Four universities in Medellín, in partnership with Ruta N, are working on an initiative that transforms orange, coconut, and banana waste into biomaterials.
The call is aimed at early-stage startups with solutions to global challenges.
The capital of Antioquia surpassed cities such as Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Mexico City.
The city climbed 15 positions in the 2026 StartupBlink Global Ranking, which analyzed more than 1,500 cities.
The project combines technology and physical signage, enabling safer, more autonomous, and more accessible journeys.
The ranking by international research center StartupBlink places the city ahead of Bogotá, Santiago, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires.
The strategy brings together programs such as Generación Tech, Horizontes Senior, bootcamps, and artificial intelligence training in partnership with Google and C4IR Medellín.
The World Economic Forum noted that the main asset of the capital of Antioquia lies in its people.
The FutuMed program prioritizes solutions in four areas: mobility, health, security, and circular economy.
