This is how the East Colombian Fair will be lived in Duitama

The city of Duitama will host the fifteenth edition of the Feria del Oriente Colombiano, a major trade fair aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, business, and culture in the region. The event is scheduled to take place from June 26 to 29 and will bring together more than 170 exhibitors from various regions of the country. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Duitama, this year's fair seeks to create opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses, and visitors while highlighting the productive and creative potential of participants from departments such as Boyacá, Santander, Cundinamarca, Tolima, and other areas across Colombia.

The fair will serve as a platform for showcasing products and services from diverse economic sectors, including fashion, handicrafts, jewelry, agribusiness, food and beverages, machinery for tailoring and baking, vehicles, construction, design, advertising, and business services. In addition to these commercial aspects, the event will also feature spaces for business networking, commercial activities, and knowledge exchange. With the theme "Connect, inspire, and empower," the fair aims to facilitate the creation of strategic alliances, strengthen production linkages, and promote access to new markets for participants.

Cultural and entertainment activities will also be part of the event, catering to a wide range of audiences. These include exhibitions by harlists, performances by marching bands, artistic shows, dance displays, concerts, fashion parades, and business networking opportunities. According to organizers, the fair will highlight emerging projects related to entrepreneurship and innovation, emphasizing initiatives that contribute to the economic and social development of the region.

Andrea González Jarro, Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism of Duitama, emphasized the importance of supporting such events, stating that they provide significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses beyond being just a trade fair. She highlighted the value of recognizing individuals who contribute daily to the economic and social development of their territories through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Over its fifteen editions, the Feria del Oriente Colombiano has become a meeting point for various productive sectors in the region. It has served as a platform to promote competitiveness, strengthen cultural identity, and generate growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesspeople. For this edition, Duitama expects to welcome over 30,000 visitors from different parts of the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the business and cultural offerings concentrated in one location, with programming designed to promote commercial exchange, innovation, and recognition of the productive potential of the Colombian Eastern Region.

In parallel, another initiative focused on technological innovation is gaining momentum in Colombia. The eAwards Colombia 2026 competition, organized by NTT DATA, invites entrepreneurs to submit their technological projects until June 30. This prestigious event celebrates its 25th anniversary and serves as one of the most influential platforms for accelerating tech startups in Iberoamerica. Participants can apply free of charge through the official website, and those with advanced prototypes and high-growth technology proposals are encouraged to register.

Winners of the national edition will receive 40 million Colombian pesos in cash, along with access to a personalized business acceleration program. Additionally, the winning startup will gain a direct spot to represent Colombia in the international finals of the Global eAwards, which will be held in Portugal in November. There, Colombian innovators will compete against top contenders from Europe and Latin America for an additional prize of 100,000 euros.

Beyond monetary incentives, the eAwards ecosystem offers emerging companies significant value by connecting them directly with networks of experts, corporate mentoring, and strategic contacts with international investment funds. Daniel Rojas, Head of Marketing and Communications for NTT DATA in Colombia, emphasized the importance of visibility and connections in transforming great ideas into real solutions that can change lives.

Historically, the competition has demonstrated the long-term impact and viability of selected proposals. Since becoming an international program in 2008, an impressive 94% of winning startups have remained operational, defying the average high failure rate of new businesses in the region. Previous success stories include developments in artificial intelligence applied to early detection of breast cancer, assistive devices for visually impaired individuals, and sustainable solutions like Elastic Energy, which won last year’s national edition for its revolutionary biodegradable energy storage system based on tree sap.

These two events—Feria del Oriente Colombiano and eAwards Colombia 2026—highlight the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation in Colombia. While the former focuses on fostering regional economic ties and cultural expression, the latter emphasizes technological advancement and global competitiveness. Both aim to support the growth of local businesses and creators, offering them platforms to showcase their talents and connect with broader markets. As these initiatives unfold, they reflect the country's ongoing efforts to harness creativity and innovation for sustainable development.