The national government and key players in the innovation ecosystem today signed an agreement of intent to officially join the Bogota Science, Technology and Innovation District - Region, led by the Bogota Chamber of Commerce and its subsidiary Corferias; the Mayor's Office of Bogota and the Government of Cundinamarca.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Arturo Luis Luna Tapia; the general director of SENA, Jorge Eduardo Londoño Ulloa; the vice-president of Science, Technology and Innovation of Ecopetrol, Ernesto José Gutiérrez de Piñeres; the rector of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Dolly Montoya Castaño; and the president of ETB, Alex Javier Blanco Riveira, signed the agreement.

The new partners committed to actively participate in the conceptualization, design, structuring and development of the DCTIB, articulate their initiatives in science, technology and innovation with those of the project, promote the project to involve more partners, and explore mechanisms to contribute resources for the development of the District.

Nicolás Uribe Rueda, executive president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, stated that: "For the development of the DCTIB we analyzed and incorporated the best practices of 58 successful cases around the world, where projects have enabled economic renewal by transforming cities and regions into important scientific, technological and cultural platforms, leading them to become more competitive, dynamic and innovative at the national and international level. In addition, it has fostered urban and social renewal, by favoring the interrelation and collaborative work between businessmen, entrepreneurs, students and citizens in general".

Alfredo Bateman, Secretary of Economic Development of Bogota, stated that "The Innovation District and its initial building will detonate the urban revitalization of a strategic area of the city within the framework of the programmatic commitments of the city's new POT and its potential to facilitate economic development based on innovation and people, on the quality of urban life and on the potential of the city when it facilitates interaction and encounter, to become a factory of ideas".

For his part, the executive president of Corferias, Andres Lopez Valderrama, said that "From Corferias we are very pleased to be part of this great public-private partnership that will develop the District of Science, Technology and Innovation of Bogota, which will contribute to the economic development of the city, the region and the country, It will promote connections and creative friction through public spaces that converge with private spaces, revitalize the tangible and intangible heritage that characterizes the physical and cultural environment, establish a green matrix that will improve the welfare of all citizens and generally strengthen and energize the ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation that the country needs so much".

The event also brought together, as Friends of the DCTIB, more than 45 unions and entities that pledged to actively participate in the project and contribute their knowledge and experience to ensure that the project meets the needs of all stakeholders. In addition, to promote the District, enable access and exchange of technologies, and participate in the selection of the brand for the District.

The feasibility of the project will be ready by the middle of this year, construction will begin in the first half of 2024, and the first building of the District will open its doors no later than two years later, in 2026.

About DCTIB

The DCTIB will promote and facilitate the interaction between different actors, and the transfer of talent, knowledge and resources between the private sector, the public sector, academia and citizens to promote science, technology and innovation in Bogota and the region, and turn the city and its surroundings into the epicenter of entrepreneurship, innovation and development in Latin America. All this thanks to the fact that it will boost specialized talent by integrating market supply and demand.

Innovation Districts drive economic development by attracting sources of investment and financing so that ventures and/or businesses can be scaled and expanded, and by supporting the market entry of new products and services. This gives an advantage to MSMEs, who will be able to access specialized services.

In terms of urban renewal, the districts transform areas of the cities into high quality environments for working, living and learning, creating diverse and balanced ecosystems, where protected housing, facilities and green areas coexist for better living and working. In the case of the DCTIB, 247 hectares will benefit.

The services to be provided by DCTIB:

Minimum viable product laboratory services

Environment understanding center

Entrepreneurship Landing (virtual networking space)

Articulation of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem

Knowledge transfer and training center

Data and information center

Coworking and networking spaces

Auditorium and showrooms for dissemination of STI+i initiatives and services based on 5G technologies.