context, we highlight the importance of FutuMed, which serves as a living lab to validate technologies with and for citizens—something truly essential,” said Ebba Lund, CEO of IASP.
The first day’s agenda focuses on two thematic axes: innovative spaces and DeepTech (technologies based on scientific discoveries and disruptive innovations). The program includes participation from international IASP leaders, presentations on Medellín’s economic development strategy and Ruta N’s approach with emphasis on FutuMed as well as talks and panels on innovation districts, territorial financing, and collaboration. Discussions revolve around the identification, incubation, acceleration, and funding of DeepTech startups, along with showcasing successful cases from the local ecosystem.
On the second day, participants will tour the FutuMed Innovation District to observe the integration of academia, industry, and government in fields such as science, technology, sustainability, and urban development. The itinerary includes visits to the Ruta N complex, Hospital San Vicente Fundación, the Medellín Botanical Garden, and Parque Explora, among others.
Through this initiative, Ruta N reaffirms its role as a leader and orchestrator of the innovation ecosystem, advancing project development through international partnerships and serving as a bridge for the growth of local companies.
Download the press kit here