The “Road to StartCo” program, led by the Mayor’s Office, Ruta N, and Starter Company S.A.S., brings together entrepreneurs, SMEs, and traditional business owners.
Medellín moves forward in integrating its traditional business sector into the innovation ecosystem through the launch of “Road to StartCo,” a program developed in partnership between the Mayor’s Office, Ruta N, and Starter Company S.A.S., bringing together 1.900 local companies and ventures committed to strengthening their capabilities and expanding their growth potential.
“This strategy will allow them to acquire technological and innovative tools that are essential to boost their businesses. The program not only strengthens participating startups and companies, but also reinforces the business fabric and consolidates our role as a District of Science, Technology, and Innovation", said the Secretary of Economic Development, María Fernanda Galeano Rojo.
The training process began on February 19 and lasts 12 hours over five weeks. Its first in-person session took place today, March 5, at Ruta N. The program brings together efforts to close the gap between traditional business models and the contemporary dynamics of scalability, investment, and high-impact growth.
“Traditional companies and ventures are connecting with the innovation ecosystem through the digital transformation of their processes, collaboration with startups, and investment in venture capital. Ruta N thus reaffirms its role as Medellín’s innovation and business hub, a place where ideas become companies and companies become engines of development and high impact for the city”, said Santiago Henao, Director of CTi Business Development at Ruta N.
The goal is for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and business owners to understand how the startup ecosystem works, how to structure scalable business models, and how technology can accelerate the growth of their organizations.
Participants represent several sectors of the economy, including services, manufacturing, artistic, cultural and entertainment activities, as well as professional, scientific, and technical services. Some come from districts such as Belén, El Poblado, Laureles/Estadio, Robledo, and La América.
“Our company comes from a traditional sector, and we are here precisely to organize new ideas and connect with new entrepreneurs and technologies. The goal is to create value, support new entrepreneurs, and learn from them”, said entrepreneur Andrés Felipe Betancur, from Bet Supplier.
Participants who complete at least 80% attendance will receive a certificate of participation and a ticket to StartCo 2026, an opportunity to attend the event with new tools, connections, and a renewed vision of the potential of innovation.
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