The call is aimed at early-stage startups with solutions to global challenges.
Ruta N and the Medellín Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution — C4IR Medellín — are inviting the local innovation ecosystem to apply for the UpLink Innovation Challenge Series – Spring 2026, a World Economic Forum initiative aimed at early-stage startups developing solutions to global challenges, with a focus on moving from pilot phases to real-world implementation at scale. Interested organizations may apply until June 4.
“UpLink is an opportunity for companies in the city to stand out before the world for their ability to generate innovative solutions to the most urgent challenges of our time, position themselves globally, and become part of a community of leaders shaping the future of their industries,” said Camilo Zapata Wills, director of C4IR Medellín.
The Spring 2026 edition features seven thematic challenges: transforming water systems; artificial intelligence for resilient supply chains; nature and biodiversity; low-carbon and circular systems; sustainable energy systems; health; and scaling the implementation of net-zero carbon systems. Each challenge will select around ten winners, who will join the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem and gain access to World Economic Forum events, global exposure through its digital channels, connections with ecosystem organizations, and technical and business support.
Among the seven categories, the Transforming Water Systems challenge includes a cash prize of 175,000 Swiss francs (approximately COP $837 million) per winner, funded by HCL Group. The category seeks solutions that accelerate the transition toward integrated, circular, and resilient water systems, including applications of artificial intelligence, reduction of freshwater dependency in water-intensive industries such as data centers and semiconductors, and strengthening the quality and continuity of water supply.
The call is open to for-profit companies from pre-seed to Series A stages that have raised less than USD $50 million in funding and have solutions with clear pathways toward adoption. Interested organizations can learn more and apply in English through the official UpLink platform.
Download the press kit here