Organized as one of the region’s major technology and business gatherings, ANDICOM 2026 will focus on the theme “Unleashing The Power Of AI,” examining how artificial intelligence is being applied across companies, industries and governments.

The congress will connect technology supply and demand through business meetings, networking opportunities, exhibitions and discussions covering artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, connectivity and emerging technologies.

Dates: September 1–4, 2026
Venue: Las Américas complex & Hotel Faranda Collection, Cartagena

For more information and registration details, visit the official ANDICOM website.

Featured photo: ANDICOM 2025 (Photo provided by ANDICOM)

ANDICOM 2026 will bring together technology companies, government representatives, academics and business leaders in Cartagena from September 1–4 to discuss how artificial intelligence is moving from experimentation into practical applications for productivity, competitiveness and economic development. The congress, organized by CINTEL (Centro de Innovación, Productividad y Desarrollo Tecnológico, or Center for Innovation, Productivity and Technological Development), will take place under the theme “Unleashing the Power of AI.”

The 41st edition of the event will open on September 1 with the ANDICOM Knowledge Hub 2026 – Business Impact Sessions, followed by the Main Academic Forum from September 2–4. The European Union will participate as guest of honor, while Colombia’s national government and executives from global technology companies including Fortinet, Zoho Corporation, Microsoft, Blend360, Google Cloud and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are expected to contribute to the agenda.

“The conversation about artificial intelligence has evolved. Today organizations no longer ask what this technology can do, but how to apply it to increase productivity, strengthen competitiveness, improve decision-making and generate sustainable advantages,” – Mario Castaño, technical director of CINTEL.

The European Union’s participation will focus on artificial intelligence as infrastructure for economic development and digital transformation. According to ANDICOM, the bloc represents 22% of foreign direct investment in Colombia’s technology sector, has generated more than 120,000 jobs through European companies operating in the country and will bring together representatives from its 27 member states during the congress. “ANDICOM will be the stage where global leaders share experiences, real cases and strategies to turn that potential into concrete results.” promised Mario Castaño.

The event’s academic program will focus on four strategic areas: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital trust, connectivity and digital infrastructure, and public policy and regulation. Discussions will cover topics including AI adoption, automation, advanced analytics, data platforms, digital talent, sustainability, digital government and the future of work.

The opening day will also feature the CINTEL AI Forum, which will examine governance and responsible adoption of AI agents, as well as the CyberShield Forum, focused on cybersecurity challenges linked to the development of quantum technologies and Colombia’s transition toward post-quantum cryptography.

Confirmed speakers include Derek Manky, chief security strategist at Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), who will discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the cybersecurity landscape through autonomous attacks, deepfakes and emerging digital threats.

Raju Vegesna, chief evangelist at Zoho Corporation, will address digital sovereignty and the changing relationship between companies, governments and technology platforms. Marc Reguera, worldwide customer engagement general manager at Microsoft Fabric, will discuss how organizations can use AI and data analytics to improve decision-making and create business value.

The agenda will also involve Andrés Barrantes, regional vice president for Latin America at Blend360, an Amazon Web Services Premier Partner, who will examine strategies for using artificial intelligence to monetize data, optimize costs and improve competitiveness.

Pilar Manchón, senior director of AI research strategy at Google Cloud, will share perspectives on AI research and innovation, while Eric Martorell Bouvier, director of artificial intelligence solutions for Latin America and southern Europe at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Servicelab AI, will discuss enterprise adoption of AI solutions.

Alongside the Main Academic Forum, the Experience Hub will provide demonstrations of technology solutions and innovations developed by participating companies, creating a connection between business needs, technological capabilities and investment opportunities.

The complete agenda is available through the ANDICOM agenda page.

Organized annually by CINTEL, ANDICOM has become one of Latin America’s largest technology and business gatherings, bringing together executives, public officials, investors, academics and technology providers to examine the role of digital transformation in the region’s economy.

Headline phot: Andicom on Day 2 in Nueva Granada salon. (Photo shared by Clicksalinas Photographer)

The company’s flagship Jupiter 3 satellite was launched July 29, 2023 and covers north & south America with capacity exceeding 500gbps, and individual streams up to 100mbps bandwidth. The school-bus sized satellite runs off of 14 solar panels and sits perched at a longitude of 95 degrees east. Hughes packages this GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) with its managed LEO (Low Earth Orbit) service to provide connectivity without the end client or user having to manage the connections, coordinate, or even be aware of what satellite or network is providing the connectivity. This has allowed Hughes to deploy solutions such as its OneWeb in-flight satellite internet service for aircraft.

Hughes insists that its solutions are not just for the jet-set or big businesses. Locally, Hughes has been deploying its advanced technology in places like Colombia’s remote La Guajira peninsula, rural Huila and 12 other Colombian departments, connecting 12,510 previously isolated households. Rural schools, agriculture, and small, remote communities are all able to benefit from Hughes’ modern satellite technology.

Hughes country manager for Colombia, Roque Lombardo was kind enough to take time out from his dealmaking at ANDICOM to speak with Loren Moss, executive editor of Finance Colombia, and himself a veteran of the early commercial satellite business, to talk about how Hughes is making the latest space technology like Jupiter 3 relevant and accessible for even a grade-school student in Colombia’s La Guajira desert or Chocó rainforest.

Finance Colombia: I’m here with Roque Lombardo, who is the country manager for Hughes Satellite here in Colombia. Thank you very much for your time. It’s an honor to be here talking with you. How’s it going here at ANDICOM?

Roque Lombardo: Well. We have been participating for several years now, truly with great success. I’d say it is the largest telecommunications and technology fair in Latin America, except for some events in Mexico. So, luckily, we are doing very well.

Finance Colombia: Excellent. I want to start by congratulating Hughes because one thing I have seen is that, year after year, you have a long-term commitment here in Colombia. Aside from all the technology that Hughes has developed throughout its history, from World War II, when you made aircraft, to now as a satellite company, you are committed to connecting not only Medellín and Bogotá and Cartagena here, but also rural areas of Colombia. Explain to me how you are applying your technology to bridge that gap.

Roque Lombardo: Satellite technology is, generally speaking, a long-term investment. Since you mention long-term commitment, obviously, there is a long-term commitment, but the business is very long-term because the satellites we launch have a useful life of 20, 25, or 30 years. So any business we can do in satellite connectivity is long-term.

This provides two things: it guarantees sustainability and regional coverage. From there, I would say that satellite communications are basically focused on rural connectivity, or are focused on rural connectivity and backup services; fundamentally, it’s those two. Our strength is in rural areas, but you can also see, even though we don’t compete with fiber optics, you can see our VSAT terminals in urban areas, like I don’t know, at a gas station. What is one of our VSAT terminals doing at a gas station in an urban area? It is a backup service because they cannot be left without communication. When the radio link or fiber optics connection fails, the backup service kicks in.

Now, to answer your question more specifically, there are two things I consider to reduce the digital divide. The first consideration is, obviously, that we are all very committed to reducing the digital divide, especially in the southern hemisphere. I am not talking only about Colombia, but on a global level.

And from there, we need to have a certain level of connectivity, but we also need to have content. Because many advocates for reducing the digital divide say that we have reduced the digital divide if, and only if, we have connected a school to a satellite station. But if you don’t feed that school with relevant content from a satellite station, it’s useless. You know? In other words, a connection alone is one thing, but a connection with relevant content so that people can educate themselves, engage in e-commerce, communicate, carry out e-government procedures, and so on, is another thing entirely.

So, from there, satellite connectivity is very useful, and we are working in that direction to increase connectivity. Because even narrowing the gap is sometimes a fallacy, because there are always more places to connect. In other words, the number of places to connect is growing, and the speed of coverage should grow at the same rate as the need for internet service, right?

Finance Colombia: Yes, it’s quite shocking. I’ve visited parts of Colombia: La Guajira, not far from here, Chocó, in the south, like the Amazon and Vaupés, and those areas where there’s no cell phone service, let alone internet access or anything like that. But I think you have technologies that allow cell phone operators to, like, they don’t have to run fiber optics,  they can install connectivity in remote areas like Leticia, or in Antioquia. There are areas where the only access is by river.

Roque Lombardo: 30 kilometers away from here, there are areas without coverage. We are in Cartagena, and 30 kilometers away, there are areas without coverage. That is another service we are providing called cellular backhaul, which connects cell phones through satellite stations. Why? Because, in a way, it is not profitable for cell phone operators to go to a very isolated location with fiber optics or a radio link. So, since they don’t go there with that, they can do it through a satellite link and achieve 4G or 5G cellular coverage in remote areas.

Finance Colombia: One thing that fascinates me is technological advancement. I’m old enough to remember when people had satellites like C-band antennas in their yards.

Roque Lombardo: 180 cm tall.

Finance Colombia: When you changed the channel, that satellite would move from one game to another.

Roque Lombardo: I am that old as well.

Finance Colombia: And I remember that in the nineties, I had a company that provided services for those things.

Roque Lombardo: C-band.

Finance Colombia: Right, yes. And up north, when it’s cold, the lubricant freezes.

Roque Lombardo: And the antenna wouldn’t move.

We have approximately 10,000 schools connected in Colombia, and we have between 15,000 and 17,000 homes connected – Roque Lombardo

Finance Colombia: It was a money-maker for us, because they called us so they could watch the game, and it was just a matter of cleaning the arm that moves it. But what killed that was the Ku-band. And then the dish satellites arrived, which already had the small things, and changed the industry completely. Now, twenty years later, for example, you have antennas that are like small laptops. The connection and installation are much easier. Before, a technician had compasses and weird things.

Roque Lombardo: Elevation and azimuth.

Finance Colombia: It looked like voodoo, installing that for the consumer. So my question is… You guys are still at the forefront. How do you see and what is your strategy with the advancement of systems, which they say are disruptive, but we already have Low Earth Orbit, which has like satellite constellations? You guys already have it; you’ve been setting the pace with every piece of technology. How is that changing the market, and what is your strategy in response to that?

Roque Lombardo: Yes, let’s see, what changes the market dramatically is the reduction in hardware and service costs, beyond the technology itself. I mean, it can be GEO, or LEO in this case; either one. Now, GEO technology has a specific coverage area, and LEO technology, due to the characteristics of the networks, has global coverage.

What does LEO allow for? It allows you to have connectivity everywhere, absolutely everywhere. GEO has very significant coverage, with extremely high capacity, but in perfectly defined areas, right? So, I believe that fixed Internet connectivity is becoming more democratic, but two paths are also opening up: the residential path, B2C, and the business path, B2B. In the residential sector, with low orbit or stationary GEO, needs can be met without any problem. In the business sector, you have two solutions: a LEO solution, a GEO solution, or a mixed solution.

Finance Colombia: Yes.

Roque Lombardo: In general, the best solutions are mixed ones, in which the provider analyzes your needs and gives you the best solution for each of those needs. There is no single GEO solution or single LEO solution.

Finance Colombia:  Something you guys have is a featured product that provides services to airlines.

Roque Lombardo: Yes, that is LEO.

Finance Colombia: That is LEO, okay. And aside from that, your customers obviously include broadcasters, traditional media outlets that always send their signals that way, and one of your first commercial customers. Apart from that, obviously, cell phone operators, but… there’s something in Colombia and many countries here in Latin America, as well as in Canada and Alaska, there are businesses that are located in very isolated places. And I don’t know if there’s much coverage so far north, but my question is, aside from those traditional clients who have known you for decades, what are the companies, I imagine like we have many readers from the mining and oil sectors, what are the sectors where you see the most growth, where perhaps you have solutions for those industries?

Roque Lombardo: There is a need in all industry verticals. Banking, finance, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and livestock; because in addition to everything we’ve already talked about in these few minutes, you have what is called IoT, which is the famous Internet of Things, with 5G technologies in which everyone can set up their own virtual private network, and from there have all their connectivity needs covered. That demand is infinite, because I’m talking about wanting to connect a television camera, wanting to connect my refrigerator, wanting to connect a drone, wanting to connect a moisture detector to measure agricultural moisture, or wanting to connect livestock to see how it is evolving and to monitor it.

Finance Colombia: The water levels.

Roque Lombardo: Water levels, I mean, the applications are endless. That’s why I say that demand is growing all the time, and all the solutions that are appearing in any type of orbit are going to be necessary to meet all that demand.

Finance Colombia: That’s right. Well, I remember that, I don’t think it was last year, but two years ago, you guys were celebrating, and you invited us to celebrate with you the launch of a satellite. I don’t remember if it was Jupiter 3, off the top of my head.

 Roque Lombardo: Jupiter 3.

Finance Colombia: Is there something we haven’t mentioned that you want to mention, or a question I didn’t ask you, or some successes since then?

Roque Lombardo: No, basically, we have continued to grow. We have approximately 10,000 schools connected in Colombia, and we have between 15,000 and 17,000 homes connected. We have many deals with large companies, and we have cellular backhaul, as I mentioned before. And we are marketing, let’s say, if we’re talking about basic services, we are marketing everything that Hughes offers with geostationary orbit satellites and OneWeb’s service with low orbit satellites, with full coverage.

Finance Colombia: And if there are businesses or school districts that want to learn more, is there a specific section of the website or a contact? What steps can be taken?

Roque Lombardo: Yes, at Hughes.com, you can find all the information there. It’s a very user-friendly site with instructional videos, product lines, services, and more. It’s at Hughes.com.

Finance Colombia: Okay, thank you very much for your time.

Roque Lombardo: Great, thank you.

Finance Colombia: Okay.

The congress is set to begin with a pre-congress session on September 2, followed by the main congress from September 3 to 5, 2025.

ANDICOM is an established event within the technology and business sectors in Colombia and Latin America. Organized by CINTEL, the congress aims to convene industry leaders to analyze trends impacting the digital landscape in the region and review technological evolution over the past decades.

CINTEL, founded in 1991, focuses on applied research projects in digital technologies. The organization states its role in promoting digital transformation across various sectors in Colombia.

Manuel Martínez Niño, Executive Director of CINTEL, commented on the upcoming event, noting its history and CINTEL’s stated commitment to digital development in Colombia and the region. He added that the event will facilitate the strengthening of alliances and the projection of the digital future.

The academic agenda for ANDICOM 2025 is structured around four themes:

September 2 (Pre-Congress): Applied Tech Trends in Business
September 3: Digital Transformation and Evolution
September 4: Connectivity and the Future of ICT
September 5: Digital Economy: Challenges and Innovations
ANDICOM 2025 is expected to cover topics such as artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity, 5G connectivity, sustainability, and digital inclusion. A commercial exhibition will feature technology companies showcasing strategies and case studies. The event also includes networking opportunities to connect public, private, and academic participants.

Registration for ANDICOM 2025 is open. The event’s official website has further information and registration details.

Photo credit: ANDICOM.

For more information, visit ANDICOM and CINTEL.

The manifesto focuses on education, creating opportunities, professional equity, and anti-discrimination measures. It also promotes mentoring programs, female entrepreneurship, and inclusive policies. Finalization of the manifesto is expected in early October.

Held in Cartagena, Colombia, from September 4 to 6, ANDICOM 2024 brought together 6,000 participants from more than 35 countries, including 2,000 business delegates and over 150 international speakers across 110 academic sessions.

STEM means “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics” careers.

Japan, the event’s guest of honor, showcased its technological innovations and contributed speakers who presented the country’s vision in areas such as AI and cybersecurity. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the governments of Japan and Colombia, focusing on enhancing collaboration in cybersecurity, AI, infrastructure development, and promoting connectivity in rural areas.

The event included a pre-conference featuring sessions on AI, smart cities, and blockchain, attended by 450 participants. The primary agenda covered a wide range of topics, including AI, robotics, 5G, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MinTIC) outlined its progress in advancing the country’s digital capabilities. MinTIC launched the National Observatory of Information and Communications Technologies (Ontic), a platform designed to consolidate key connectivity data for Colombia.

Additionally, Gabriel Jurado, Colombia’s Vice Minister of Connectivity, introduced six key initiatives aimed at expanding internet access nationwide. These included strengthening mobile and fixed access networks, increasing connectivity for educational institutions, improving affordability, and enhancing institutional capacity.

The event also addressed gender inequality in the technology sector, with representatives from various organizations signing a manifesto to promote women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Telecommunications Sector Challenges

A key focus of ANDICOM 2024 was the challenges facing the telecommunications sector. In a panel discussion on future connectivity, industry leaders emphasized the need for robust infrastructure to support AI and smart city initiatives in Colombia. While efforts to close the connectivity gap are underway, panelists called for regulatory attention to issues such as network traffic management, energy costs, and the “fair share” debate, which centers on whether content providers like Netflix and Google should contribute to network infrastructure costs.

The panel on “Innovation and Equity: Exploring Fair Share in Telecom” sparked diverse opinions, with discussions covering governance, spectrum management, and consumer impacts. Panelists largely agreed on the importance of maintaining net neutrality, which they argued could be at risk from potential regulatory intervention.

AI: Present and Future

Executive Director of ANDICOM organizer CINTEL, Manuel Martínez Niño

Artificial intelligence was a recurring theme at ANDICOM 2024. Oracle announced the deployment of Nvidia’s latest generation GPUs in Colombia, which will be used to expand AI capabilities for businesses and government organizations. Marcelo Christianini, Oracle’s VP of AI and Cloud Engineering for Latin America, highlighted the company’s investment in AI infrastructure as a key step toward enabling large-scale AI adoption.

Speakers at the event included Gabriele Mazzini, principal architect of the European Union’s AI Act, who discussed the importance of local considerations in AI regulation. Hiroshi Ishiguro, executive director at AVITA and professor at Osaka University, presented on the use of AI to create avatars aimed at enhancing human physical and cognitive abilities. Ishiguro’s research focuses on using AI to improve quality of life by providing better access to healthcare and education.

AI’s potential in the financial sector was also discussed. Panelists in the session on “Economic Transformation through AI” noted that AI can streamline verification processes and improve decision-making. However, challenges such as technology investment, data sovereignty, and skills development remain barriers to wider AI adoption.

Innovation and Technology for Social Transformation

Innovation and technology were central to ANDICOM’s discussions. Diana Barrero Zalles, head of research and sustainability at the Global Blockchain Business Council, emphasized the role of blockchain in driving innovation and sustainability in the region. She stressed the need for harmonized regulations, particularly regarding tokenization and digital assets, to facilitate global exchanges.

The conference also addressed Colombia’s energy transition with a panel on sustainable energy. Participants from various sectors discussed the barriers and opportunities in transitioning to clean energy, with a focus on user adoption and the environmental impact of new energy technologies.

Andra Keay, director of Silicon Valley Robotics, concluded the event with a presentation on the role of robots in society. Keay argued that while robots are increasingly capable of performing repetitive tasks, ethical considerations must guide the development and implementation of AI and robotics technologies.

Networking and Business Opportunities

In addition to the academic sessions, ANDICOM 2024 provided a platform for business networking. Attendees participated in meetings with technology buyers, including chief technology officers (CTOs) and chief information officers (CIOs), to discuss short- and medium-term investment plans.

CINTEL’s Digital Leaders community hosted workshops on cybersecurity and AI for CIOs from various industries, facilitating discussions on the potential of digital tools in different sectors.

According to CINTEL’s executive director, Manuel Martínez Niño, ANDICOM continues to be a key event for the region’s technology sector. The conference is a space where government, academia, and industry come together to discuss the role of technology in social transformation. Plans for the 40th edition of ANDICOM in 2025 are already underway.

Key Figures from ANDICOM 2024:

• 6,000 participants
• 35 countries represented
• 215 companies in the commercial exhibition
• 2,000 business delegates
• 150 international speakers
• 110 academic sessions
• 250 square meters dedicated to the Japan Pavilion
• 450 pre-conference attendees

For the first time, the awards will include categories for Smart Cities and Cybersecurity projects, alongside the established Business Digital Transformation Award, now in its seventh edition.

Smart City Innovator Awards Finalists

Ciudad Pionera:

• Bogotá: “Bogotá Camina Segura 2024-2028,” a strategic initiative for the city’s development plan.
• Bogotá: “Chatico,” another project from the capital city.

Ciudad Vanguardista:

• Ibagué: Sustainable urban furniture with a focus on integrating ICT.
• Sabaneta: “Sabaneta Inteligente,” an initiative from the municipality.

Ciudad Emergente:

• Salento: “Quindío Inteligente – Piloto Salento Inteligente,” a pilot project for smart development.
• Carepa: Internet connectivity and access points for rural and urban educational institutions.

Ciudad Visionaria:

• Bolívar: “GeoBolívar,” a comprehensive territorial management platform.
• Popayán: An initiative for the inclusion of the city within the Smart Cities framework.

Cybersecurity Awards Finalists

Proactive Cybersecurity Strategy:

• Riopaila Castilla S.A.
• Caja de Compensación Familiar de Fenalco – Andi Comfenalco Cartagena

Best Cybersecurity Risk Management Project:

• COLOMBIA MÓVIL S.A. E.S.P (TIGO)
• Centrales Eléctricas del Norte de Santander S.A. E.S.P. (CENS)

Integration of AI in Cybersecurity:

• Fondo Nacional De Garantías S.A.
• Segurexpo de Colombia S.A. (CESCE Seguros)

Business Digital Transformation Award Finalists

Customer Experience:

• Tigo Colombia
• Servinformación
• Valora Analitik

Data Monetization:

• Outsourcing
• PTM – ComercialCard
• Servinformación

Operational Agility and Efficiency:

• ITAC IT Applications Consulting
• Seguros Mundial
• BL Group

Digital Ecosystems:

• Listos S.A.S
• Terpel
• Grupo Tus Máquinas

Technological Innovation:

• Datup
• AI3LAB
• Grupo Don Pollo

ANDICOM, one of the region’s leading technology and business congresses, will take place from September 4-6, 2024. This year’s event will focus on showcasing the latest innovations in digital transformation, smart cities, and cybersecurity, with winners in each category to be announced during the congress.

Japan, recognized for its innovation in technology, will present developments across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, 5G connectivity, smart cities, and disaster management. These innovations will be featured during ANDICOM 2024, an event organized by CINTEL (Center for Research and Development in Information and Communication Technologies).

In a recent visit to Japan, CINTEL executives, along with Ángela Durán, Colombia’s Minister Plenipotentiary in Japan, met with Yoshida Hitoshi, Japan’s Vice Minister of International Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Discussions focused on the technological and knowledge exchange facilitated by the congress and how CINTEL promotes ICT adoption and business innovation in Latin America.

Japan’s participation in ANDICOM 2024 is expected to enhance collaboration between Colombian and Japanese entities, as well as with other global participants. The Japanese Pavilion at the event will feature companies such as NEC, Nihon Dengyo Kosaku, Ai Trax, Terumo, Furukawa Electric, Fujikura, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Nippon Koei, Hitachi Vantara, OREX SAI, and Global Plan.

Key Areas of Japanese Technological Focus:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Investment in research and development in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
• Robotics: Japan continues to lead globally in robotics, with ongoing advancements in collaborative robots.
• Biotechnology: Focus on personalized medicine, agriculture, and new material development.
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Development of new ICT technologies, including 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Energy: Research and development in renewable energy and fusion energy.
• Space Science: Investment in space exploration and technology development.
• Marine Sciences: Research aimed at understanding and sustainably utilizing ocean resources.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Investments to improve the competitiveness of Japan’s manufacturing industry.

For more information on Japan’s participation and other event details, visit the official ANDICOM website.

Website: ANDICOM

Nominations are now open through July 31 for the inaugural awards and the winners will be announced at ANDICOM 2024 from September 4-6 in Cartagena, Colombia.

“This award was designed to promote a smart, innovative, and inclusive city model in which technology can be measured as a benefit for people,” said Manuel Martínez Niño, executive director of CINTEL.

“At CINTEL, we are committed to promoting and disseminating initiatives that guarantee inclusive digitalization, ensuring that all people benefit in various sectors, from mobility to security, including well-being, the environment, energy, culture and governance,” he added. “That’s why we work tirelessly to implement technological solutions that improve the quality of life.”

More information can be found below as well as on CINTEL’s website.

Competition Rules

The award has three different categories, taking into account the diverse characteristics and contexts of the country’s cities and municipalities:

Pioneer City
For cities with more than 1 million inhabitants that demonstrate results in at least four of the seven topics raised.

Avant-garde City
For intermediate cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, which present results in at least two themes.

Emerging City
For small cities with less than 100,000 inhabitants, which show results in at least one theme.

Seven Themes for the Smart City Innovator Awards

Within this categorization, there are seven themes that will be considered (depending on the size of each city) for the Smart City Innovator Awards are:

1. Technology and Connectivity

· ICT infrastructure drives solutions for smart cities, ensuring the necessary interconnection for digital services.
· The IoT (Internet of Things) facilitates the collection of data in real time, essential for urban automation and efficiency.

2. Citizen Participation

· Citizen participation platforms strengthen democracy and inclusion, allowing citizens to contribute to decision-making.
· Electronic government promotes transparency and efficiency in the provision of public services, improving the interaction between citizens and authorities.

3. Environmental Sustainability

· Environmental monitoring detects and addresses problems such as pollution, ensuring healthy and safe environments for all.

4. Quality of Life

· Intelligent transportation and sustainable mobility promote accessibility and safety in urban travel, improving the quality of life.
· Smart green spaces offer recreation areas that promote mental health and contact with nature, contributing to a better quality of life.

5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

· Investment in R&D (Research and Development) drives advanced technological solutions to address complex urban challenges, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.
· Entrepreneurship policies provide the necessary framework for innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses, stimulating economic growth and job creation.

6. Resilience and Adaptability

· Emergency planning and resilient infrastructure strengthen cities’ ability to withstand and recover from adverse events, such as climate change or pandemics.

7. Efficiency in Urban Management

· Data analysis informs decisions to improve urban planning and service delivery, optimizing the quality of life of citizens.
· Traffic management and intelligent transport reduce congestion and improve road safety, ensuring efficient mobility in cities.

Photo: Manuel Martínez Niño, executive eirector of ANDICOM organizer CINTEL.

ANDICOM 2024, which organizer CINTEL will host from September 4-6 in Cartagena’s Complejo Las Américas convention center, will specifically focus on how the “technologIA” (a stylized rendering of the word technology in Spanish to highlight the Spanish acronym for AI) is set to empower and transform society as well as the business world.

“From CINTEL we invite you to explore the unlimited potential of AI technology to drive business success in all economic sectors,” said Manuel Martínez Niño, executive director of CINTEL. “From tackling complex challenges, identifying practical strategies to uncovering new opportunities for growth and prosperity, as we explore how the responsible use of technology can drive transformation, inspire innovation, and create a sustainable future for all.”

Before the 39th annual edition of the formally kicks off, CINTEL will also host a pre-conference gathering of business professionals on September 2 around the themes of smart cities, blockchain and AI impact.

AI’s Potential to Transform

Beyond the main speaker track, the exhibition hall full of industry companies, and Japan serving as the honorary guest country, ANDICOM 2024 will offer academic, commercial, and networking agendas.

The thematic tracks that will be addressed in the academic agenda are:

Day 1: TechnologIA, Business, and Society

Artificial Intelligence, a central component on this day, acts as a catalyst for innovation. ANDICOM 2024 will center the effective application of emerging technologies, as well as the implementation of ethical frameworks and appropriate regulations for social and business development.

Day 2: Innovation and the Digital Future

Countless opportunities will be unveiled on this day, from automation that simplifies repetitive tasks to personalizing experiences. Thanks to data analytics, the digital future promises efficiency, connectivity, transnational trade, and a more equitable world.

Day 3: Digital Ecosystems & Tech Trends Applications

The third day will explore how digital ecosystems are shaping innovation and business growth, from the integration of emerging technologies to the practical application of technology trends. It will look at how these trends are transforming industries and facilitating global collaboration, promoting sustainable development and an inclusive digital economy.

ANDICOM Talks, Thematic Tracks, and More

ANDICOM 2024 will also develop several thematic tracks — focused on AI, Talent and Innovation, Digital Security, Smart Cities and Sustainability, Connectivity, and 5G.

Additionally, as a preamble to this experience, CINTEL recently hosted guests for Live ANDICOM Talks on April 30 that addressed “Artificial Intelligence: a new horizon for companies. Mario Castaño, technical director of CINTEL, hosted the discussion, which included Javier Mauricio Ortiz of Minsait, Lina Bello at NTT DATA Colombia, and Esteban Numa, and Cencosud S.A.

Guests can register for the upcoming ANDICOM 2024 event at Andicom.co/en/home-2024.