FutuMed: Shaping the Future of Innovation in Medellín

On 19 March, the city of Medellín hosted the formal presentation of the results and progress of the FutuMed project. This initiative marks a transformative milestone for the region, establishing Medellín’s first Special Treatment Zone (ZTE) dedicated specifically to science, technology and innovation.

The event successfully brought together key stakeholders from across the Quadruple Helix, aligning their shared vision and defining the strategic next steps for the development of this new innovation district.

Developed within the framework of technical cooperation promoted by Ruta N, with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the project has been delivered by a consortium led by La Salle Technova Barcelona and the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). The initiative has provided the technical expertise and strategic framework required to support the long-term success and international competitiveness of the zone.

The technical work presented by Josep Piqué of La Salle Technova and Carina Rapetti (member of IASP's Advisory Council), is the outcome of a structured process of strategic design and ecosystem mapping. By identifying critical infrastructure gaps and untapped synergies, the consortium has established a robust framework to ensure FutuMed’s international competitiveness. This includes a co-created governance model and a comprehensive implementation roadmap, setting out a clear strategic vision for the city through to 2035.

Beyond the technical deliverables, the presentation highlighted that Medellín already possesses the foundations to become a global reference in wellbeing-driven innovation and sustainable development. With its strong science and technology infrastructure and knowledge-generating institutions, the city is well positioned to transition from fragmented excellence to a more integrated and connected system. FutuMed serves as a key platform to activate this ecosystem, linking capabilities across sectors and translating advanced knowledge into tangible health and social outcomes.