Fusióni3 Cauca: Strategic alliances drive sustainable innovation in SMEs

The Fusióni3 Cauca project continues to generate key advances in strengthening the innovation ecosystem of the Cauca department. One of its most recent contributions is the publication of the scientific article “Strategic Alliances as an Engine of Sustainable Innovation in MSMEs in Cauca, Colombia” in the journal INGE CUC, which highlights how alliances between micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can become an engine of competitiveness and business sustainability in the region.

The study, led by the Reddi Agency within the framework of Fusióni3 Cauca, explores the current demands for innovation services from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Cauca. Based on this analysis, it proposes a model to identify, classify, and prioritize these services , also evaluating their impact on process improvement, product development, and market positioning. This model was conceived as a practical tool that connects the real needs of the business sector with the capabilities available at higher education institutions (HEIs) and other entities within the regional science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem.

The article’s findings reveal that SMEs in the department focus their innovation needs around four key areas: continuous process improvement, technology management, the development of innovative products, and strengthening their market position. These pillars not only address the companies’ structural challenges but also create opportunities to adopt more sustainable practices and improve their competitiveness at both the regional and national levels.

This publication reinforces Fusióni3 Cauca’s core purpose of bridging the gap between the science, technology, and innovation (STI) system and the productive sector, promoting strategic alliances that generate shared value and contribute to the region’s economic and sustainable development. It also provides concrete evidence of the positive impact that university-business collaboration can have when it focuses on addressing real needs and transforming capabilities into high-value solutions.

The full article can be found in the INGE CUC magazine.

InnovaVÉ is an initiative that was born within the framework of International Innovation Week and seeks to strengthen and make visible the innovative potential of Valle del Cauca.

We look forward to seeing you at a dynamic program of panels, conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities with various stakeholders from April 7th to 11th to discuss Artificial Intelligence, Environmental and Social Innovation, Smart Energy, Agrifoodtech, and Health.

The Innovation Challenges Call for Proposals, developed in partnership between Reddi Colombia and the Western Energy Company (CEO), has concluded its selection process. As a result, two (2) innovative solutions have been chosen, one for each challenge, to promote efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector.

The proposals were evaluated based on criteria of innovation and applicability, technical and financial feasibility, and their impact on the sector and the region. This initiative seeks to strengthen the connection between universities, businesses, and productive stakeholders, fostering the development of technologies applied to real-world challenges.

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.

First Innovation Sprint: Experiences and progress of Fusióni3 Valle projects

The First Innovation Sprint Fusióni3 Valle brought together University-SME alliances in a key day, where the progress of nine of the ten projects benefiting from the Maturation Fund was presented..

The participating alliances were:

Duque Espinosa Investments – Icesi University
Nutrimezclas – Icesi University
Pacific Snacks – Pontifical Javeriana University Cali
Prompack – Pontifical Javeriana University Cali
Colbits – Pontifical Javeriana University Cali
North Group – Pontifical Javeriana University Cali
LaCali Foods – Pontifical Javeriana University Cali
Innhealth – Autonomous University of the West
Implameq – Universidad del Valle

Experiencias de articulación

Con compromiso y expectativa, empresarios e investigadores presentaron las actividades realizadas en esta primera etapa de ejecución, evidenciando importantes resultados en su trabajo conjunto, como:

La forma en que se complementan y están dispuestos a apoyarse mutuamente.
La construcción de modelos de prueba.
La delegación de actividades, como pruebas técnicas en las MiPymes, y validaciones comerciales en las IES.
La elaboración de discursos claros e innovadores, que les permiten llegar a diferentes públicos y generar entusiasmo.

Resultados y retroalimentación

El público de cada sesión estuvo conformado por representantes de cada universidad anfitriona, el equipo de trabajo de Fusióni3 Valle y Reddi Colombia, quienes dinamizaron la conversación.

Esto facilitó el intercambio de preguntas, recomendaciones y establecimiento de compromisos bilaterales, orientados a fortalecer la ejecución técnica y financiera de los proyectos, y el cumplimiento de las metas definidas desde su formulación.

Anny Catalina Parra, coordinadora del Objetivo de Conexión Universidad-MiPyme, compartió algunas de las sugerencias entregadas durante el evento:

“Entre las buenas prácticas que recomendamos mantener o incorporar están las reuniones más frecuentes para que los proyectos avancen de manera más sólida y continúe consolidándose el trabajo en equipo”.

Así lo vivieron los integrantes de las alianzas

“El primer Sprint de Innovación fue muy importante para poder explicar los retos que hemos tenido en el proceso. Esto nos permitió recibir comentarios y feedback para lo que viene”, explicó el docente investigador Juan David Soler, de la alianza Nutrimezclas – Universidad Icesi.

“Esta fue una experiencia interesante, porque conocimos a personas que nos respaldaron con su retroalimentación en esta integración de la academia con el sector empresarial”, comentó Óscar Campo, docente investigador de la alianza Innhealth – Universidad Autónoma de Occidente.

“El Sprint me pareció muy interesante, porque compartimos el desarrollo de nuestro proyecto con un público no técnico. También, pudimos reorganizar las ideas y ver con otros ojos el proceso que llevamos, pensar más en los clientes finales, ya que la problemática que resolvemos no es muy conocida, pero sí nos afecta a todos”, Katerine Lotero, investigadora de la alianza Colbits – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali.

Juan Manuel Chávez of Reddi Colombia highlights the launch of UBICU at Javeriana University in Cali

In a significant event, UBICU, the first technology developed by Javeriana University with a commercial license, was officially launched. The ceremony was attended by Juan Manuel Chávez, manager of Reddi Colombia, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, companies, hospitals, and funders for the project to function effectively.

During his remarks, Chávez emphasized Reddi’s commitment to supporting academic and technological initiatives that aim to transform the landscape of industry in Colombia. His participation in the launch of UBICU underscores the fundamental role that higher education plays in creating innovative technological solutions.

The Javeriana University of Cali, recognized for its academic trajectory and its work in research, has taken an important step, which promises to build bridges between academia, the business sector and health institutions.

With this event, Reddi reaffirms its alliance with educational institutions to promote innovation and development in the country.

Source: Javeriana University Cali