AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity in Healthcare: A new Biofile report says 6 in 10 cyberattacks in Colombia hit hospitals and clinics, putting patient data and emergency operations at risk. Digital Finance & Stablecoins: Nu says it has launched U.S. banking products via Lead Bank and a separate global account that converts deposits into USDC/EURC, with transfers across 35+ countries. Banking Malware Watch: Researchers report the Casbaneiro trojan using phishing PDFs, geofenced delivery, and distributed command servers to target bank users in Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. Health Tech from Colombia: A Bogota doctor’s $30 device aims to detect respiratory crises up to 15 days earlier than current diagnosis methods. Biodiversity & Environment: In Guainía, nearly-forgotten dragonfly diversity is being documented with Indigenous communities, while a Colombia mangrove study finds fiddler crabs are breaking microplastics into smaller, harder-to-remove particles. Policy & Governance: Colombia’s vice president unveiled five “major missions” for the “Miracle Homeland,” including AI and energy security priorities. Mental Health Access: Colombia’s first lady launched a free suicide-prevention platform connecting people with 400+ professionals. AI Agents & Payments: Mastercard predicts AI agents will increasingly handle shopping and personal finance by 2030, raising governance needs.

Healthcare Cybersecurity: A new Biofile report says 6 in 10 cyberattacks in Colombia hit hospitals and clinics, putting medical records, diagnoses, and emergency operations at risk. Digital Health Innovation: Colombian doctor Maria Artunduaga is behind a $30 device aimed at detecting respiratory crises up to 15 days earlier than current diagnosis methods. Mental Health Access: Colombia’s first lady launched “Un Corazon Contigo,” a free mental health platform for suicide prevention, staffed by 400+ professionals. Public Safety Tech in Conflict: Colombia’s drone use is escalating in the war against armed groups, with civilians reporting psychological impact as drones become more common along drug corridors. Biodiversity & Research: The Amazon’s freshwater fish diversity tops 2,700 species, with a new report urging faster protection to avoid costly restoration. Environment & Materials: A study finds fiddler crabs in Colombia’s mangroves swallow microplastics and break them into smaller, harder-to-remove particles. U.S.-Colombia Tech & Security Links: Marco Rubio’s South America tour highlighted deeper security cooperation, including possible expanded U.S. military presence in Colombia. Global Nursing Recognition: UK nurse Agimol Pradeep won the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026 for transplant and organ-donation advocacy.

Mental Health Access: Colombia’s first lady launched “Un Corazon Contigo,” a free mental-health platform for suicide prevention, connecting people to 400+ professionals after 3,066 suicides were recorded in 2024. Environment & Microplastics: A study finds Colombia’s Gulf of Urabá fiddler crabs swallow microplastics and fragment them into smaller, harder-to-clean particles—turning mangroves into a faster pathway for plastic spread. Public Health Spillover from Waste: After China’s plastic-waste import ban, Latin America is flagged as a hotspot for health risks, with multiple countries seeing sharp increases in waste imports and open dumping. Judicial Oversight on Eradication: A Colombian judge halted a Putumayo aerial spraying pilot for illicit crops, citing potential harm to farming communities and the environment. US-Colombia Security Tech & Policy: Marco Rubio’s tour underscores deeper US-backed anti-drug cooperation, including a possible expansion of US military presence, as Colombia aligns further with the “Shield of the Americas.” Fintech Payments: MoneyGram launched a Visa card in Colombia that lets users spend USD Coin (USDC) at merchants, highlighting the growing stablecoin push in Latin American payments. Education Policy: Colombia named Ilva Myriam Hoyos Castañeda Education Minister, with immediate focus on textbook review and rules for private support in under-served areas.

U.S.-Colombia Security Pivot: Marco Rubio’s tour wrapped with fresh agreements and a clearer path for deeper U.S. security cooperation, including Rubio leaving the door open to expanded U.S. military presence in Colombia. Drug War Tech & Operations: The same push is tied to the “Shield of the Americas” counter-cartel coalition, with intelligence, training, equipment, and joint actions aimed at trafficking networks. Environment vs. Eradication: A Colombian judge halted a Putumayo aerial spraying pilot for illicit crops, citing risks to farming communities and the environment. Fintech for Remittances: Nubank is moving to make international remittances to Colombia faster and cheaper, aiming for near-instant transfers and eliminating commissions. Education Policy Shift: Colombia named Ilva Myriam Hoyos Castañeda as Education Minister, with immediate attention on textbook reviews and the role of private and religious groups in schooling. International Research & Culture: UNESCO advanced new tools for ethical AI governance at a global forum, while Colombia’s film scene scored at Venice with a Colombian entry earning a jury mention.

Colombia-US Security & Tech: Marco Rubio wrapped up a Colombia-Ecuador-Peru tour with new trade and security alliances, including intelligence and equipment cooperation aimed at drug trafficking and organized crime. Criminal Corridors on the Caribbean: An analysis says Colombia’s armed groups keep control of coastal routes and ports through “criminal governance,” so authorities need sustained presence and intelligence—not just raids. Fintech for Colombians: Nubank launched in the U.S. via a sponsor bank and is pushing instant, low-cost remittances to Colombia and other LATAM markets. Education Policy Shift: Colombia named Ilva Myriam Hoyos Castañeda Education Minister, with immediate controversy over textbook review and church-linked support for schooling. Cyber & Online Harms: UNESCO-backed partners in Iraq expanded monitoring to track disinformation, hate speech, and harassment during the regional conflict. Health & Research: A rare Colombian brain case report highlights how scans can mislead and why pathology matters. Climate Resilience: Chicago topped a climate-resilience ranking, underscoring how infrastructure and policy shape risk.

Digital Finance: Nubank is pushing instant, zero-commission international remittances to Colombia and other LATAM markets, while also launching its U.S. banking suite via partner Lead Bank (deposit accounts, credit cards, and cross-border transfers). Payments Innovation: MoneyGram rolled out a Visa stablecoin card in Colombia, letting users hold dollar-linked balances and spend or withdraw via its network. Cybersecurity: Researchers say the Gigabud Android banking trojan uses weaponized app cloning and Android Work Profiles to hide fraud activity from checks, with targeting that includes Colombia. Public Safety & Health: A $1M Fairfax search-and-rescue training facility fire led to arrests, and new research links toxic dust and PTSD to faster brain aging among 9/11 first responders. Colombia Tech & Policy: Colombia’s tech ministry created a weekly working group to respond to social media recruitment of minors. Industry & Trade: The Colombian-German Chamber of Commerce launched “Powered by Germany” to accelerate industrial automation and modernization with measurable investment and knowledge-transfer goals. Science/Medicine: A rare, noncancerous brain lesion in a Colombian case report initially looked like aggressive glioma on scans.

Stablecoin Payments in Colombia: MoneyGram launched a Visa stablecoin card in Colombia, letting users hold dollar-linked balances and spend or withdraw cash via MoneyGram locations; the virtual card is available through the app and can be added to Apple Wallet/Google Wallet, with a physical card planned for late 2026. Coca Eradication Update: Colombia approved a pilot aerial spraying test for coca using glufosinate ammonium (not glyphosate), limited to up to 1,000 hectares over seven days, with environmental and Indigenous/Afro-Colombian consultation requirements before any flights. Social Media Integrity: Meta is expanding Community Notes testing to multiple Latin American countries including Colombia, as a regional fact-checking network warns it could replace independent verification and worsen misinformation risks. Cybercrime & Mobile Fraud: Researchers say Android banking malware is evolving in the region, using Android Work Profiles to hide from fraud checks; the campaign linked to Gigabud reportedly caused about $1M in losses in Indonesia. Robotics in Healthcare: SS Innovations reported major growth of its SSi Mantra surgical robot, including robotic cardiac surgery in Colombia and telesurgery links between Colombia and India. Public Safety & Environment: A judge ordered authorities to control hippos threatening schoolchildren in Puerto Nare, after repeated dangerous encounters on daily boat commutes. Security & Drones: A UN-linked report says foreign networks have supplied drones and military support to Sudan’s warring parties, with alleged transit and links including Colombia.

Meta Fact-Check Shift: A LatAm fact-checking network asked Meta not to replace professional verification with Community Notes, warning that crowdsourcing won’t be enough amid AI-driven disinformation. Colombia-US Tech & Security: Colombia and the U.S. signed new agreements tied to civil nuclear energy and critical minerals, as Washington pushes deeper security and investment cooperation. Robotics in Healthcare: SS Innovations says its SSi Mantra is expanding fast, including Colombia’s first totally endoscopic beating-heart bypass surgery using the system. Fintech Meets Stablecoins: MoneyGram launched a Visa card backed by stablecoins, with Colombia getting early access and USDC powering the initial rollout. Drones vs Crime: A new ACLED report finds organized crime increasingly using armed drones across Latin America, with Colombia highlighted as among the most affected. Solar Industry Fight: GameChange Solar and Nextpower escalated patent lawsuits over solar tracker wind-protection tech, with GameChange listing Colombia among its service locations. Earthquake Recovery Watch: Reuters reports Colombia’s post-quake rebuilding is exposing inequality gaps as survivors face damaged homes and uncertain funding. Cybercrime Update: Group-IB reports Gigabud malware now uses Android work profiles to hide from banking app checks, complicating fraud detection. Aviation Fleet Move: Avianca signed a sale-and-leaseback for 12 Airbus A320neos with BOC Aviation, targeting deliveries in 2029.

US-Colombia Tech & Security Reset: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Abelardo de la Espriella signed new memorandums on nuclear energy and rare earths, framing a “rebirth” of ties alongside a security and investment agenda. AI for Work in LatAm: JLL released “Future of Work 2026,” finding Latin America is eager for AI-led workforce change but less prepared to execute it—Colombia is at the lowest adoption maturity level in the region. Colombia’s Coca Eradication Trial: Colombia will run a one-week aerial fumigation test on coca fields, using glufosinate ammonium and avoiding sensitive areas, as it evaluates a return to large-scale spraying. Health & Research Spotlight: IntelLat’s 2026 ranking places Colombia’s Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota among the region’s top hospitals, highlighting clinical safety, efficiency, telemedicine, and patient experience. Space & Nature Tourism: La Guajira is leaning into astrotourism, with Los Flamencos’ sanctuary boosting stargazing as a new tech-enabled travel draw. Consumer Tech: Apple unveiled the foldable iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro lineup, with Colombia included in pre-order availability.

U.S.-Colombia Tech & Minerals Deal: Marco Rubio’s visit helped lock in Colombia–U.S. cooperation on rare earths, critical minerals, and civilian nuclear energy, aiming to reduce supply-chain dependence and spur local processing and jobs. Cybercrime Watch: Group-IB reports GoldFactory’s Gigabud trojan now clones banking apps via a weaponized Android app-cloning tool (Vwork), targeting countries including Colombia and bypassing detection across Android work profiles. Digital Trust Battle: Meta is testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries (including Colombia) as a potential replacement for professional fact-checking, drawing sharp concern from the international fact-checking community. Security & Policy: Colombia lifted its long-standing gun ban, reactivating valid carry permits under stricter licensing rules. Health & Research: ACC Latin America 2026 heads to Medellín (Sept. 17–19) to share cardiovascular science and care strategies across the region. Climate Impact: A study warns Caribbean queen conch marine protected areas may fail as ocean conditions shift abruptly within two decades. AI in Industry: Mining tech demos at Electra Mining Africa highlight AI reducing tyre-related downtime by up to 20%.

US-Colombia nuclear & critical minerals deal: Marco Rubio and Colombia’s leadership signed two memorandums in Barranquilla to strengthen civil nuclear cooperation and build “secure, diversified and fair” critical-minerals supply chains, with support for mining and processing projects and faster permitting. Cybersecurity for SMBs: Kaspersky says 86% of small and medium businesses globally reported at least one cyber incident in the past year, with phishing and ransomware among the most damaging, pushing demand for stronger, purpose-built protection. Earth science breakthrough: Researchers studying Colombia’s Northern Andes volcanic rocks report the Americas’ major tectonic collision happened earlier than previously thought, using magnetic signatures preserved in the rocks. Climate-smart crop footprinting: SUSTAINCrop will create a digital tool to assess environmental impacts of industrial crops (like corn and soy) under real production conditions, with Colombia’s institutions in the Latin American knowledge group. Indigenous adaptation in Sierra Nevada: Wiwa families are moving downslope to protect community cohesion amid armed violence and climate pressures, guided by a “law of origin.” Payments interoperability: TerraPay and Alipay+ expanded cross-border QR wallet payments via Xend, aiming to let users pay at Alipay+ merchants across regions. Health tech for quitting smoking: Bedfont Scientific registered its Smokerlyzer CO monitoring devices in Colombia through Medicah to support smoking cessation services.

Cybersecurity: SOCRadar says hackers are actively exploiting a FortiGate FortiOS flaw (CVE-2025-25249) to drop custom Node.js malware and keep long-term access on compromised perimeter devices. Trade & Industry: Colombia is pushing to revive its stalled Japan trade pact and court new Toyota investment after Tokyo meetings, aiming for tech transfer and jobs. Economy & Markets: The peso’s August rally cooled after a fiscal shock hit sentiment, while earlier strength helped push Cartagena hotel occupancy down to a three-year low. Disaster Tech & Resilience: Ookla reports Colombia’s mobile networks failed in line with earthquake shaking, with the worst outages arriving later as backup power ran down. Health & Research: A Lancet trial (LatAm-FINGERS) finds structured, coached lifestyle support improves cognition far more than general advice for older adults. Biodiversity: Scientists describe a new frog species in Colombia/Ecuador after a century of misclassification. Education: Colombia’s 2025 PISA results show a sharp math setback, with 71% of students below basic proficiency. AI & Mining Safety: Colombia teams will compete for a $6,000 prize in an AI4SafeMines mine-safety challenge at ISSA in Saskatoon.

Drug Enforcement: Irish Gardaí and Colombia’s National Police signed a cooperation MoU to disrupt the Kinahan-linked cocaine trade, including shared intelligence and joint training, building on earlier liaison work in Bogotá. AgTech & Climate: A France-Colombia team unveiled a deep-learning pipeline to measure rice root air spaces (aerenchyma) at scale, aiming to speed breeding for lower methane leakage and better flood resilience. Health Policy (Medicinal Cannabis): University of Antioquia researchers mapped how evidence and stakeholder input can be translated into Colombia’s medicinal cannabis regulation, feeding directly into Ministry of Health decision-making. Pharma (Diabetes/Weight Loss): A new pooled analysis finds semaglutide and tirzepatide can be essentially equivalent for weight loss at matched dose combinations in type 2 diabetes. Mining & Critical Minerals: A gold exploration project in Caldas discovered tungsten (wolfram), a strategically important metal with a large global market and heavy processing concentration abroad. Geophysics: Vector Geophysical bought 30,000 STRYDE Halo-Connect nodes to boost high-density seismic surveys in Colombia, with faster node rotation for exploration projects. Public Safety (Volcano): Puracé remains on orange alert after continued seismic unrest and ash emissions. Economy (FX Pressure on Exports): Four fruit-sector companies reportedly closed in Colombia after the peso’s dollar-linked weakness squeezed margins, hitting exporters like avocado and cape gooseberry growers.

Mining & Critical Minerals: Collective Mining says it found tungsten (scheelite) in Caldas after six years of drilling for gold, with tungsten valued at about US$5.43B in 2025 and dominated by China—raising Colombia’s strategic minerals profile. Public Safety & Disaster Response: A 7.4 quake hit western Colombia, killing at least 111 and damaging thousands of buildings, while Puracé remains on orange alert after ongoing seismic unrest and ash emissions. Security Tech & Cross-Border Policing: An Garda Síochána and Colombia’s National Police signed a cooperation pact to share intelligence and train jointly to disrupt international cocaine trafficking networks. Earthquake Recovery Mobilization: Colombia’s top business groups are traveling to Chocó with President De la Espriella to help map a reconstruction roadmap after the Aug. 10 disaster. Energy/Geoscience Hardware: Vector Geophysical bought 30,000 STRYDE Halo-Connect nodes to boost high-density seismic surveys in Colombia, including work for Parex Resources. Digital Risk & Child Protection: UNICEF reports 20M children (12–17) faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year across 21 countries, with social media driving most cases. Tech Payments: SQRIL says it’s expanding scan-to-pay QR payments for banks and neobanks across Asia, Africa and Latin America, aiming to cut cross-border card and ATM costs.

Colombia Tech & Society: Bogotá’s Colegio Las Margaritas cut serious school coexistence incidents by 85%, bullying to zero, and dropout to under 1% by shifting to emotional well-being, peer-led conflict resolution, and dialogue. Biodiversity Tech: Colombia is consolidating a national camera-trap monitoring effort via the OTUS Network, coordinated by Humboldt Institute, Conservation International Colombia, regional environmental authorities, Wildlife Insights, and Google, to generate decision-ready wildlife data. AI & Governance: Colombia’s Technology Ministry created a weekly working group to manage social media responses aimed at stopping criminal recruitment of minors. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports 20 million children face online sexual abuse each year, with a new multi-country study including Colombia. Climate & Risk: El Niño is expected to intensify into a very strong event through at least February, with impacts already reaching Colombia and the region. Startup Ecosystem: Tech Sphere returned to Medellín, highlighting how BI companies are racing to keep up with AI as Medellín’s tech base grows.

Biodiversity Monitoring: Colombia is consolidating a national camera-trap network (OTUS) to generate reliable wildlife data for conservation decisions, linking Humboldt Institute, Conservation International Colombia, regional environmental authorities, Wildlife Insights, and Google. Public Health & Safety Tech: UNICEF reports about 20 million children (12–17) across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with Colombia included in the newer 2024–2025 survey wave. AI in Mobility Safety: Yango Ride says privacy-protecting call tech and anti-fraud systems helped cut grave traffic violations 31% globally, with post-trip contact drops reported in Peru and Colombia. Education & Well-being: A Bogotá public school (Colegio Las Margaritas IED) cut serious coexistence incidents 85%, bullying to zero, and dropout below 1% by shifting toward emotional well-being and peer-led conflict resolution. Climate Context: El Niño is expected to intensify into a very strong event through at least February, reshaping rainfall and temperatures across Latin America including Colombia. Construction Innovation: A Colombian startup built modular homes and classrooms using coffee husk plus recycled plastic, reaching 3,700 houses and 1,000 classrooms.