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Grantee: Latimpacto
Subgrantee: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Pantera Makers S.A.S.
Geographic Focus Colombia, Amazon Basin
Duration: May 2026 – April 2029
This project will build the enabling conditions for the bioeconomy sector in the two biggest rainforest regions in Colombia – the Amazon and Chocó. Although geographically separated by the Andes mountain range, both regions maintain important ecological and hydrological connectivity and face similar development pressures, including deforestation, limited economic alternatives compatible with conservation, and weak market integration for community-based enterprises.
The project takes a systemic approach to developing a functioning bioeconomy in the Chocó-Amazon corridor by addressing sector-wide barriers while supporting Indigenous-, Afro-descendant-, and locally led small and medium enterprises to improve their commercial and investment readiness. A Bioeconomy Catalytic Fund will provide tailored capacity building, technical assistance, and impact capital to accelerate enterprise growth and market readiness. At the same time, the project will strengthen evidence, coordination mechanisms, financial tools, and direct engagement opportunities so that Colombian philanthropies and private sector actors can make more informed investment and collective action decisions. Tailored exchanges between Colombian and Brazilian investors will further mobilise capital flows and trade opportunities for bioeconomy enterprises across the corridor, helping build a more connected, resilient, and inclusive regional socio-bioeconomy ecosystem.
About Latimpacto: Latimpacto is Latin America’s leading network for impact-focused philanthropy and investment, connecting more than 240 organisations across 17 countries, including foundations, corporations, impact investors, multilaterals, family offices, and community-led organisations. Its mission is to strengthen ecosystems and enable evidence-based, cross-sector solutions that address environmental and social challenges through the mobilisation of human, intellectual, and financial capital.
One of Latimpacto’s focus areas is on development of socio-bioeconomy models that align economic growth with biodiversity conservation and community well-being across the region. Through strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovative financing mechanisms, it supports initiatives that advance sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and inclusive development in Latin America.
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Rural and Environmental Department): The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ) will support the project as a strategic territorial knowledge partner, under the leadership of Pablo Palacios, PhD. PUJ brings deep expertise in applied research at the intersection of bioeconomy and conservation, with a proven ability to translate evidence into practical, decision-ready solutions. Grounded in long-standing collaboration with local communities, PUJ’s participatory and co-creation methodologies ensure that knowledge is anchored in local realities, strengthens community capacities, and directly informs decision-making based on sustainable and equitable territorial development.
Pantera Makers: Pantera Makers is a Colombian-based business accelerator and innovation consulting firm that helps startups and companies in Latin America scale their operations. They prioritise industries including sustainability, climate change, clean energy and agrotech. Pantera Makers will lead the enterprise-strengthening component for the ventures selected for funding, providing tailored, needs-based support spanning strategy, governance, operations, finance, and market access, so that grant resources translate into measurable execution capacity and readiness to scale. They bring practical, field-tested methodologies and management tools that strengthen accountability, improve resource management, and accelerate sustainable growth.
Jacobs Futura Foundation is a registered charity in the UK with charity number 1208303. Jacobs Futura Trustee Limited, a company limited by guarantee, is the trustee of the Jacobs Futura Foundation and is registered in England and Wales with company number 14775871.
©Jacobs Futura Foundation 2026
