New STP project planned in Colombia, the PCTI Risvalley

Colombia’s Eje Cafetero region is planning a new 4th generation science park project to drive economic and social development, and facilitate regional transformation to a knowledge economy.

Based in the Risaralda Valley, the Risvalley Science, Technology and Innovation Park will focus on the strategic sectors highlighted in Colombia’s Green Growth 2030 policy, and plans to run as a hybrid site, with both physical and digital services.

It will probably be constructed close to the Cartago airport, and will also benefit from rail links to Buenaventura and river transport connections to Urabá as well as infrastructure projects under way that will improve connections to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. It is also close to the Chocoana rainforest, considered the most biodiverse region in the world.

A key mission will be post Covid economic recovery, and the park will foster innovation and disruptive ideas and promote digital transformation to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem. It also has a role to play in addressing social problems such as poverty, violence and addiction.

The new STP is the brainchild of Colombian scientist Luis Jaime Valencia Ceballos, now based at London’s Francis Crick Institute, where he leads research into malaria and cancer. He has long been an advocate of the triple helix model and the science park mission to turn research, innovation and scientific breakthroughs into viable businesses and projects, recognising that an STP in Risaralda would contribute to strengthening the regional economy and create jobs.

IASP was pleased to offer expert advice in the early stages of the project, and wish them every success as Risvalley STP takes shape.