Retos BioenergyTech
Open innovation for the development of bioenergy technology pilots. We connect startups, universities, and companies with the agribusiness sector to transform waste into sustainable energy.
3
Strategic challenges
3
pilots
$652 million
Amount allocated to pilot funds
Organizes
Execute
Leads
What is it?
Open innovation for the energy transition
BioEnergyTech Challenges is an initiative organized by the Cali Chamber of Commerce, implemented by Reddi Colombia, and led by Econova (the Ecopetrol Group’s innovation network). We aim to connect the agribusiness sector with innovative problem solvers to promote the energy recovery of byproducts and waste
Program benefits:
Real field validation
Direct co-creation with technical areas of the Ecopetrol Group
Specialized Mentoring
Access to the innovation ecosystem
Beneficios
Retos Estratégicos
Resuelve desafíos reales del sector agroindustrial colombiano enfocados en bioenergía.
Ecosistema Articulado
Conecta con corporativos líderes en agroindustria de caña, porcicultura y avicultura.
Validación Real
Implementa pilotos tecnológicos en entornos reales con acompañamiento experto y la posibilidad de trabajar con la gran industria (Ecopetrol).
Impacto Sostenible
Contribuye a la transición energética y valorización de residuos agroindustriales.
BioenergyTech Challenges
Discover the technological challenges that seek innovative solutions to drive the energy transition.
CHALLENGE 1
TRL
7+
or higher
How could we maximize biomethane production through a technology that allows us to optimize investment and operating costs (Capex and Opex)?
Develop a modular and cost-efficient purification and refining (upgrading) solution that allows the transformation of raw biogas generated by agricultural waste into high-quality biomethane.
What are we looking for?
- Optimized biogas purification and refining systems (upgrading).
- Technologies with a modular, scalable design and low energy consumption.
- Efficient modules for pre-cleaning and removal of contaminants such as H2 and water vapor
- Real-time monitoring and control capability of flows, pressures, and compositions.
Technology Maturity Level (TRL ) :
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Required TRL 7 or higher (Complete system or prototype demonstrated in an operational environment)
- Financing: COP $221 million
- Pilot location: Cauca Valley
CHALLENGE 2
TRL
7+
or higher
How could we boost biogas production in the digestion of vinasse/cachaza from sugarcane processing plants ?
Develop a solution capable of efficiently modifying and co-digesting sugarcane by-products such as vinasse and cachaza, overcoming chemical limitations such as extreme acidity and fibrous consistency.
What are we looking for?
- Scalable and optimized anaerobic digestion technologies for continuous operation.
- Acid-resilient bacterial consortia and methanogenesis accelerators.
- Mechanical, physical or chemical solutions for the pretreatment of vinasse and cachaza.
- Continuous and automated analytical monitoring of critical variables (pH, fatty acids, COD).
Technology Maturity Level (TRL ) :
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Required TRL 7 or higher (Complete system or prototype demonstrated in an operational environment)
- Financing: COP $221 million
- Pilot location: Cauca Valley
CHALLENGE 3
TRL
5+
or higher
How could we demonstrate the gasification processes of rice crop and processing waste with high ash content to obtain a technical-economic analysis of its use for generating electricity?
Develop a residual rice biomass gasification solution (straw and husk) that is immune to the harmful effects of its high silica and ash content, generating stable synthesis gas (syngas) and maximizing the production of clean electricity and renewable hydrogen at the lowest cost.
What are we looking for?
- Advanced gasification systems (fluidized bed or entrainment reactors) resistant to silica slag.
- Cost-effective pretreatment solutions (drying, torrefaction or particle reduction).
- Advanced filtration and conditioning technologies for tar removal (TAR).
- Reactors and processes aimed at maximizing the fraction of renewable hydrogen.
Technology Maturity Level (TRL ) :
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Required TRL 5 or higher (Complete system or prototype demonstrated in an operational environment)
- Financing: COP $210 million
- Pilot location: Cauca Valley
How to apply?
Terms of Reference
Learn about and access the Terms of Reference and their Annexes, which will guide the construction of your project.
Submit your solution
Webinar: Socializing Doubts
The webinar to address concerns will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Until that date, the form will remain available for interested parties to register their questions.
Register your questions here
Participation process
Your path to climbing
Stage 1
Open call for problem solvers
Register your organization and submit your solution on the Fusióni360 platform
Stage 2
Evaluation and selection of proposals
Technical committee that evaluates the proposals and selects the finalists.
Stage 3
Training and preparation of problem solvers
Mentoring sessions with experts to refine your solution.
Stage 4
Demo Day
Present your solution to corporations and juries.
Stage 5
Scaling funds and pilots
Winners receive funding and support to implement pilot projects.
Guides and resources for your application
All applications will be submitted through Fusióni360 , Reddi Colombia’s open innovation platform. Follow our tutorials to successfully complete the process.
*Remember to download the required attachments before starting your application
Did you miss the launch live stream?
Relive it here
Do you have a solution for the Energy Transition?
Don’t miss the opportunity to present your technology to leaders in the agribusiness sector and access scaling funds.
“At Econova, we coordinate the innovation ecosystem to accelerate solutions that address the efficiency challenges of the Ecopetrol Group and contribute to the advancement of the energy transition. We connect talent, capabilities, and resources to generate value in the industry and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.”
Econova Network
Institutional Support
Program Organizers
Organizes
Activate the business ecosystem to drive innovative solutions.
Execute
It facilitates connections between startups, researchers, and companies to solve real-world challenges.
They lead
They promote open innovation in the energy sector, prioritizing challenges with high implementation potential.
