AGP Executive Report

Space & STEM: A 15-year-old Colombian student, Maria de los Angeles Izquierdo, was selected to represent Colombia in India’s ShakthiSAT 2026 mission, joining the design and construction of a low-Earth-orbit nanosatellite after training programs linked to NASA and ISRO. Earthquake Tech & AI for Recovery: After Colombia’s Aug. 10 7.4 quake, the death toll rose to 331 as UNGRD reported thousands injured, missing, and displaced; meanwhile, an Israeli delegation says it has handed over AI and other high-tech systems to help map damaged structures in Cali and plan repairs or demolitions. AI Industry in Colombia: Medellín is gearing up for INMERXIA, the first Artificial Intelligence Week in the Americas (Nov. 9–13), with thousands expected across workshops, immersive experiences, and business meetings. Cybersecurity & Cloud: Truffle Security launched TruffleHog AWS Analyze to enrich leaked AWS credentials with access context so teams can prioritize remediation faster. Migration Policy Shift: President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered police and Migración Colombia to start deportation operations this week, targeting irregular migrants first for crimes, then for lack of regular status—an abrupt change after years of Venezuelan reception. Human Rights & Digital Recruiting: HRW warns armed groups are increasingly recruiting children in Colombia, using social media platforms and algorithms to expand reach.

AI & Education: Medellín is gearing up for INMERXIA, the first Artificial Intelligence Week in the Americas (Nov. 9–13, 2026), with talks, workshops, and business meetings across the city, including the Medellín Planetarium. Human Rights & Safety Tech: Human Rights Watch says Colombia’s armed groups are increasingly recruiting minors via social media, with platform algorithms helping spread recruitment content—urging stronger government action. Biodiversity & Community Science: Researchers in Guainía documented nearly 120 dragonfly and damselfly species, linking local monitoring with water protection and Indigenous knowledge. Earthquake Response Tech: Israel’s IDF says it has handed Colombia AI and other high-tech mapping systems to help assess which earthquake-damaged buildings are safe, usable, or need demolition. Agritech & Data Platforms: QED Connect and Energy Today announced an integrated agriculture intelligence plan in Colombia combining AI, SENA training, and farming/mining/environment initiatives.

El Niño Watch: A US climate-and-commodities analyst says a faster, stronger El Niño could hit South American farm regions earlier than expected, feeding into food inflation and central-bank decisions. Mediation Momentum: Colombia is now a State party to the UN Singapore Convention on Mediation, adding to the growing push to enforce cross-border mediated deals alongside arbitration and courts. Earthquake Reality Check: Colombia’s Aug. 10 quake toll is now reported at 329 dead, 4,600 injured, and 314,751 affected, with major damage counts rising in Cali and Pereira. Child Protection Alarm: Human Rights Watch warns armed groups are expanding child recruitment in Colombia, citing poverty, exclusion, weak implementation, and social-media tactics. Nature & Research: Colombia’s Sesquilé and Guatavita restored high Andean forest with 97,000 native trees and 190 beehives, using bees to boost pollination and recovery. Myth vs Science: A fact-check debunks claims that HAARP in Alaska triggered Colombia’s 7.4 quake, pointing to natural strike-slip faulting instead.

Earthquake Update (Colombia): Colombia’s 7.4 quake toll rose to 329 dead, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, with 314,751 people affected and major damage reported across Cali and Pereira. Myth-Busting (Seismology): INPRES says there’s no “contagion effect” from Peru/other quakes to San Juan, warning that local geology drives local shaking. Nature Restoration (Andes): Colombia restored 577 hectares in Sesquilé and Guatavita by planting 97,000 native trees and placing 190 beehives, using pollination to speed recovery and support community income. Biodiversity Discovery (Amazon): Ecuadorian researchers documented new micromollusk species in the Amazon, extending known ranges and highlighting biodiversity near Colombia’s border. Prehistoric Science (Paleontology): New fossil bite marks suggest giant crocodilian Purussaurus hunted large mammals in prehistoric Colombia’s La Venta wetlands. Tech & Society (Peace Media): Colombia’s opposition leader Iván Cepeda plans a legal challenge after the government suspended programming on 20 Emisoras de Paz.

Robotics & AI Education: Bangladesh’s Team Atlas won an international robotics entrepreneur challenge in Osaka with “Hydraz,” an AI + IoT smart aquaculture platform using computer vision to monitor fish behavior and water conditions. Environment Restoration in Colombia: In Sesquilé and Guatavita, Colombia restored 577 hectares of high Andean forest by planting 97,000 native trees and placing 190 beehives, aiming to recover degraded soils and boost pollination while creating income via beekeeping. Earthquake Reality Check: After a 7.4 quake in western/central Colombia, Colombia’s disaster agency updated the toll to 329 dead, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, with major damage to homes, schools, health centers, and roads. Seismic Misinformation Pushback: Experts also warned against “contagion” rumors after Peru and Colombia quakes, stressing earthquakes are driven by local geology and can’t be predicted from events elsewhere. Public Media & Peace Tech/Info: Opposition leader Iván Cepeda announced a legal challenge after the government suspended programming on 20 “Peace Stations,” raising questions about rights to information and freedom of expression.

Climate & Biodiversity Restoration: Colombia’s Ministry of Environment and UNDP backed a high-Andean recovery in Sesquilé and Guatavita: 97,000 native trees and 190 beehives restored 577 hectares, aiming to heal degraded soils, protect water sources, and create income via beekeeping. Prehistoric Science: New fossil analysis from La Venta suggests Purussaurus neivensis—an enormous caiman relative—actively hunted very large mammals, with puncture and crushing marks on multiple ungulate fossils. Earthquake Response: Colombia’s Aug. 10 quake toll rose to 329 dead, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, with 314,751 affected and major damage concentrated in Cali and Pereira. Seismic Risk Clarity: Argentina’s INPRES says there’s no “contagion effect” from Peru/Colombia quakes toward San Juan, stressing local geology drives outcomes. Tech for Nature Monitoring: Cornell researchers in Colombia used AI bioacoustics (BirdNET Analyser) on rainforest sound recordings to expand bird identification across multiple landscapes. Policy & Peace Media: Opposition leader Iván Cepeda says he’ll challenge in court the suspension of programming at 20 Peace Stations, arguing it violates rights tied to the 2016 peace agreement.

Peace & Media Rights: Colombian opposition leader Iván Cepeda says he’ll file a tutela action after the government suspended programming at 20 “Peace Stations,” arguing it violates rights to information and freedom of expression. Humanitarian Tech & Safety: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warns that drone use against civilians is outpacing accountability, citing rising drone-caused harm in Ukraine. Disaster Readiness: A report on earthquake preparedness highlights how smartphones help during crises—but also how losing access can become deadly. Seismic Rumor Control: Argentina’s INPRES says there’s no “contagion effect” from Peru/Colombia quakes to San Juan, stressing local geology drives earthquakes. AI for Biodiversity: Cornell researchers in Colombia use rainforest sound recordings plus BirdNET-style AI to identify more bird species and test whether rubber agroforestry can support forest birds. Earthquake Response Tech: LA County’s urban search and rescue team returned from Colombia, supporting coordination, communications, and structural assessments after the Aug. 10 quake. Fintech (Global): Germany’s Moss raises €30M to expand “Finance AI” for spend management and automated accounting for SMEs.

Colombia Earthquake Response: After a deadly 7.4 quake, U.S. teams including Los Angeles County Fire’s urban search-and-rescue unit returned from Colombia, supporting rescue coordination, communications, and structural assessments. Disaster Tech & Access: A separate report warns that smartphones are now core emergency infrastructure—but battery loss and unreliable service can deepen the digital divide when crises hit. AI for Biodiversity: Cornell researchers in Colombia used rainforest sound recordings and BirdNET-style AI to expand bird identification across landscapes, with early signs that rubber agroforestry may support some forest species. Mining Safety: Colombia’s ANM confirmed 13 deaths and seven injuries in a landslide at an unlicensed gold mine in Nariño, highlighting risks from informal extraction. Health Research: UNAL scientists are exploring Cordyceps militaris compounds for potential glioblastoma chemotherapy support. Governance & Security: President Abelardo de la Espriella renewed military leadership, promising a tougher push against narcoterrorism.

Colombia’s security reset: President Abelardo de la Espriella renewed military leadership and vowed a relentless offensive against narco-terrorism, aiming to restore state presence from regions to city neighborhoods. Public spending oversight: Congress elected Jorge Eliécer Laverde as Colombia’s new comptroller general (2026–2030), tasked with auditing public resources and pursuing corruption cases. Earthquake response, engineering focus: Virginia Task Force 1 returned home after a targeted deployment to support rescue and structural assessments after Colombia’s 7.4 quake. Diplomacy and tech-adjacent ties: Colombia and Israel will lift visa requirements starting Sept. 1, signaling a rapid foreign-policy shift as Israel also backs earthquake recovery efforts. Geoscience watch: New research suggests the San Andreas Fault may be slipping faster than previously thought—another reminder to prepare for major quakes. Climate risk at home: Engineers warn self-built homes may face El Niño-driven heavy rains due to weak quality control and inconsistent enforcement. Energy policy pivot: A new government push frames energy security as sovereignty, challenging prior exploration bans and reshaping Colombia’s transition debate.

Colombia–Israel Rapprochement: Colombia will lift visa requirements with Israel starting Sept. 1, signaling a sharp foreign-policy pivot under President Abelardo de la Espriella after Petro’s 2024 break. Earthquake Response & Infrastructure: After the Aug. 10 quake, air traffic is gradually resuming in Manizales, and La Nubia Airport reopened under controlled operations following runway and terminal repairs. Humanitarian Tech & AI in Production: N-iX was named an OpenAI Select Partner to help enterprises move AI from pilots into live production systems. Climate Risk Watch (El Niño): The U.S. plans to send the hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru in Feb. 2027 as El Niño peaks, underscoring regional preparedness needs. Clean Mobility Incentives: Colombia confirmed a hybrid vehicle VAT refund pathway via a required UPME certification step. Biodiversity & Conservation: In La Guajira, Wayuu fishers and marine biologists are documenting shark species under a conservation initiative that also tackles illegal finning. Energy & Trade Links: DP World’s Port of Posorja in Ecuador won a regional excellence award for public-private port development.

Earthquake Response in Colombia: Cali’s mayor says recovery will take about three years, shifting from rescue to debris removal and long-term rebuilding after the Aug. 10 quake left thousands dead, injured, and missing. Private-Sector Reconstruction: Valle del Cauca companies pledged COP 220B (~US$71.4M) via ProPacífico to support Cali, northern Valle del Cauca, and Buenaventura. Tech for Energy Projects: Telefónica is rolling out IoT and real-time location tracking for Negratín’s construction sites in Colombia, aiming to improve access control and coordination across rural solar projects. Smart Public Water: WACO Corp. says it completed a Tokyo PoC for its redesigned ATLAS smart water refill station after installing units in Shinjuku supermarkets. Conservation + Local Science: Wayuu fishers in La Guajira are partnering with marine biologists to document shark species and push sustainability measures under Colombia’s shark fishing ban. Drones and Humanitarian Safety: The UN warns cheap armed drones are increasing attacks on aid workers, noting weaponized drone attacks have surged in Colombia. Colombian Research Standing: Two Colombian universities (National University of Colombia and University of Antioquia) placed in the Shanghai ARWU 2026 top 1,000 (801–900). Global Tech/Policy Signal: A podcast episode highlights how H-1B uncertainty is reshaping tech hiring across Latin America.

Earthquake Recovery in Colombia: Cali’s rescue phase has shifted into a long, costly rebuild expected to take about three years, with families facing the emotional turn from finding survivors to recovering the dead. Humanitarian Tech & Safety: The UN warns that armed drones are driving record violence against aid workers; it cites Colombia’s weaponized drone attacks quadrupling from 2024–25. International Aid for Quake Response: China sent nearly 80 tons of humanitarian supplies to Colombia, including tents, water purification units, solar lamps, and generators. Education Rebuild Push: Shakira visited quake-hit Quibdó in Chocó and pledged a $1M education package—$500k from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund matched by Live Nation—plus support to rebuild the Technological University of Quibdó and 10 schools. Public Transport Upgrade (Bogotá): TransMilenio began deploying 50 dual-mode electric articulated buses, designed to run on dedicated corridors and regular streets as part of a 900-bus electrification plan. Security & Surveillance: Colombia will receive three US MQ-9A Reaper drones on loan to boost intelligence and surveillance against drug trafficking and illegal armed groups.

Earthquake Recovery in Chocó: Pop star Shakira visited quake-damaged schools in Quibdó and pledged $1 million for education relief, including $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund matched by Live Nation, plus support to rebuild the Technological University of Quibdó and 10 new schools with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. Education Demographics: A new look at declining birth rates warns Latin America’s “demographic cliff” is already shrinking school enrollment in Colombia and could later hit university intake. Climate Tech for Livestock: Colombia will test AlgaToro, a seaweed-based ingredient aimed at cutting methane from cattle by more than 80%, positioning the country as a first mover in Latin America for farm emissions reduction. Health & AI in Public Services: ADRES launched PAACME, an AI system (built with Blend and Claude on Amazon Bedrock) to automate auditing of medical claims tied to uninsured, unidentified, or hit-and-run traffic victims. Cyber & AI Use: A Kaspersky survey finds Gen Z leans heavily on AI for daily tasks, but many don’t consistently protect data when using it. Disaster Preparedness Tech: A new report highlights how smartphone dependence can fail during disasters, arguing for redundancy beyond mobile alerts.

Earthquake Relief in Chocó: Shakira made a surprise visit to Quibdó after Colombia’s 7.4 quake, pledging $1.25M to rebuild 10 schools and restore the Technological University of Chocó, with Howard Buffett’s foundation adding support and FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, Live Nation, and CAF also contributing. Reconstruction Pressure: Colombia is facing a massive rebuilding bill (estimated around $9.5B) as rescue hopes fade and families struggle with housing, schooling, and basic services. AI in Public Health Claims: ADRES launched PAACME with Blend360 to automate auditing of medical claims tied to uninsured, unidentified, or hit-and-run traffic victims, using Claude on Amazon Bedrock. Cybersecurity Watch: Multiple crypto-related breaches were reported this week, including SafePal and Trezor customer data exposure tied to third-party weaknesses. Gen Z and AI Use: A Kaspersky survey finds Gen Z leads in daily AI use for studying and information searches, but many still skip consistent safety habits when using AI tools. Local Tech/Industry: OMNILIFE opened a $64M Innovation Park in Allen, Texas, expanding U.S. manufacturing and distribution capacity.

Earthquake Recovery in Colombia: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll is now reported at 289, with 143 still missing, as President Abelardo de la Espriella warns reconstruction will be “tough” and costly and housing and schooling remain disrupted. Forensics & Disaster Response: Legal medicine says it has identified 300 of 304 bodies received, including 22 minors, while disaster officials urge mayors not to clear debris until there’s no hope of survivors. Education Rebuild Push: Shakira made a surprise trip to Quibdó, Chocó, pledging $1.25M to rebuild at least 10 schools and restore a local technological university, partnering with her Fundación Pies Descalzos and major donors. Tech & Research in Colombia: Purdue researchers showcased a patent-pending automated STEi method aimed at mapping molecules and proteins on irregular surfaces without sample prep, supporting multiomics work. International Tech Links: A report says China is Colombia’s largest Asian investor, backing rail, clean energy, telecoms, EVs, and mining—citing solar’s jump in Colombia’s energy mix. AI & Elections Risk: Researchers warn election authorities may be unprepared for AI-driven disinformation at scale.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s quake recovery is shifting from rescue to recovery as the death toll rises to 294 and hundreds remain missing, with Chocó still hard to reach due to damaged roads and security constraints. Seismic Risk Watch: Separate reporting warns Peru could still face a major 8.5–8.8 event as accumulated energy builds along the Nazca Plate boundary. Disaster Tech Preparedness: A new focus on smartphone-based alerts highlights a growing “digital divide” risk when connectivity and power fail during emergencies. Energy Infrastructure: Frontera Energy advances its Puerto Bahía LNG import project in Cartagena, lining up regasification capacity and a 2027 start window after securing key agreements. Climate & Food Impacts: El Niño is again in the spotlight for potential crop disruption, with corporate concern hitting multi-year highs. Wildlife Conservation Tech: A Colombia study uses camera traps to document dog attacks on endangered mountain tapirs, pushing for stronger dog management around protected areas. Payments & Stablecoins: Bitget Wallet argues stablecoins can unify cross-border payments, pointing to Latin America’s fast-growing digital wallet use.