SENA, CORNARE, Universidad Católica de Oriente, and AGROSAVIA join forces to strengthen education, applied research, and innovation in the highlands of Eastern Antioquia

• The Subregional Integrated Project of Agrotechnological Cities – Highlands Node introduced a training portfolio that connects scientific knowledge with regional needs, fostering the development of the agricultural sector.
• These institutions formalized the Strategic Declaration of the Technical Committee for Applied Research and Education, consolidating a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening technology transfer, enhancing skills, and building capacities to support regional development.
• This event was part of the 70th anniversary commemoration of the La Selva Research and Technology Transfer Center, highlighting its historic contributions to the development of Colombian agriculture.

 

Rionegro, Antioquia. July 15, 2026. The La Selva Research and Technology Transfer Center hosted the presentation of the training portfolio of the Subregional Integrated Project of Agrotechnological Cities – Highlands Node, an initiative led by SENA East – Center for Innovation, Agribusiness and Aviation of Rionegro, CORNARE, Universidad Católica de Oriente (UCO), and AGROSAVIA, in collaboration with other regional stakeholders. The initiative seeks to strengthen education, applied research, and the social appropriation of knowledge across Eastern Antioquia (Oriente Antioqueño).

The event brought together apprentices, instructors, researchers, institutional representatives, Indigenous communities, and women knowledge holders in a forum for dialogue and knowledge exchange focused on promoting the sustainable development of the region. Throughout the event, participants emphasized the importance of integrating science, technology, innovation, and ancestral knowledge as essential elements for building a more sustainable, competitive, and inclusive agricultural sector.

The participating institutions signed the Strategic Declaration of the Technical Committee for Applied Research and Education, reaffirming their shared commitment to collaboratively developing solutions to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector in the region.

According to Juan Mauricio Rojas A., Director of AGROSAVIA’s La Selva Research and Technology Transfer Center, “This initiative aligns with the Corporation’s overarching mission and strengthens the National Technology Transfer Strategy, which seeks to foster stronger integration among knowledge generation, technological development, and technology adoption by students, producers, extension agents, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the country’s regions.”

Within the framework of the Subregional Integrated Project of Agrotechnological Cities – Highlands Node, the enrollment process was announced for the technical programs in Beekeeping, Remote Piloted Aircraft (UAS – Drones), and Agrotronics. These programs are designed to strengthen human talent and respond to the productive needs of eastern Antioquia.

During the event, AGROSAVIA showcased its infrastructure, research, and technology transfer capabilities to serve the region, further consolidating this strategic partnership that promotes innovation, knowledge generation, and regional development.

As part of the day’s program, the panel discussion “Roots that Inspire: A Dialogue of Ancestral and Territorial Knowledge” was held, providing a space for reflection and knowledge exchange in which representatives of Indigenous communities and women knowledge holders shared their perspectives on land stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable production practices. The discussion highlighted the value of integrating scientific and traditional knowledge to generate and strengthen development alternatives grounded in a territorial approach.

This event forms part of the commemorative agenda marking the 70th anniversary of the La Selva Research and Technology Transfer Center, a series of activities that throughout the second half of 2026 will highlight its historic contribution to the development of Colombian agriculture and eastern Antioquia through research, innovation, and technology transfer.

Through initiatives such as this, AGROSAVIA reaffirms its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships that enhance human talent development, advance applied research, and promote innovative solutions for a more sustainable, competitive, and relevant agricultural sector.