The figures provide insight into the local landscape in areas such as capital and high-impact businesses, STI talent, technological output, institutional collaboration, innovation, and business dynamics.
Before publishing the District’s first Official Innovation Ranking, Ruta N presents an initial snapshot of Medellín’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, based on data already recorded in Pulso CTI. The figures provide insight into the local landscape in areas such as capital and high-impact businesses, STI talent, technological output, institutional collaboration, innovation, and business dynamics.
Startups in Medellín have received USD 216 million in Venture Capital in 2026, compared with USD 157 million raised in 2025. In addition, these technology-based companies generate more than 17,000 direct jobs. Another relevant figure is that 24% of the country’s DeepTech startups are based in Medellín.
Currently, 7,700 children in the city have been trained in STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics); there are 320 new PhDs and more than 13,000 graduates, as well as 85,000 students enrolled in university programs related to science, technology, and innovation. In addition, there are 2,900 active researchers, of whom 47.7%—one in two—have both a scientific output (publication) and a technological output (patent, software, or prototype).
This represents an initial assessment of the ecosystem’s capabilities and challenges and will be complemented by data from participating organizations. Companies, universities, research centers, hospitals, and ventures innovating from Medellín will be part of the District’s first Official Innovation Ranking, which will be published in November. Measuring these capabilities will provide a better understanding of what is happening in the city and help guide actions to strengthen its scientific, technological, social, and economic development.
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