Startups, companies, universities, research centers, and consortiums are invited to submit their proposals.
Ruta N has launched the first call for proposals under its City Challenge Solutions strategy, allocating COP 10.5 billion as part of a total investment of COP 18 billion. The initiative invites startups, companies, universities, research centers, and consortiums to develop innovative solutions for two of Medellín’s strategic priorities: strengthening coexistence in public spaces and improving healthcare services for women.
The selected solutions will be implemented and validated in FutuMed, the Special Treatment Zone located within the area encompassing the Botanical Garden, Parque Explora, Parque Norte, Ruta N, Hospital San Vicente Fundación, and the University of Antioquia.
“At Ruta N, we always work with academia, businesses, government, and society. Engaging the community is essential because it is ultimately the people who will benefit from every project we develop in this area. Their participation helps ensure greater ownership of the solutions, since everything we create is designed for the city,” said Simón Arango, Director of Strategic Projects at Ruta N.
The "Calle Viva" (Living Streets) challenge seeks low-cost, high-impact proposals that strengthen coexistence in public spaces through urban, technological, and community-based interventions. Meanwhile, the "Women’s Healthcare Network" challenge aims to integrate stakeholders, information systems, and monitoring tools to strengthen priority clinical care pathways maternal and perinatal care, cardiovascular risk, and cervical cancer—and ensure more timely, coordinated healthcare services.
Proposals may be submitted until the last week of August through rutanmedellin.org and will be evaluated based on their ability to address public challenges with innovative and scalable solutions.
This is the first of several calls for proposals that the City Challenge Solutions strategy will launch over the coming months to address additional District priorities through science, technology, and innovation.
Through this initiative, Ruta N continues to create opportunities for local talent to develop solutions to Medellín’s most pressing challenges. Beyond fostering new technologies, the organization promotes a model that brings together knowledge, institutional collaboration, and experimentation to transform ideas into solutions with tangible impact—improving people's well-being while contributing to the city's economic and social development.
Download the press kit here
