AGP Executive Report

Medical Manufacturing in Costa Rica: Zeus/CathX Medical is expanding catheter sub-assembly production with a new facility in Costa Rica’s La Lima Free Zone (Cartago), aiming to scale commercial output while keeping the same quality system. Cyber & Privacy Threats: McAfee reports AI can geolocate ordinary social media travel photos with 87–91% accuracy even without GPS metadata—useful for scammers targeting people with believable, location-specific lures. Deep-Sea Discovery Near Costa Rica: Scientists using SuBastian and ROV expeditions near Isla del Coco identified Laurinque elenya, a bright yellow deep-water coral so genetically distinct it required a new genus and family. Wildlife Tech in the Forest: Researchers tested CapuchinAI, a touchscreen-and-reward station that wild capuchin monkeys voluntarily used in Guanacaste, offering a new way to study cognition in natural settings. Climate Watch for Central America: NOAA says El Niño has a 93% chance to reach “very strong” status by Sep–Nov, with impacts expected across Central America as conditions shift. Public Safety: Search efforts continue for a missing hiker in Costa Rica’s Chirripó National Park, with drones and trained search dogs among the tools.

Deep-Sea Biodiversity: Costa Rican researchers using the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian have identified a bright yellow deep-water coral, Laurinque elenya, so genetically distinct it required a new taxonomic family—specimens came from seamounts near Isla del Coco and the Pacific margin. Wildlife Tech in the Forest: At Taboga Forest Reserve in Guanacaste, scientists tested “CapuchinAI,” a touchscreen-and-reward station that wild capuchin monkeys learned to use, offering a new way to study animal cognition in place. Conservation Alarm: Environmental groups have put Corcovado National Park on “red alert,” citing sewage discharges from Sirena Biological Station, decaying infrastructure, and chronic underfunding. Public Safety: Search efforts continue for a missing hiker in Costa Rica’s Chirripó National Park, with specialized Red Cross teams, dogs, and drones reported in the operation. Health & Tourism: A new report highlights Costa Rica’s dental tourism pull, driven by U.S. patients seeking lower costs and pairing care with a vacation. Trade Compliance Tech: The U.S. is rolling out “Detective Border,” an AI system that assigns risk scores to shipments before customs to target transshipped goods.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists diving off Costa Rica identified Laurinque elenya, a bright yellow coral so genetically distinct it required a new taxonomic family—specimens collected near Isla del Coco and along the Pacific margin at 360–529 meters. Wildlife Tech in Costa Rica: Researchers tested “CapuchinAI,” a touchscreen-and-food station in Guanacaste where wild capuchin monkeys learned to trigger rewards, offering a new way to study animal cognition in the forest. Conservation Alarm: Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park faces a “red alert” from environmental groups over sewage discharges, crumbling infrastructure, and chronic underfunding at the Sirena Biological Station. Tourism & Health: A new report highlights Costa Rica’s dental tourism boom, with about 9.6M U.S. adults traveling abroad for care and Costa Rica drawing tens of thousands of health travelers annually. Public Safety: Search efforts continue for a missing hiker in Chirripó National Park, with specialized Red Cross teams and support from SINAC. Policy & Trade: The U.S. rolls out AI-based pre-customs risk scoring for transshipped goods, targeting tariff-dodging supply chains.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Costa Rica researchers identified a bright yellow deep-water coral off the Pacific that’s so genetically distinct it required a new taxonomic family, Laurinque elenya, found on seamounts near Isla del Coco. Wildlife Tech in the Forest: At a Guanacaste reserve, CapuchinAI uses cameras, a touchscreen, and rewards to show wild capuchin monkeys can learn touchscreen tasks and even “kiss” the screen for food. Conservation Alarm: Costa Rican environmental groups put Corcovado National Park on “red alert,” citing sewage discharges from Sirena Biological Station, crumbling infrastructure, and chronic underfunding. Public Health & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm fly is back in the U.S., with cases reported in Texas and New Mexico after spreading north from Panama—raising stakes for animal wound prevention. Local Research & Nature: UNED researchers are monitoring a dense agami heron colony near Caño Negro, tracking nests and breeding success. Tech & Policy: Costa Rica is set to host a regional cybersecurity debate at Cybersec Summit 2026, spotlighting security and intelligence priorities. Space/Geoscience: A deep-sea mission near the East Pacific Rise reportedly directly witnessed a mid-ocean ridge eruption, offering fresh clues about seafloor spreading.

Deep-Sea Biodiversity: Researchers using the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian identified a bright yellow, tree-like deep-water coral off Costa Rica that’s distinct enough to require a new taxonomic family, Laurinque elenya, highlighting how much of the Pacific still isn’t mapped. Wildlife Tech in Costa Rica: CapuchinAI is bringing touchscreen-based tasks to wild capuchin monkeys in Guanacaste, with a field test showing many learned to trigger food rewards—an in-forest way to study animal cognition. Public Health & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm fly is back in the U.S., with scientists tracking where it could spread next after outbreaks across Central America and Mexico. Local Environment Watch: Costa Rican environmental groups have issued a “red alert” for Corcovado National Park, citing sewage discharges, crumbling infrastructure, and chronic underfunding. Tech & Engineering: A Costa Rican entrepreneur warns that AI and low-code tools may increase demand for senior engineers because automated code still needs expert review for safety and security. Space/Geoscience: A dive near Costa Rica’s region captured a rare midocean ridge eruption, offering fresh clues about seafloor spreading.

AI in the wild: Costa Rica’s Taboga Forest Reserve in Guanacaste is hosting CapuchinAI, a touchscreen-and-food station that lets researchers study wild capuchin learning without removing animals; a two-week field test found 16 monkeys voluntarily used the system, with most learning to trigger rewards. Conservation under pressure: Environmental groups have put Corcovado National Park on “red alert,” citing sewage discharges from Sirena Biological Station, decaying infrastructure, and chronic underfunding as signs of a wider protected-area breakdown. Space/earth science: Scientists using the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian have discovered a new deep-sea coral family off Costa Rica’s seamounts, described as a golden, tree-like species requiring a new genus. Tech for emergencies: An international seminar in China brought Costa Rica and others together to share how satellite navigation and drones can support rapid disaster response. Local safety: Search efforts continue for a missing hiker in Chirripó National Park, with Red Cross teams using specialized routes, dogs, and drones.

Search & Rescue: Costa Rica’s Red Cross and SINAC are still looking for Reynaldo Pineda Lizano, a 58-year-old hiker missing since Aug. 10 in Chirripó National Park, with specialized teams, dogs, and drones reported in the multi-route operation. Conservation Under Pressure: Environmental groups have issued a “red alert” for Corcovado National Park, citing sewage discharges from Sirena Biological Station, crumbling infrastructure, and chronic underfunding. Deep-Sea Science: Researchers using the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian have identified a new bright yellow coral family on Costa Rican seamounts, creating the new genus Laurinque. Tech & Industry: Costa Rica’s free-zone economy slowed sharply in June, with Central Bank data pointing to weaker manufacturing momentum, including medical-device producers. AgTech in the Spotlight: IICA selected 15 AgTech startups for Costa Rica’s Digital Agriculture Week (Sept. 7–10), aiming to speed up digital transformation in agrifood systems. Local Innovation: A Costa Rican entrepreneur warns that AI and low-code tools can raise the cost of engineering mistakes, arguing senior review still matters for safety and security.

Search & Rescue: Costa Rica’s Red Cross and SINAC are still hunting for Reynaldo Pineda Lizano, a 58-year-old systems engineer missing since Aug. 10 in Chirripó National Park, with specialized teams, dogs, and drones reportedly in the mix. Environment & Water Safety: Corcovado National Park has been placed under a “red alert” by environmental groups, citing sewage discharges from Sirena Biological Station, crumbling infrastructure, and chronic underfunding. Marine Science: Deep-sea expeditions off Costa Rica’s seamounts found a new coral so distinct it needed a new family, adding to the region’s biodiversity spotlight. Tech & Engineering: A Costa Rican entrepreneur warns that AI and low-code can raise the cost of mistakes, since fast code still needs senior engineers to catch safety and security gaps. Public Safety Tech: Costa Rica’s earthquake early-warning drill highlights a funding gap: the network has run since 2023 without dedicated maintenance support. Health: A Costa Rican mother received a living-donor liver transplant after years of colorectal cancer treatment, offering a rare success story. Economy: Costa Rica’s free-zone growth slowed sharply in June, with weaker manufacturing momentum—especially medical devices—dragging results.

5G Rollout: Ericsson was selected by ICE (Kölbi) to deploy Costa Rica’s 5G Standalone network, including 5G Core, network slicing, and built-in cybersecurity—plus AI-based anomaly optimization trials. Biodiversity Research: Deep-sea expeditions off Costa Rica’s seamounts identified a new coral family (Laurinque elenya), found hundreds of meters down among brittle stars. Local Science & Nature: Researchers also reported a new endemic night frog species discovered in Costa Rican coffee plantations, highlighting how agroforestry can support conservation. Disaster Readiness: Costa Rica’s earthquake drill underscored a funding gap: the seismic early-warning network has been operating without dedicated maintenance funding since 2023, risking “blind spots.” Health & Community: A Costa Rican mother received a living-donor liver transplant from her son after years of cancer treatment, offering a rare success story in transplant access. Tech for Agriculture: IICA selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica (Sept 7–10), aiming to speed up digital transformation in agrifood systems. Economy Watch: Costa Rica’s free-zone growth slowed sharply in June, with weaker manufacturing momentum—especially medical devices—signaling continued deceleration. Workforce & Skills: A new study argues AI and low-code tools are increasing demand for senior engineers, since faster code still needs expert review for safety and security.

5G Rollout: Ericsson was selected by ICE to deploy Costa Rica’s 5G standalone network, including 5G RAN and 5G Core with network slicing, built-in cybersecurity, and AI-powered anomaly optimization trials. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers identified a new endemic night frog living in Costa Rica’s coffee plantations, highlighting how agroforestry can support conservation and boost eco-tourism. Disaster Readiness: Costa Rica is running its 8th National Multi-Hazard Emergency Drill, with nationwide evacuation and response testing for earthquakes, floods, volcanic activity, fires, and more. Agritech Push: IICA and a specialized jury picked 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica (Sept. 7–10), aiming to speed up digital transformation across agrifood systems. Wildlife Protection: The Jaguar Rescue Center raised $20,000 to insulate 50 electrical transformers in Costa Rica’s South Caribbean to cut wildlife electrocutions. Economy Watch: Costa Rica’s free-zone growth slowed sharply in June, with weaker manufacturing momentum—especially medical devices—signaling a continued deceleration.

Costa Rica Biodiversity & Research: Scientists identified a new endemic night frog species in Costa Rica’s coffee plantations, highlighting how agroforestry can support unique wildlife and boost eco-tourism and conservation. Local Security & Transparency: President Laura Fernández signed a decree making security and intelligence information a “State Secret,” restricting access to records tied to key public security bodies and even procurement details. Disaster Preparedness: Costa Rica is gearing up for its 8th National Multi-Hazard Emergency Drill on Aug. 12, with nationwide participation and evacuation readiness across earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, storms, fires, and more. AgTech & Digital Agriculture: IICA and a jury selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica (Sept. 7–10), aiming to accelerate digital transformation in agrifood systems. Wildlife Protection: A Jaguar Rescue Center campaign raised $20,000 to insulate 50 electrical transformers in Costa Rica’s South Caribbean to reduce wildlife electrocutions. Earth & Climate Signals: A 5.0 quake was reported off Costa Rica’s coast, while global data points to July 2026 tying for the hottest July on record.

Costa Rica Security Secrecy: President Laura Fernández signed a decree making a wide range of security and intelligence records—including budgets, contracts, procurement files, and operational details—“State Secret,” tightening access to key public oversight documents. Disaster Readiness: Costa Rica is gearing up for its 8th National Multi-Hazard Emergency Drill on Aug. 12, with CNE testing evacuation and response across earthquakes, floods, volcanic risk, hurricanes, fires, and structural emergencies. Local Tech & Research: A Costa Rican astronomer used James Webb data to discover a new galaxy, while multiple reports highlight new frog species (including a nocturnal “coffee frog”) and emerging pesticide risks. Biodiversity at Sea: ROV SuBastian helped researchers discover a new coral family on Costa Rica seamounts, adding to deep-sea conservation knowledge. Health & Food Safety: A Latin America study using near-infrared spectroscopy found fumonisins are the most prevalent corn mycotoxins across multiple countries, including Costa Rica. Global Context: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest month on record, underscoring the climate pressure Costa Rica faces.

Cybersecurity & AI Policy: Costa Rica will host Cybersec Summit 2026 on Aug. 12, bringing regional government and C-suite leaders together under the theme “The future of cybersecurity is human.” Disaster Preparedness: Costa Rica is gearing up for its 8th National Multi-Hazard Emergency Drill on Aug. 12, testing earthquake/tsunami, floods/landslides, volcanic activity, hurricanes/tornadoes, and fires/structural emergencies. Marine Research: A remotely operated vehicle SuBastian helped researchers discover a new golden coral genus and species on Costa Rica seamounts, using advanced genetic methods to place it in the coral family tree. Earth & Climate: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus reporting record-breaking global temperatures. Biodiversity Watch: Costa Rica’s Indigenous languages face renewed scrutiny as speaker numbers decline and Spanish dominates schools and services, with several languages at higher risk. Local Tech/Business: Peptides Costa Rica expands with a new San José service hub, aiming for faster access and more direct customer support for peptide solutions.

Regional Banking & Payments: BAC says it has shifted Central America from country-by-country banking to a single regional model, boosting payment volumes to 55% of the region’s GDP and transaction value from $107B to $227B since 2020. Costa Rica Health Watch: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reports 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination in the Aserrí and San Juan de Dios de Desamparados water systems, with extra water testing underway. Biodiversity in Focus: Scientists report a tiny nocturnal “coffee frog” (spring frog) endemic to Costa Rica’s central Pacific, but warn pesticide runoff from coffee plantations could threaten its habitat and tadpoles. Earth & Safety: A 5.0-magnitude quake struck off Costa Rica’s coast, depth 10 km, according to GFZ. Tech & Cybersecurity: Costa Rica will host Cybersec Summit 2026 at the Costa Rica Convention Center, aiming to put “human” talent and trust at the center of regional digital security. Local Business Expansion: Peptides Costa Rica opens a San José service hub to expand verified, directly supported access to peptide solutions nationwide.

Startup & Markets: Ticketplus closed its NYSE American IPO, selling 1.875M shares at $8 each for $15M gross proceeds, with a 45-day option for 281,250 more shares. Cybersecurity & Law: A new legal framing argues ransomware should be treated as a broader pattern of conduct, not just one-off attacks, as state actors increasingly embed in the ransomware ecosystem. Costa Rica Science: Researchers report a new endemic nocturnal “coffee frog” (spring frog) in Costa Rica’s central Pacific coffee plantations, but warn pesticide runoff could threaten tadpoles in nearby waters. Local Tech & Skills: PROCOMER says it’s expanding training for high-demand industries, including 10,000 Google Cloud/AI scholarships via its Talent Up initiative. Health Watch: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination in local water systems, with extra water-system inspections underway. Space & Astronomy: A Costa Rican astronomer says a new distant galaxy was found using James Webb Space Telescope data via gravitational lensing. Environment & Biodiversity: A new global estimate suggests Earth may host 13.3M–24.7M insect species, far above older assumptions.

Biodiversity & Agriculture: Costa Rica researchers have confirmed a new endemic nocturnal tree frog—nicknamed the “coffee frog” (spring frog)—found in San Lorenzo de Tarrazú, living among coffee shrubs and calling from the night; scientists warn pesticide use on plantations could threaten it by drifting into soil and waterways where tadpoles develop. Space Science: A Costa Rican astronomer says he helped identify a new gravitational-lensing galaxy candidate (“A1”) using James Webb Space Telescope data from the MACS J0308.9+2645 cluster. Public Health: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reported 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination in the Aserrí and San Juan de Dios de Desamparados water systems, with extra inspections and lab testing of supply networks. Local Tech & Skills: PROCOMER is pushing workforce upskilling via incentives for exporters/FTZ firms and 10,000 Google Cloud + AI scholarships under “Talent Up.” Environment & Society: Costa Rica marked the International Day of Indigenous Peoples as multiple Indigenous languages face decline, with Spanish dominance and migration cited as major pressures.