Meet the 2025 - 2027 futurism fellows

Xilena Caicedo Viveros

“I am passionate about [using technology to] promote quality education in Afro-descendant communities. My dream is to bring transformative tools to new generations so they can dream of changing their future — and see that dream as something increasingly possible."

Fredy E Mena Andrade

“Throughout my life, I have built developer communities and strengthened others through volunteer work. I was the creator of the first international technology conference in Chocó: Hackdó — or the Hackers of the River. Later on, I designed the teaching methodology for the RioSoftware V1.0 bootcamp."

Alexander Paz Garcia

“I am a Caleño raised in eastern Cali by a Black single mother, full of creativity and love… I want not only to provide training, but also to strengthen the recognition of the ancestral work of Afro-descendant women, connecting it with technological tools and opportunities for competitiveness in Cali and other cities across the country."

Zuri Zadai Valoyes Mosquera

“My goal is to strengthen spaces for digital literacy within the digital ecosystem, using the platform I am building as a tool for positioning and algorithmic transformation for people who have faced countless barriers from institutions that prioritize those who already have the capital or connections to access the widest dissemination platforms."

Maria Isabel Caicedo Viveros

“We know that good nutrition can make the difference between living well or facing preventable illnesses. I seek to democratize access to reliable, culturally relevant, and easily applicable information, using technology as a bridge to make health and nutrition a right, not a luxury."

About the Fellowship

Techademics Institute’s Futurism Fellowship is a two-year program for underrepresented Colombians who are using technology to create better communities and solve some of the country’s most pressing challenges. 

The two-year fellowship alternates between more frequent intensive in-person sessions and focused virtual work and learning periods. The fellowship follows three work streams that are integrated throughout this timeline: 

  • Seminars, Discussions and Workshops on Leadership Development; Networking & Relationship Building; Thriving in Spaces & Belonging; and Building & Managing a Team

  • Personalized Upskilling & Personalized Leadership Plan that includes connection to career opportunities; an international network of mentors; and online certification and learning tools

  • Social Impact through a year 1 cohort collaborative project and a year 2 focus on fellows’ own project

The Futurism Fellowship will be offered in English and Spanish. Fellows must have some fluency in English.

Applications for the 2027 - 2029 Futurism Fellowship will open in Fall 2026!

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility Criteria

  • Individuals between the ages of 22 - 45;

  • Individuals who are able to travel to Medellín for in-person meetings at least twice a year; 

  • Individuals currently living and working in Colombia;

  • Individuals who can work in collaboration with others; and 

  • Individuals who can and will make a two-year commitment to this program

Two-Year Fellowship Commitment & Responsibilities

Before being admitted into this two-year Fellowship, fellows agree to the following time commitments and responsibilities:  

  • Complete quarterly programming and upskilling benchmarks set by fellowship 

  • Biannual in-person fellow meet ups in Medellín (2x a year) 

  • Quarterly virtual meetings with Fellowship Directors (4x a year)

  • Quarterly virtual or in-person meetings with mentor (4x a year) 

  • Produce project in collaboration with fellows during first year of fellowship

  • Produce individual project during second year of fellowship  

Futurism Fellowship Selection Committee

The central instrument for awarding the Futurism Fellowship is an interdisciplinary selection committee. In a reporting system, committee members comment on the applications assigned to them. All decisions are discussed and made jointly by the interdisciplinary committee. Selection of the Futurism Fellows requires the approval of the Techademics Institute’s directors.

The selection committee includes:

  • Colombia-born tech industry leaders 

  • Colombia-based business, government, and civic leaders

  • U.S.-based technology and business leaders 

This composition ensures an appropriate technical, non-biased assessment of the applications, which is complemented by the integration of institutional knowledge on strategic and structural aspects.

Additionally, the following aspects of the committee are taken into account:

  • Balanced age and gender distribution;

  • Balance of regional distribution; and

  • Balance of industry and community understanding

  • Over the past few years we have learned more about Colombia and its emerging and thriving technology sector. We have also met some amazing people and talent during this time and are committed to helping to make sure that all Colombians have Access to the opportunities that are available in a growing sector. The Futurism Fellowship is an initial step in supporting the leaders in Colombia.

  • The Techademics Institute will be providing scholarships for all fellows to participate in the 2 year program. Fellows will need to travel to Medellin or other locations in Colombia for any in person sessions. Any applicant is encouraged to speak with us if the travel may be an issue for their participation.

  • This year will be the inaugural cohort for the fellowship, we are excited to select the initial leaders that will set the standard for many to come. The fellowship was designed based on successful fellowships such as Aspen Institute and Eisenhower Fellows.