In 2026, Ruta N is consolidating a strategic plan to continue positioning itself as a leader and benchmark in Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (STI+E) in Medellín and Colombia. This initiative follows a strong 2025, in which the organization achieved significant results, including the delivery of more than 17,000 training licenses in technological skills, the strengthening of the business ecosystem through various programs, and the financing of key projects for the ecosystem.
“The Ruta N programs that stood out in 2025 will continue in 2026 to keep addressing city challenges, connecting Medellín with the world, and accelerating high-impact businesses. This translates into new editions of programs such as Futumed, Medellín Next, Generación Tech and Gen N, among others”, said Ruta N’s Executive Director, Carolina Londoño Peláez.
The Generación Tech program engages students between the ages of 9 and 15, as well as teachers from Medellín’s schools, to solve challenges through science, technology and innovation, while Gen N connects young people with STI to transform their knowledge into opportunities that improve communities’ quality of life. The first edition of this initiative received more than 100 applications, selected 15 finalists, and recognized five winners.
Meanwhile, Futumed will return with new calls for proposals following the strong results of its initial implementation. The first phase of the program involved an investment of more than COP 21 billion and received over 100 proposals. In 2026, the three funding mechanisms (G8, Payment for Results, and City Challenges) will be maintained to strengthen the Special Treatment Zone, with a focus on health, security, and the circular economy.
“In the coming months, we will also announce new calls for digital skills training aimed at closing social and economic gaps and ensuring that no one is left behind in the city’s transformation”, added the Executive Director.
These calls will include programs, partnerships, and educational platforms. New developments include more than 10 bootcamps throughout the year and a new initiative called Horizontes Senior, through which technological training will be offered to older adults for the first time. Last year, Ruta N delivered more than 17,000 training licenses with the support of partners such as Google and Platzi.
On the business side, the second cohort of Medellín Next will be launched. This program supports high-potential startups in the city and, in this new edition, will expand its reach from 25 to 48 selected companies. In the first edition, more than 60 technology-based startups applied.
Ruta N will also serve as a strategic partner for major local, national, and international events, such as Starco on April 16–17; Conexión Summit on August 18–19; Smart Capital on October 6–7, when it returns to Medellín after previously being held in Bogotá; and Smart City Expo in Cali from September 31 to October 1, among others. In addition, the StartIA platform—which brings together more than 1,000 actors from the innovation ecosystem—will be officially launched.
Additionally, the organization is modernizing its facilities with cutting-edge technology to offer improved experiences for citizens. As a result, the main auditorium, with capacity for 300 people, has been equipped with an audiovisual system that includes a large-format high-definition LED screen, three high-brightness video projectors, 4K video processors, and four 4K PTZ cameras. This upgrade will enable the hosting of events with international technical standards.
Download the press kit here