Six innovative projects joined at FutuMed, Medellín’s urban laboratory

Ruta N announced the first cohort of projects selected under FutuMed’s Pay-for-Results modality, a pioneering mechanism in Colombia that finances initiatives based on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) only when they achieve verifiable milestones. The call received 85 applications and will allocate a total fund of COP 3.000 million to boost solutions capable of generating real impact in Medellín.

The six projects selected according to the call’s terms and references are in key areas for the city’s development: three in health, two in agriculture, and one in GovTech. Each may receive up to COP 500 million.

The experiments are:

• Universidad EAFIT: Optimization of the videolaryngoscope. Functional validation and regulatory assessment will be conducted for safe and low-cost intubation.
• Universidad CES: Technology and innovation for environmental sustainability. A biofertilizer based on arthrospira maxima will be evaluated as a clean alternative for the development of bio-inputs.
• Inbios and Biotechnologies Alliance: Neurotubes. A bioabsorbable device for peripheral nerve regeneration based on porcine extracellular matrix will be tested.
• Ayudas Diagnósticas Sura: An interoperable, artificial intelligence based infrastructure for multicenter normative brain analysis will be tested.
• NanoMOF: Microwave-assisted biomass pyrolysis will be piloted.
• Promotora de Oportunidades: Urban-Eco Twin. An intelligent platform for modeling ecosystem services and planning green infrastructure in Medellín’s STI District will be tested.

These projects will directly contribute to the objectives of the 2024–2027 District Development Plan, strengthening priority sectors such as health, security, sustainability, infrastructure and education. With this first cohort, FutuMed marks a milestone for Medellín in its consolidation as a global epicenter of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).