Ruta N takes part in StartCo 2026 with more than 60 startups and networking spaces

The organization will lead spaces for networking, training, and access to capital.
The District reaffirms its commitment to innovation and strengthening the business fabric by hosting the seventh edition of StartCo, the most relevant entrepreneurship and innovation event in the region. With a clear strategy to position itself as an attractive business hub for investment and deal-making, the city welcomes 14,000 attendees from 25 countries at Plaza Mayor.

The event will feature 90 international investment funds, globally renowned speakers such as Günther Steiner, former Haas F1 team principal, and Andrei Golfeto from Nvidia Latam, as well as 350 startups. Of these, 40 are supported by programs from the Mayor’s Office of Medellín and Ruta N, and will share experiences with ventures from countries such as Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Peru.

“This major event allows us to continue fostering investment, connections, and, above all, to impact employment in our city. We are committed to the companies of the future. Medellín is a city with 125,000 companies, a business density of 47 per 1,000 inhabitants. But in terms of startups, we rank first in Latin America, with 10 companies per 100,000 inhabitants, surpassing many cities in the region,” said María Fernanda Galeano Rojo, Secretary of Economic Development.

Today, Medellín is highly attractive for global entrepreneurship, especially in the technology-based sector. According to the latest StartupBlink 2025 report, Antioquia has 692 mapped startups and has experienced more than 41% ecosystem growth in South America over the past two years. As a result, the city’s ecosystem has consolidated itself as the second most dynamic in the country and the sixth in Latin America. Over two days, StartCo expects to generate an economic impact of $3.5 million for the city.

“Ruta N is participating with spaces for networking, training, and investment. We are bringing 60 entrepreneurs who have taken part in our programs, 20 of whom will have exhibition booths. We also have additional spaces where we will collaborate with AWS, Nvidia, Endeavor, and others,” said Ruta N’s Executive Director, Carolina Londoño.

In addition to promoting the participation of local talent in this global setting, the Mayor’s Office of Medellín offers business support and strengthening programs aimed at building capabilities across all stages. These include Ruta del Emprendimiento (Entrepreneurship Pathway), Seed Capital, as well as Enplanta, Supplier Development, Épica, Productive Linkages, Poténciate, and Semilla Verde, among others.

“We expect each participating startup to generate between 70 and 90 contacts over the two days. In the months following the event, we anticipate deals totaling approximately $18 million,” explained StartCo CEO Juan Gabriel Arboleda.

The city offers support for every stage of startup growth, with Ruta N standing out through programs such as Medellín Next and StartIA. Thanks to this support, the city is now home to leading technology-based companies such as Erco, Energy Master Analytics, Fraktal Software Technologies, and Guane Enterprises, among others. It also stands out in sectors such as Foodtech, Energy & Environment, and Fintech, which are experiencing the fastest growth.

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