Technological and Social Innovation Hubs - INNOVAKIT, Colombia

The implemented technological innovation hubs have been developed taking into account the social dynamics specific to the producers and the regions, successfully advancing technological adoptions and producing significant impacts on the bioeconomy

Context of the story

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages globally, produced in over 70 countries, primarily in the "coffee belt" that spans Latin America, Africa, Asia, and some Indian Ocean islands. The industry, valued at three trillion dollars annually, involves 25 million farmers and more than 1.5 million coffee shops. However, it faces environmental and social sustainability issues, such as high water consumption and price variability, which particularly affect Colombian producers. These challenges include extreme weather conditions and economic competition. In response, INNOVAKIT in 2015 introduced a methodology to improve knowledge adoption and coffee quality, integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices.

Development of a comprehensive and social transfer model to implement sustainable production and marketing systems for specialty coffees, primarily aimed at family farming.

The implemented initiative

The Technological Innovation Hubs model focuses on developing simple and affordable technological solutions and tools to improve coffee production systems, especially for small producers in Colombia and internationally. It includes technical assistance to strengthen capacities in good environmental practices, climate change adaptation, and financial and administrative management. Additionally, it integrates an ecosocial component to advance towards carbon neutrality and reduce the water, plastic, and labor footprint in the production of specialty coffees. The model also promotes the inclusion of children and youth, generating opportunities in the production and services related to specialty coffees.

The technological solution

This model, called Technological Innovation Hubs, developed by INNOVAKIT, addresses the challenge of simplifying process implementation in the production of specialty coffees. It focuses on simple and accessible technological tools to enhance productivity, especially for small producers globally. It includes technical assistance that reinforces good environmental practices and climate adaptation, along with organizational, financial, and administrative support. An ecosocial component aims for carbon neutrality and reduces water and plastic footprints. Additionally, it integrates the participation of youth and children in collaborative learning processes that promote traceability and digital visibility, ensuring quality and sustainability in coffee production. This participatory approach involves lead producers in technology transfer, linking rural communities in continuous improvement and the creation of differentiated coffee for exclusive markets.

At first, it sounded like something out of a science fiction movie, but soon we realized it was our key to the future.

Hernán Julio Botina Galeano

Participating countries

Colombia

Type of project

Results

The Technological Innovation Hubs in coffee production have transformed the bioeconomy in six countries, benefiting 3,000 coffee farmers. Initially established in Cundinamarca, Colombia, in 2015, these hubs have implemented technologies that reduce water consumption by 80% and have captured more than 90 tons of carbon through reforestation, offering bonuses to producers for each tree planted. Additionally, plastic collection has been incentivized and 146 microcredits have been granted, primarily benefiting women. This approach has increased sales of specialty coffee by 10% and doubled the premium paid to producers, solidifying a sustainable and economically viable production model.