Ruta N leads traditional businesses into Medellín’s innovation ecosystem through ‘Road to StartCo’

Ruta N is playing a central role in connecting Medellín’s traditional business sector with its innovation ecosystem through ‘Road to StartCo’, a programme that brings together 1,900 start-ups, SMEs, and business owners. Developed in partnership with Medellin’s City Council and Starter Company S.A.S.. The aim is for the participants to understand how the start-up ecosystem works, how to structure scalable business models and how technology can accelerate the growth of their organisations, while also local companies expand their reach and prepare them for new opportunities.

The training programme began on 19 February and runs for five weeks, with a total of 12 hours of sessions. The first in-person meeting took place today, 5 March, at Ruta N, where participants from sectors including services, manufacturing, arts, culture, entertainment, and professional and technical activities came together to learn more about the start-up ecosystem and how to build more scalable business models. The programme also seeks to bridge the gap between traditional business models and more contemporary approaches to scalability, investment and growth.

Participants who attend at least 80% of the sessions will receive a certificate of attendance and a ticket to StartCo 2026, a startup investment event that connects early-stage companies directly with investors.

According to Medellin’s Secretary for Economic Development, María Fernanda Galeano Rojo, the programme will give businesses the tools they need to boost their competitiveness through technology and innovation.

“Ruta N reaffirms its role as Medellín’s centre for innovation and business, a space where ideas become companies, and companies become drivers of development and high impact for the city,” said Ruta N’s Director of Business Development at CTi, Santiago Henao.