Startups
436
Scale Bigger in Medellín
Medellín is Latin America’s emerging Silicon Valley, driven by innovation, tech talent, and strong public-private ecosystem support.
Operated by 
Growth Rate
41.6%
Total Funding
$567.9M
Ecosystem Highlight
National Ranking
#2 in Colombia
Medellin has ranked as Colombia’s 2nd-strongest startup ecosystem for six consecutive years, recognized for its exceptional startup ecosystem.
“Medellín is a global reference of innovation. It is a city recognized for its talent, creativity, and collaboration. Ruta N has been the engine that drives science, technology, and innovation as tools for economic and social transformation”
Carolina Londoño
Director of Ruta N
Latest Opportunities & Events
Discover the latest events and opportunities for startups in the portal.
Ruta N Workspaces
Ruta N Workspaces are part of the Ruta N Innovation District in Medellín, Colombia. This district is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by providing collaborative workspaces, networking opportunities, talent development, and access to capital.
Available until:
Ongoing
Colombiatex 2026
A major platform for innovation and business, Colombiatex brings together industry leaders to showcase new technologies, materials, and sustainable practices, especially relevant for startups in fashion-tech, materials science, and sustainable supply chains.
Available until:
January 27–29, 2026
Startup Grind Medellín
Part of Startup Grind’s global network, this chapter delivers monthly in-person gatherings in Medellín, featuring seasoned founders, investors, and innovators sharing insights through talks, fireside chats, and networking
Available until:
Ongoing
Recent Articles & News
Join our Medellin Ecosystem Newsletter
Our Partners
Ecosystem Stakeholders
Meet with the key players driving this vibrant startup ecosystem.
Notable Startups
Top Coworking Spaces
Notable Organizations
Want to know more about Medellin startup ecosystem and its benefits?
Contact UsTop Achievements of the Medellin Startup Ecosystem
Rankings provided by
Among LATAM Cities with 2–10 Million People
#2
Medellín is ranked among the leading innovation ecosystems in Latin America for cities with a population between 2 and 10 million.
Regional Standing in South America
#5
Medellín is now ranked 5th in South America, moving up 2 spots since 2024.
Fastest Growing in Colombia
41.6%
With a growth rate above 41%, Medellín recorded the fastest ecosystem growth in Colombia.
Key Benefits of Joining Medellin Startup Ecosystem
Innovation Leadership & Institutional Support
Medellín is home to Ruta N, one of Latin America’s most influential innovation agencies, and the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR). These institutions provide global visibility, resources, and connections for startups, making Medellín a recognized hub for frontier technologies.
High Growth Momentum
Recording Colombia’s fastest ecosystem growth at over 41%, Medellín is rapidly climbing global rankings. Its progress reflects strong local leadership, supportive municipal policies, and a vibrant entrepreneurial community attracting both founders and investors.
Attractive for Talent & Digital Nomads
With improving infrastructure, quality of life, and access to Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa, Medellín has become increasingly popular with international founders, expats, and remote workers. This inflow of diverse talent strengthens the ecosystem and fosters cross-border collaboration.
Key Statistics
Foreign Investment
USD $150M
In 2024
Job Creation
2,800+
innovation‑related jobs attracted through Ruta N’s landing program
Innovation Hub
210+
international companies hosted at Ruta N
Medellin Ecosystem Landscape
Taxes and Incentives
- Colombia now runs the “Jobs for Life” program, which subsidizes up to 30% of a minimum wage for companies hiring young workers. Additional bonuses apply if those employees are retained long-term.
- Rionegro is the free trade zone of Medellin. Businesses in this zone can benefit from a single income tax rate of 20%, with no VAT or tariff imposed and exemption from VAT for raw materials or inputs for industrial users.
- Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa, valid for up to two years, is active in 2025. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income equal to three Colombian minimum wages
- Medellín’s long-term strategy for innovation continues under the city’s Science, Technology, Innovation & Reindustrialization Plan, focusing on upskilling the workforce, supporting R&D, and positioning the city as a hub for frontier technologies.
- Medellin Innovation District is a technology zone of Medellin, hosting local and global organizations that would like to be at the heart of technology and innovation. The district also provides socializing opportunities with a vast range of restaurants and parks in its 3 km2 size.
Investor Landscape
- Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) is a regional organization that supports LATAM’s companies for sustainable development of the region. In 2022, CAF is one of the investors of Medellin-based startup Sempli.
- Bancoldex is Colombia’s business development bank, which contributes to local enterprises’ sustainable growth. Their - Medellin branch is located in Calle 7 Sur.
- There are five venture capital firms in Medellin, with an investment portfolio ranging from early-stage to late-stage ventures. These are namely, INVX, AI Fund, Veronorte, Grupo Sura and FCP Innovación SP.
Ecosystem Milestones
2023
Inauguration of the Medellín Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.
Nearly 200 international startups from 27 countries relocates to the Medellínnovation District.
2018
2014
Start of the Medellínnovation District to foster innovation and economic growth.
Recognition of Medellín as the "Most Innovative City in the World" by the Wall Street Journal and the Urban Land Institute.
2013
2012
Development of the Medellínnovation District, aiming to transform impoverished areas into hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Establishment of Ruta N, a public joint venture aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
2009
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