# Top 34 research institutes in Colombia

Tamtam tracks 34 research institutes headquartered in Colombia. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de Antioquia and Universidad de Los Andes. Their median headcount is 1,111. Half of them were founded in 1962 or later. The most common headquarters are Bogotá (11), Medellín (7) and Cali (2).

This selection of research institutes in Colombia mainly comprises large universities. Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de Antioquia, and Universidad de Los Andes are among the largest, with employee counts reaching over 8,000. Other significant institutions include Universidad EAFIT, focused on academic excellence and research, and Universidad de La Sabana, a private institution with a Christian worldview. A common pattern is that most of these organizations are established universities, some with founding dates in the 19th century.

The list is dominated by higher education institutions, though it also features specialized research entities. AGROSAVIA, for example, is dedicated to agrarian research, while CIAT focuses on agricultural biodiversity and food systems. The headquarters locations show a concentration in major cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, with several institutions also found in other regional centers like Cali and Pereira.

🇨🇴 Colombia · 34 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Universidad Nacional de Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-nacional-de-colombia) (unal.edu.co)<br>Public autonomous university promoting higher education, research, arts, and national identity through nine campuses across Colombia. | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 14,660 | 1867 |
| 2 | [Universidad de Antioquia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-antioquia) (udea.edu.co)<br>Public state university providing high-quality higher education, research, and community outreach across multiple campuses in Antioquia, Colombia. | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Medellín | 10,625 | 1803 |
| 3 | [Universidad de Los Andes](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-los-andes) (uniandes.edu.co)<br>Private university in Bogotá offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across nine schools including sciences, humanities, law, and medicine. | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 8,560 | 1948 |
| 4 | [Universidad EAFIT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-eafit) (eafit.edu.co)<br>A higher education institution focused on academic excellence, international competence, and scientific research in partnership with industry, government, and academia | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Medellín | 4,343 | 1960 |
| 5 | [Universidad de La Sabana](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-la-sabana) (unisabana.edu.co)<br>A private institution of higher education focused on cultivating excellent professionals and individuals, inspired by a Christian worldview and dedicated to truth-seeking | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Chía | 4,102 | 1979 |
| 6 | [Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-pontificia-bolivariana) (portal.upb.edu.co)<br>A non-profit private higher education institution recognized by the Colombian state, focused on integrating knowledge with Christian humanism values since 1936 | Education Administration Programs | 🇨🇴 Medellín | 3,939 | 1936 |
| 7 | [Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-distrital-francisco-jose-de-caldas) (udistrital.edu.co)<br>A public university in Bogotá, Colombia, known for its cultural and scientific heritage, providing education to students in various fields | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 3,175 | 1948 |
| 8 | [Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-tecnologica-de-pereira) (utp.edu.co)<br>A leading Colombian public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across various faculties, with a diverse student body and flexible class schedules | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Universidad | 3,140 | 1961 |
| 9 | [Universidad Militar Nueva Granada](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-militar-nueva-granada) (umng.edu.co)<br>A national public institution dedicated to education, research, and development, addressing issues affecting Colombian society while fostering national self-renewal | Education Administration Programs | 🇨🇴 | 3,077 | 1982 |
| 10 | [Universidad del Cauca](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-del-cauca) (unicauca.edu.co)<br>A 180-year-old national public higher education institution in Colombia, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a peaceful environment in Popayán | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Popayán | 2,678 | 1827 |
| 11 | [Universidad del Atlántico](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-del-atlantico) (uniatlantico.edu.co)<br>Leading higher education institution in the Caribbean region of Colombia with approximately 25,000 students, currently on the path to institutional accreditation | Education Administration Programs | 🇨🇴 Puerto Colombia | 2,262 | 1940 |
| 12 | [Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/pontificia-universidad-javeriana-cali) (javerianacali.edu.co)<br>A prestigious educational institution with nearly 400 years of history, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as continuing education courses | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Cali | 2,219 | 1970 |
| 13 | [AGROSAVIA - Corporación colombiana de investigación agropecuaria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/agrosavia-corporacion-colombiana-de-investigacion-agropecuaria) (agrosavia.co)<br>A Colombian entity focused on agrarian research, driving technical advancements to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the agricultural sector | Farming | 🇨🇴 Mosquera | 1,583 | 1994 |
| 14 | [CIAT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ciat-cali) (ciat.cgiar.org)<br>The organization specializes in providing research-based solutions that utilize agricultural biodiversity to enhance food systems and benefit communities amidst a climate crisis | Research Services | 🇨🇴 Cali | 1,351 | 1967 |
| 15 | [UNIVERSIDAD LIBRE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-libre-pereira) (unilibre.edu.co)<br>The organization focuses on educating and developing well-rounded individuals with critical thinking skills, promoting Colombian identity and environmental preservation, and nurturing democratic and tolerant values | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Pereira | 1,286 |  |
| 16 | [Universidad FUCS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-fucs) (fucsalud.edu.co)<br>An institution of higher education focused on comprehensive student development in health sciences through research, technology, and social impact for community well-being | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 1,264 |  |
| 17 | [CORPOICA - Corporacioón Colombiana de Desarrollo Rural](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/corpoica-corporacioon-colombiana-de-desarrollo-rural) (org.co)<br>Dedicated to agricultural research in Colombia, focusing on the agribusiness sector to drive innovation and sustainable practices | Government Relations Services | 🇨🇴 | 1,111 | 1993 |
| 18 | [Universidad de Boyacá](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-boyaca) (uniboyaca.edu.co)<br>Higher education institution offering undergraduate, postgraduate, master's, diplomas, and seminars in various faculties such as engineering, architecture, law, and health sciences | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Tunja | 1,110 | 1979 |
| 19 | [Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/unidades-tecnologicas-de-santander) (uts.edu.co)<br>A public institution in Santander focused on ethical education, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship through quality teaching, research, and outreach for societal development | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Bucaramanga | 1,038 | 1963 |
| 20 | [Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-nacional-de-colombia-unal) (unal.edu.co)<br>A Colombian public university with a national scope, known for its historical significance and academic contributions to Latin America | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 981 |  |
| 21 | [Universidad de los Llanos](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-los-llanos) (unillanos.edu.co)<br>A public national higher education institution initially created as a technological university, now accredited for high-quality institutional education in 2022 | Education | 🇨🇴 Villavicencio | 823 | 1974 |
| 22 | [Universidad de San Buenaventura](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-san-buenaventura-medellin) (usbmed.edu.co)<br>This page provides all information about Universidad de San Buenaventura Medellín, serving as a comprehensive resource for the institution | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Medellín | 747 | 1697 |
| 23 | [Institución Universitaria Pascual Bravo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institucion-universitaria-pascual-bravo) (pascualbravo.edu.co)<br>A leading institution offering technical, technological, and now university programs, with academic quality valued by industries and presence in multiple locations | Education | 🇨🇴 Medellín | 576 | 1938 |
| 24 | [Instituto Nacional De Cancerología E.S.E.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-nacional-de-cancerologia-e-s-e) (cancer.gov.co)<br>Specializing in cancer treatment and research, this organization is located in Bogotá, Colombia and serves the community with healthcare services | Government Administration | 🇨🇴 Bogotá - Distrito Capital | 569 | 1934 |
| 25 | [Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-nacional-de-salud-de-colombia) (ins.gov.co)<br>The organization is a scientific and technical institute under the Ministry of Health, contributing to public health protection in Colombia | Research Services | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 504 | 1917 |
| 26 | [Jardín Botánico de Bogotá](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/jardin-botanico-de-bogota) (jbb.gov.co)<br>The botanical garden focuses on high Andean ecosystems, green coverage management, environmental education, flora conservation, and sustainability for citizen enjoyment | Research Services | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 477 | 1955 |
| 27 | [Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-de-investigacion-de-recursos-biologicos-alexander-von-humboldt) (humboldt.org.co)<br>A non-profit organization supporting biodiversity research for the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development since 1993 | Environmental Services | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 472 | 1993 |
| 28 | [UNIAGRARIA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uniagraria) (uniagraria.edu.co)<br>A provider of quality education and development opportunities in rural communities, focusing on regional development, sustainability, and environmental conservation through various academic programs and projects | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 417 | 1985 |
| 29 | [INVEMAR](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/invemar) (invemar.org.co)<br>Conducts basic and applied research on renewable natural resources and the environment in coastal and marine ecosystems to support sustainable resource management and environmental protection in Colombia | Research Services | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | 399 | 1993 |
| 30 | [Escuela Superior de Guerra](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/escuela-superior-de-guerra) (esdegue.edu.co)<br>A public higher education institution that trains military officers and civilian staff in leadership, strategic planning, security, and national defense | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 332 | 1909 |
| 31 | [Fundación CTIC, Centro de Tratamiento e Investigación sobre Cáncer Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fundacion-ctic-centro-de-tratamiento-e-investigacion-sobre-cancer-luis-carlos) (cticsarmientoangulo.org)<br>A non-profit foundation in Colombia dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of cancer patients through treatment and research | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇴 Bogotá | 329 | 2016 |
| 32 | [Fundación Jardín Botánico de Medellín](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fundacion-jardin-botanico-de-medellin) (botanicomedellin.org)<br>A botanical garden conducting research, conservation, and education to promote sustainable use of Colombia's flora and contribute to national well-being | Environmental Services | 🇨🇴 Medellín | 290 | 1972 |
| 33 | [Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-francisco-de-paula-santander) (ww2.ufps.edu.co)<br>A Public Higher Education Institution focused on quality teaching, research, and community engagement to train professionals committed to sustainable regional development | Higher Education | 🇨🇴 Cúcuta | 247 | 1962 |
| 34 | [CIDET](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cidet) (cidet.org.co)<br>The corporation promotes scientific and technological development in the Colombian electrical sector through research, quality management, certification, training, and information services | Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution | 🇨🇴 Medellín | 202 |  |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in Colombia

- [The largest companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-colombia) (2,285)
- [Multinational companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-colombia) (311)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-colombia) (249)
- [Manufacturers in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-colombia) (214)
- [Retail chains in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-colombia) (213)
- [Healthcare providers in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-colombia) (140)
- [Public sector organisations in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-colombia) (139)
- [Higher Education companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-colombia) (138)
- [Financial services firms in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-colombia) (136)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-colombia) (105)
- [Government Administration companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/government-administration-companies-colombia) (101)
- [Food and beverage companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-companies-colombia) (100)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-colombia) (98)
- [Financial Services companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-colombia) (97)
- [E-commerce companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-colombia) (94)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-colombia) (89)
- [Professional services firms in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-colombia) (88)
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- [Hospitals and Health Care companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-colombia) (82)
- [Food and Beverage Services companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-services-companies-colombia) (81)
- [Construction companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/construction-companies-colombia) (78)
- [Consumer goods companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consumer-goods-companies-colombia) (77)
- [Energy companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/energy-companies-colombia) (76)
- [Logistics companies in Colombia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-colombia) (71)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Latin America](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-latin-america) (512)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-colombia