Popayán, March 13, 2025. More than 200 businesspeople, academics, representatives of the State and society met at the Popayán Country Club to participate in XPANZ 2025 , an event that consolidated innovation and strategic collaboration as drivers of regional development.
Organized by Reddi, the Agency for Technological Development and Innovation, the event aimed to strengthen ties between universities and businesses, promoting knowledge transfer and the generation of innovative solutions. During the event, the results of the Fusióni3 Cauca project were shared, highlighting its impact on research, interaction, and innovation. Thanks to this initiative, universities have strengthened their relationship with the productive sector, 30 innovation projects have been generated from 130 business interactions, and 30 companies in six municipalities have enhanced their competitiveness with specialized tools.
One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the Innovation Ring, where 10 projects benefiting from the Maturation Fund presented their solutions , demonstrating how collaboration between SMEs and researchers is driving the transformation of strategic sectors in the region. Another key event was the presentation of the Aurora Award, a recognition from Reddi and its strategic partners to leaders who are making a difference in Cauca. This award symbolizes the brilliance and connection of each actor in the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem, highlighting the work of entrepreneurs, research groups, and directors of higher education institutions committed to regional growth.
XPANZ 2025 also featured an exhibition area with 15 booths from companies in Cauca and Valle del Cauca, where attendees could learn firsthand about the advances and solutions that have emerged from the connection between academia and industry.
The event achieved a 90% promoter rate and a Net Promoter Score of 90.1, reflecting a high level of attendee satisfaction. Regarding this impact, Ana Fernanda Muñoz, executive president of the Cauca Chamber of Commerce, highlighted
"This project shattered the notion that businesses and higher education institutions cannot work together. They can. These are the steps that change the world, and we are transforming Cauca through innovation and collaboration."
XPAN Z 2025 reaffirmed its importance as a meeting point for the innovation ecosystem of Cauca. The event concluded with a clear message: innovation continues to advance, and collaboration between companies, universities, and strategic partners is key to the region’s growth.
