The District and Ruta N Seek Youth Projects Driving Medellín’s Transformation Through Innovation

Applications will be open until September 24, and winners will gain access to mentoring, training, ecosystem connections, and incentives.

The Medellín Mayor’s Office and Ruta N’s Gen N and Proyector Awards initiative, developed through the Secretariat of Youth, returns in 2026 to identify, showcase, and support groups and young people between the ages of 14 and 28 who are creating a positive impact through science, technology, innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity, and sustainability.

Under the motto “What We Are Leaves a Mark,” this second edition places at the center the stories, territory, culture, and experiences that inspire new generations to transform the city.

The recognition is divided into five categories. The group categories are Gen Panas (social innovation) and Gen Ecos (sustainable practices), while the individual categories include Gen Crack (innovative mind), Gen Alpha (leadership that inspires and mobilizes), and Gen Next (entrepreneurship).

“For me, the greatest rewards have been the relationships I have built, the social capital, access to different programs, and, above all, the recognition and visibility given to the projects,” said Sebastián Tobar Quintero, winner of the Gen Next category in 2025.

Requirements to apply include living, studying, or working in Medellín; having been connected to the city for at least one year; having a project, initiative, or track record currently underway; applying to only one category; and completing the required form and submitting the requested documents. Groups must have between three and five members, with at least half plus one of their members between the ages of 14 and 28.

“This is an initiative focused on young people who want to showcase their projects in science, technology, and innovation. These projects must have a focus on support and transforming their surroundings in order to generate an impact on society,” said Carolina Londoño, Executive Director of Ruta N.

The call for applications will remain open until September 24 at rutanmedellin.org. Applicants must upload the required documents, a selfie-style photograph, and a one-minute video introducing themselves and explaining how they are transforming their surroundings.

The process will continue with a public voting stage, from October 20 to November 3. Afterwards, a specialized jury will evaluate the applications according to the criteria established for each category and select the 15 finalists who will advance to the Gen N Gala on November 26 at the Ruta N complex.

“We want all the talented young people we have in every neighborhood and rural district to have the opportunity to shine through the innovation, science, technology, and leadership projects they are developing. This is a perfect opportunity because there are incredibly talented young people,” said Camilo Cano, Acting Secretary of Youth.

This year, winning projects will receive incentives including mentoring and specialized support, training to take their ideas to the next level, connections with Medellín’s innovation ecosystem, opportunities to showcase their projects, as well as financial incentives and technology vouchers.

Through Gen N and the Proyector Awards, the District and Ruta N are placing at the center the ideas that transform the city, because every story and project emerging from Medellín’s neighborhoods and rural districts has the potential to open new paths, inspire others, and contribute to creating greater opportunities.

Download the press kit here