That's how the launch went! from the Fusióni3 Valle Project!
Businesses, universities, and the community came together at the Xpanz by Reddit event
Fusióni3 Valle, a project that aims to boost innovation in 20 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Valle del Cauca region through collaboration with five leading universities, was officially launched on October 12th during the Xpanz by Reddi event. With over 100 attendees, including executives from the participating universities and companies, the event marked the beginning of an exciting phase of interaction and collaboration.
Exponential connections that make all the difference.
The Xpanz by Reddi event, held at the Cedro Rosado building of the Pontifical Javeriana University in Cali, was the perfect setting to launch Fusióni3 Valle. Participating entrepreneurs shared their ideas in dynamic pitches, and the Experience Day took place, where researchers from partner universities showcased innovative technologies. This interaction allowed universities and companies to get to know each other better and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Validation and Optimism at Experience Day
Validation and Optimism at Experience Day During Experience Day, attendees had the opportunity to validate technologies, with a total of 28 pre-commercial validations, and to share their interests and needs. Mónica Gisela Dueñas, director of Fusióni3 Valle, expressed her satisfaction and highlighted the importance of the connection between universities and companies. “We are very satisfied because it was a space for raising awareness of the importance of the relationship and connection between the university and companies, to strengthen the economic and competitive development of the region.”
For her part, Claudia Consuelo Cepeda, acting director of Technological Development and Innovation at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, shared her enthusiasm for the opportunities the project presents for SMEs. “With this objective, in Valle del Cauca, Reddi is an important player, recognized according to the National Science and Technology System’s stakeholder policy, and Fusióni3 Valle is the link that will initially strengthen these 20 companies, empowering them within the market.”
Success in Business and Academic Relationships
The Fusióni3 Valle meeting between business leaders and academics received high marks. Many of the participants from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises expressed their satisfaction with having been part of the event. Researchers, such as Luz Marina Flórez Prado from the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, shared their experience: “I learned from the business leaders how to pitch in seconds, and I saw the diversity of developments taking place in the Valle del Cauca region that are unknown to most of us. I think that with our developments in moldable biomass, we will soon be able to participate.”
Next Steps
Fusióni3 Valle continues its journey toward innovation, working to build research, development, and innovation capacity at partner universities and preparing awareness workshops on technology transfer and intellectual property for beneficiary companies. Stay tuned for more details and upcoming events. The future of innovation in Valle del Cauca promises to be exciting.
