Driving innovation in the Cauca Valley: Participate in the Fusióni3 Valle Maturation Fund call for proposals!

The call for applications for the Fusióni3 Valle Knowledge and Technology Maturation Fund is now open. Until May 15, 2024, innovation projects submitted in partnership between research groups from allied universities and the MSMEs benefiting from the Fusióni3 Valle project can apply to receive up to 40 million pesos for their technical maturation, pre-commercial validation, and commercialization.

The activities that will be funded include:

  • The construction of functional prototypes of their technologies 
  • Scaling up or improving the prototype for pre-commercial or commercial use
  • Registration or qualification procedures that guarantee quality, good manufacturing practices, biosecurity, sustainability, etc.
  • Technical assistance and support as needed to achieve the effective transfer of knowledge related to the use and application of technology.

What do you need to participate?

To have an alliance formed between a research group from an allied HEI and a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) benefiting from Fusióni3 Valle, that have a research result and the interest in carrying out knowledge and/or technology transfer processes to society and the market. 

The results of research and development must comply with:

  • A Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4: That they have completed their laboratory work.
  • A Commercial Readiness Level (CRL) 2: That they have identified that need in the sector and have carried out market studies, derived from secondary sources. 

Likewise, applicants must consult and complete the documents mentioned in the Terms of Reference published on the website  www.reddicolombia.com , and take into account criteria such as the degree of innovation and technological development of their project, its relevance and quality.

Consult the Terms of Reference for the Fusióni3 Valle Maturation Fund

Participate and build a more competitive and innovative Valle del Cauca!

Learn more about the Fusióni3 Valle project

In an important step forward to strengthen  innovation in SMEs, Fusióni3 Cauca is  pleased to announce the names of the ten  beneficiaries selected for the Maturation Fund  .

This initiative aims to promote the  technological maturation of innovative projects , contributing to the strengthening of the  business fabric in the region.

The ten projects were evaluated by  experts, who applied the criteria stipulated  in the terms and conditions to select  these beneficiary alliances.

Those selected will receive  financial support and the necessary guidance to  effectively advance through the crucial stages of maturation and commercial validation  of their projects.

Fusióni3 Cauca congratulates all the beneficiaries  of the Maturation Fund and eagerly anticipates the positive impact these projects  will have on the region, promoting sustainable growth and the competitiveness of local MSMEs.

This achievement reflects Fusióni3 Cauca’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation and  technological development in the business community .

Conoce más en el proyecto Fusióni3 Cauca

Fusióni3 Valle and the Cali Chamber of Commerce join forces forces in new consulting sessions

The Cali Chamber of Commerce will begin a series of workshops to support innovation management for the 20 MSMEs benefiting from the Fusióni3 Valle project.

 These sessions, which will be held in person starting on February 16, 2024, will address strategic topics to strengthen innovation management and the definition of innovation challenges in participating companies. 

 Sergio Zúñiga, director of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Scalable Solutions at the organization, highlighted that this type of knowledge and training has fundamental points for collaborating in the best way with university researchers.  

“In each of the meetings we will have with the entrepreneurs, we will teach them fundamental tools to identify winning strategic bets for their SMEs, evaluate their innovation capabilities and define the technological approaches they need to enhance it,” he said.  

 Similarly, this information will be the gateway to recognizing the points of collaboration that will be addressed with researchers from universities allied to the project, who in several cases have solved challenges similar to those that companies may face.  

Practical and interpersonal skills 

The workshops offered by the Cali Chamber of Commerce will also provide hands-on learning, aiming to help entrepreneurs make successful connections throughout the process of interacting with researchers and presenting their challenges. Topics include:

  • Structuring innovation challenges to find technological solutions.   
  • Build management indicators for process monitoring and the generation of new business models.  
  • Develop leadership skills for the promotion of innovation and effective project management.   
  • Build pitches for the effective presentation of your challenges to entities such as universities.   
  •  

Active participation 

As in every stage of Fusióni3 Valle, participation is fundamental so that beneficiaries and partners have the best opportunities to develop solutions together. Therefore, you are invited to review the schedule of events for each month and contact your coordinators, if necessary.   

This is a strategic moment to continue strengthening innovation dynamics in the Cauca Valley, through allies who can now become success stories in knowledge transfer. 

Key innovation data for 2023  

This 2024, the Governorate of Valle is proposing the creation of the Innovation District with Technological Centers, which seeks to boost competitiveness in the subregions, provide incentives to strengthen companies with innovation and technological updates, and strengthen the support program for entrepreneurs.   

Furthermore, the Cali Chamber of Commerce, since 2023, considers that innovation activates business evolution that impacts the future of the region and the country, as it allows for the detection of possibilities for greater growth, accelerating transformation processes with significant opportunities. 

Technology-driven innovation is unlocking creative solutions to a wide range of challenges across various sectors: for the energy sector, technology is transforming the viability and effectiveness of renewable energy, making it more accessible and efficient.  

In agriculture, the adoption of precision techniques, supported by data analysis and automation, is improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Similarly, the development of electric vehicles is revolutionizing mobility by implementing more sustainable and safer solutions that reduce the carbon footprint and improve road safety. 

In the field of medicine, unprecedented progress is being made thanks to innovation. Gene editing and personalized medicine are transforming treatment and healthcare approaches, opening up new possibilities for combating diseases more precisely and effectively.  

Additionally, the expansion of telemedicine, facilitated by high-speed connectivity, is democratizing access to quality medical services, eliminating geographical barriers and improving healthcare overall.

In conclusion, innovation is key when it is projected as an improvement to the quality of life of humanity in general. 

Learn more about the Fusióni3 Valle project

Lessons Learned 2023: Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing drive the impact of REDDI Colombia's management

The year 2023 was a period of valuable learning for us. In an increasingly interconnected world, we highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing as fundamental pillars for maximizing the impact of our work. As a result, we had the opportunity to establish strong connections with diverse institutions and organizations, with collaboration being the key word for several key achievements. Strategic partnerships with value-generating stakeholders have been invaluable in our mission to strengthen the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. These alliances have not only enriched our internal dynamics but have also significantly contributed to developing connections that strengthen the innovation network in which we are embedded. Sharing knowledge has become a central element of our philosophy, creating an environment conducive to the flourishing of innovative ideas that inspire us to go even further in 2024.

Challenges 2024: Fusióni360 – The Platform that will drive Open Innovation

The launch of the Fusióni360 Platform will be a milestone in our journey toward excellence in innovation management. This virtual space is designed to be a catalyst for collaboration among the various stakeholders in the ecosystem: from universities and researchers to companies and entrepreneurs.

What does the Three Horizons technique consist  of ?

Based on official information from various entities and data collected by each of the beneficiary companies during the workshop, the SMEs will generate portfolios of needs, opportunities, and problems. This will allow them to make short-, medium-, and long-term decisions that will form the basis for establishing the innovation challenges they will work on with partner universities in 2024. 

1. The platform will allow participants to become Reddi affiliates, thus consolidating a dynamic network of brilliant minds committed to advancing knowledge and promoting innovation.

2.  Universities will be able to share their research and researchers will find like-minded collaborators.

3.  Companies will have access to innovative solutions, and entrepreneurs will find the necessary support to make their projects a reality. 

 

The synergy resulting from this digital space will be a driving force for the transformation of the innovation ecosystem.

This platform is not only an advanced technological tool, but also a meeting point where diverse perspectives and the fusion of knowledge will give rise to game-changing ideas. Fusióni360 will not only facilitate connections between stakeholders, but will also enable the collaborative development of solutions that address the most pressing challenges facing our society.

2024 Expectations: Leading Innovation in the Pacific Region

Looking ahead, our expectations for 2024 are ambitious and focused on leading initiatives that foster innovation and technology transfer in the Pacific region. 

We will collaborate closely with key players such as the governor’s office, the mayor’s office, the chamber of commerce, and other institutions that support business growth through innovative solutions to challenges.

We will be a driving force for progress in the region, working closely with government and business entities to identify and address the most pressing challenges. Innovation will not only be a goal, but an integral strategy for sustainable development and continuous improvement.

The creation of innovative projects that arise from collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors will be essential to building an environment conducive to innovation. We seek to be catalysts for positive transformations, generating a tangible impact on the economy and quality of life in the Pacific region.

In conclusion, 2023 has been a year full of valuable lessons, preparing us to enthusiastically embrace the challenges of 2024. With the Fusióni360 platform and our focus on leading innovation in the region, we are firmly committed to contributing to the development of a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem that drives progress and prosperity. Collaboration and knowledge sharing will continue to be the cornerstones of our journey toward excellence in innovation management.

Connect with us to be part of each of these challenges and advances that we will achieve in 2024! 

Environment and horizon, the exploration of Fusióni3 Valle SMEs in their face-to-face workshop

The 20 MSMEs benefiting from Fusióni3 Valle fulfilled their participation in the first Face-to-Face Workshop Become a strategist: Define the needs, opportunities and problems of your business, which was recently held at the Pontifical Javeriana University Cali and at the Cali Chamber of Commerce.  

Through dynamic methodologies, known as Alexander Osterwalder’s Zoom Out and McKinsey’s Three Horizons, which were guided by the coordinator of University-SME Connection, Johana Oliveros, the entrepreneurs were able to relate the data previously collected in the virtual workshop Start by knowing your environment to define your innovation challenges with the economic context of their businesses, which allowed them to strengthen ideas and acquire new perspectives. 

In the case of the Zoom Out exercise, the entrepreneurs put the main aspects of their environment on a canvas: such as trends, macroeconomic forces, market forces and industry forces in which their companies operate, in order to analyze those that have the greatest influence on their businesses. 

Using the Three Horizons technique, opportunities were identified by considering the time and resources required to implement them. For example, those that can be easily addressed or applied to existing products or services, those that would be developed in the medium term, and those that require greater investment or exploration. 

The Three Horizons concept is a strategic tool developed by McKinsey & Company to help organizations manage innovation and growth in the short, medium, and long term. It was popularized in the book The Alchemy of Growth, written by Mehrdad Baghai, Stephen Coley, and David White.

What does the Three Horizons technique consist of? 

This presents 3 time perspectives on which a company focuses its strategy:
 
1. Horizon 1 (H1): Focus on the core business and existing operations. It involves activities and projects that generate short-term results and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Horizon 2 (H2): This focuses on expanding and extending the current business and includes initiatives that will generate results in the medium term. It includes the introduction of new products or services, expansion into new related markets, or significant improvements to existing operations.
3. Horizon 3 (H3): This focuses on radical innovation, new business creation, research, and the development of opportunities that can transform the company in the long term. It involves exploring emerging technologies, identifying new revenue streams, and creating new lines of business.
 
Successful management involves a balanced portfolio of initiatives across all three horizons to ensure continuity and adaptability as the business environment evolves.

Interaction and visualization of the future 

One of the workshop’s defining characteristics was its dynamism. From the introductions among participants, who spoke about the topics that motivate them or make them happy, to the use of tools like paper and markers to record their findings, and the close support of the Fusióni3 Valle team, everyone felt comfortable and confident sharing concerns, receiving suggestions, and proposing new ideas.  

“There was a lot of anticipation among the business owners about how this workshop would help them define their innovation challenge. It was very satisfying, because many told me they weren’t familiar with the methodologies or had only seen them in master’s programs, which means we’re providing them with valuable information to begin developing their innovation challenges,” said coordinator Johana Oliveros. 

Likewise, it was evident how all the attendees analyzed each topic, were immersed in the exercise, and found aspects that they had not considered before their participation in the project.  

“Throughout the activity, which lasted four hours, the entrepreneurs organized information, generated some useful strategies and defined needs, opportunities and problems in a more conscious way or that perhaps they had not previously recognized.” 

What’s the next step? 

From now on, the University-SME Connection Coordination will produce a report that takes into account the needs, opportunities, and challenges of the sectors to which the SMEs belong. This report will be based on official information from various entities and on data collected by each of the beneficiary companies during the workshop. This will generate portfolios of needs, opportunities, and challenges, enabling them to make short-, medium-, and long-term decisions that will form the basis for establishing the innovation challenges they will address with partner universities in 2024. 

Stay connected with our activities! We’ll have much more for everyone in 2024. 

Exploring the Terrain: Entrepreneurs from Fusióni3 Valle del Cauca delve into their First Innovation Analysis

Entrepreneurs benefiting from the Fusióni3 Valle project have begun the process that will lead them to identify and overcome their main challenges in the field of innovation.

On this first occasion, they adopted the Business Model Canvas methodology, led on November 20 by Johanna Oliveros, coordinator of the University-MiPymes Connection.

In the virtual session, titled “Start by Understanding Your Environment to Define Your Innovation Challenges,” the importance of thoroughly understanding the environment of each SME was emphasized, exploring its needs, opportunities, and problems. This in-depth knowledge serves as the foundation for defining the challenges that each company faces.

The participating entrepreneurs connected using a pre-completed format of the Business Model Canvas, which provided them with a valuable strategic basis for analyzing and managing their growth opportunities.

During the session, coordinator Oliveros detailed each component of the model, its importance, and through examples, illustrated how factors such as customer types, contact channels, and value proposition can be fundamental to identifying opportunities and establishing unique business challenges.

“It is very important for entrepreneurs to have a clear understanding of their environment, as this allows them to recognize the needs of their customers and create products and services that are significantly cutting-edge. Furthermore, these spaces at Fusióni3 Valle are designed to provide them with tools to innovate in a more methodical and less intuitive way,” said Oliveros.

What is the Business Model Canvas?

The Business Model Canvas is a visual tool that provides a holistic and simplified view of the key components of a business model. This model is presented on a canvas or plan divided into sections that represent the essential aspects of any business.

Components of the Canvas Model:

• Customer Segments:  o Identifies the groups of people or companies that the company targets.

• Value Proposition:  o Describe the products or services you offer and why customers should choose them.

• Distribution Channels:  o Indicates how the company delivers its products or services to customers.

• Customer Relations:  o Describe how the company interacts and connects with its customers.

• Sources of Income:  o Detail the ways in which the company generates income.

• Key Resources:  o List the essential assets to make the business model work.

• Key Activities:  o Identify the essential actions to execute the business model.

• Key Partners:  o List the collaborations and strategic alliances necessary for success.

• Cost Structure:  o Details the expenses necessary to maintain the business model.

Why is it so important for entrepreneurs?  The Business Model Canvas is crucial for entrepreneurs for several reasons:

  • Holistic Vision:  Provides a complete and easy-to-understand view of all key aspects of a business on a single page.
  • Opportunity Identification: Facilitates the identification of opportunities for improvement and growth by visualizing the interconnection of business components.
  • Effective Communication: o Simplifies internal and external communication by offering a clear visual representation of the business model.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Allows for quick adjustments and changes in the business model, in response to market dynamics.

Face-to-face meeting: Defining Needs, Opportunities, and Problems

 

On November 29 and 30, entrepreneurs will be divided into two groups to participate in a face-to-face session focused on defining Needs, Opportunities and Problems (NOP) in their business environments and sectors.

This activity will also serve as a meeting point for the participants, giving them the opportunity to get to know each other better and interact with the Fusióni3 Valle coordinators. These coordinators will be present to address questions and propose alternatives, collaboratively moving the process to a later stage.

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