“This will be the largest academic agenda we’ve had in our history,” Díaz said, noting that ANDICOM 2026 is spread across two venues for the first time, the Las Américas complex and the Hotel Faranda Collection. CINTEL, the Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (Center for Research and Development in Information and Communications Technologies), runs technology-adoption projects with Colombian government bodies including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology alongside private-sector clients.

This year’s theme, “Unleashing the Power of AI,” organizes the program around four pillars: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital trust, connectivity and digital infrastructure, and public policy and regulation. Manuel Martínez Niño, CINTEL’s executive director, told El Universal that the congress has become the most important gathering of its kind not only in Colombia but in Latin America, bringing together authorities, government, business, academia, multilateral banks and legislators to work on the country’s digital inclusion.

The congress opened September 1 with the ANDICOM Knowledge Hub at the Faranda Collection, running two parallel sessions Díaz called central to the week: one on the transition to post-quantum cryptography, ahead of what Díaz said industry estimates place around 2029 as the point when quantum computers could break current encryption standards, and another on AI governance and the oversight of autonomous agents.

The European Union is this year’s guest of honor, sending a diplomatic and commercial delegation for sessions on the bloc’s approach to AI regulation, cybersecurity and quantum computing. European companies account for 22% of foreign direct investment in Colombia’s technology sector and have created more than 120,000 jobs in the country, according to figures CINTEL presented for the congress and reported by Cartagena al Día.

Wednesday’s opening ceremony was expected to include Colombia’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Alexandra Falla Zerrate, along with European Union representatives outlining the new government’s technology road map. The day’s keynote speakers included Pilar Manchón, senior director of research strategy at Google AI (NASDAQ: GOOGL), who has described artificial intelligence as “the most profound and transformative technology humanity has ever developed,” and Marc Reguera, worldwide general manager for Microsoft Fabric (NASDAQ: MSFT) customer engagement, on the next generation of intelligent business applications. A separate afternoon panel brought together Julissa Cruz, director of sustainable digital infrastructure at CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean; Alexia González Fanfalone, head of the connectivity services and infrastructures unit at the OECD; Carlos Lugo Silva of the International Telecommunication Union; and a public-policy representative from Amazon Web Services to compare regulatory experiences across countries. In parallel at the Faranda Collection, a forum on financing digital infrastructure and connectivity brought in the European Investment Bank, the World Bank and Colombia’s Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional.

Thursday’s agenda centered on a regulatory panel gathering officials from across the region: Gonzalo Balseiro, president of Uruguay’s Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicaciones (Communications Services Regulatory Unit); Sergio Sotomayor Rodríguez, director of Colombia’s National Spectrum Agency; Felipe Augusto Díaz Suaza, executive director of the Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones (Communications Regulation Commission); and Lucas Gallitto, head of Latin America and the Caribbean for the GSMA. The day also featured a panel of telecommunications-company executives from WOM, Claro, Tigo and LinkMax discussing the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

Friday’s keynote speakers included Eric Martorell Bouvier of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE), on digital sovereignty and data infrastructure. Díaz said the closing keynote was expected to include President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was set to address technology and AI as drivers of the country’s economic and social development.

Díaz pointed to a Wednesday afternoon session on AI in the creative industries, covering the technology’s use in music and film production, as one he was personally looking forward to. The congress’s commercial exhibition includes more than 215 companies, and its mobile app lets attendees flag sessions and schedule meetings, a feature Díaz said has become central to the networking Loren Moss described as one of ANDICOM’s main draws.

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)

With more than three decades of experience, the fair has established itself as a key meeting point for manufacturers, distributors, integrators, government representatives, and professionals working across the security ecosystem.

The exhibition will showcase developments in areas including electronic security, cybersecurity, surveillance systems, access control, fire protection, risk management, and emerging technologies designed to address the evolving needs of organizations and communities.

ESS+ also provides a space for industry networking, market expansion, and knowledge exchange, connecting international brands with buyers and decision-makers from Colombia and across the region.

Dates: August 26–28, 2026
Venue: Corferias, Bogotá, Colombia

For more information, visit securityfaircolombia.com.

Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) will publish daily reports on the cybersecurity work being carried out around the June 21 presidential runoff, posting the summaries at the end of each day on its account on X, formerly Twitter.

The reports cover the activities of the entities that make up the Cyber Unified Command Post (Puesto de Mando Unificado Cibernético, or PMU), among them MinTIC, Colombia’s Cyber Emergency Response Group (ColCERT), the Policía Nacional, and other bodies involved in monitoring and protecting the country’s digital infrastructure. MinTIC said the aim is to strengthen institutional transparency and keep the public informed about the cybersecurity capabilities activated to support the electoral process.

“Our commitment is to report in a timely and transparent way on the actions being taken to protect this coming Sunday’s elections. These reports will allow citizens to learn about the work we are doing through the Cyber Unified Command Post to prevent risks, respond to any contingency, and promote a digital conversation based on verified information,” said Carina Murcia, the minister of information and communications technologies.

According to MinTIC, the PMU maintains continuous monitoring of platforms, digital services, and strategic technology infrastructure, working with national entities and telecommunications operators. The published information will also describe actions taken to prevent incidents, counter disinformation, and promote safe digital environments.

The reports will include recommendations to the public on preventing digital violence and avoiding the spread of false or misleading information. MinTIC said it will post one report per day through Saturday, and on Sunday it will publish updates every hour starting at 8:00 a.m.

The runoff follows the May 31 first round, in which no candidate won an outright majority. It pits leftist senator Iván Cepeda against conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, with the winner due to take office on August 7.

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.

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

Stationed in Bogotá and working for the embassy’s trade promotion agency CzechTrade, he has been doing the legwork with boots on the ground to look for more trade and commercial opportunities that can help both Czech and Colombian companies cooperate and grow together.

Photo: National representatives work to promote bilateral ties at the Czech Republic booth during this year’s MinExpo in Medellín. (Credit: Loren Moss)

He attended the MinExpo 2023 in Medellín earlier this year, and Finance Colombia Executive Editor Loren Moss got the chance to sit down and hear more about the areas in mining, technology, and more that Eichner sees as important to the “bright future” he believes is ahead for two nations’ economic ties.

Finance Colombia: We got to talk at the MinExpo in Medellín, and I know the trade mission here has a large focus on the mining sector. For those who don’t know much about the Czech Republic presence in the industry, can you tell us a little bit?

Pavel Eichner: The Czech Republic is a small country, but we have a very big industry. If you look at Europe and compare our industry to our gross domestic product (GDP), it’s one of the biggest in Europe.

In mining, we have a very large tradition of because, since we are small country, we have to really make good use of all the places we can mine. All the companies are focused on extraction and being very efficient in all their processes.

If you look around the world, the Czech mining companies are very strong in Europe, in Asia, and South African countries. We were strong in the Americas maybe 30-40 years ago, but nowadays — in the last 20-30 years — the Czech companies just focused elsewhere. Now, they are starting to reactivate this continent to start exporting here as well.

“I believe there’s a bright future for the commercial relations between the Czech Republic and Colombia.”

– Pavel Eichner of CzechTrade

Finance Colombia: Where do you see areas for growth? Mining is an obvious sector, but where are the areas for growth in bilateral trade — not just for Colombian companies to find opportunities but also for Czech companies to open markets and do business here?

Pavel Eichner: Yes, definitely. At our stand, we had a video of Czech Republic and all its main industries, and it’s a very wide selection of products. What I see is that the potential is in modern technologies that can help us work with in every sector we can think of. And to work more sustainably and to work more effectively.

There’s a huge boom in the ICT sector, and nowadays, for example, we know that in Latin America a lot of companies still have problems with cybercrime and cybersecurity. That’s a sector that is very strong in Czech Republic, actually. If you know the biggest antivirus companies — like Avast, AVG, and more — most of them are from the Czech Republic and one is from Slovakia.

We are a big country in this area — and not only in the antivirus segment, but everything related with ICT. I think this is the future.

Finance Colombia: The services sector seems to be very strong, but what are some of the products? Obviously, at least in North America, the Czech Republic is famous for beer! And mining is a key sector, but what are the areas that you really would like to gain more exposure for the Czech Republic when it comes to exports and opening up new markets?

Pavel Eichner: I’ll tell you of course the ICT segment comes first. But, for example, in the construction sector, we have a lot of companies that not only focusing the construction itself but also in design and functionality of construction.

We can speak about the smart technologies for smart cities for city mobility. Last year, we actually had a delegation from Colombia — from Medellín, Bogotá, and other cities — to the Czech Republic and they had a look at our public transportation system: the trams, the trains, and more. The ability to communicate everything will very much help here in Colombia.

There is a lot of exchange not only in products but also in the know-how. That’s where you have always to start because when you just buy the product, the desired effect doesn’t come. Because you don’t know how to use it correctly, right?

I think those will be the sectors, but really there’s a very wide range of opportunities.

Finance Colombia: Overall, what are your impressions of being stationed here in Colombia? How have you enjoyed the experience, the weather, and everything about being stationed here?

Pavel Eichner: Colombia is a very nice country. I’ve been before to Mexico and some other countries, and I very much like the development they have shown in the past year in a lot of systems. For example, the social systems that they are implementing help a lot in growing the country and helping to create a better life in Colombia.

Of course, you mentioned the climate. I’m stationed in Bogotá, and I believe that in the last six months I think there was one day without rain! But that’s something that that you that you have to get used to.

I especially enjoy the interest the Colombian companies are showing in learning new things. That’s what we do and that’s what I think we are here for. I believe there’s a bright future for the commercial relations between the Czech Republic and Colombia.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Intellias has expertise in several industries including mobility, financial services, telecom and media, and retail, working with companies like HERE Technologies, HelloFresh, Rand McNally, TomTom and DKV.

“Having a well-developed tech ecosystem and technically skilled engineers, Colombia is one of the fastest-growing IT hubs in the LATAM region. Additionally, Colombia is the perfect location to set up the first delivery center in Latin America and work with our growing US client roster. By cooperating closely with Colombian IT experts, educational centers, and IT hubs, we plan to build a top-tier team of engineers who will join our efforts in digitalizing the world. We invite local developers to apply to join the Intellias team and grow with the company,” said Vitaly Sedler, CEO and co-founder of Intellias

Intellias claims to have been named the best IT employer by Forbes and EY in 2020 and 2021, and has also been named one of the most family-friendly companies in Ukraine by UNFPA. This, according to the company, is due to paying special attention to nurturing and supporting a human-to-human corporate culture. Team members can manage their careers, work remotely, master new skills, become mentors, join engineering communities, and even get insurance for their pets.

“Setting Colombia as a new global location is a big and strategic step for Intellias. We hope to get access to the world-renowned LATAM talent market, using Colombia as a key bridge, while also using Colombia’s close ties with North America to foster a strong partnership with our clients. We look forward to cooperating with Colombian specialists on top-notch engineering projects and creating outstanding digital solutions while enjoying the rich culture and diversity Colombia has to offer,” Camilo Riveros,  Intellias Employee Experience Manager for Colombia

Last year, Intellias reported 50% growth, opening new offices in Croatia, Bulgaria, Spain, Portugal, and Poland; and acquiring Digitally Inspired, a fast-growing UK-based development company focusing on retail and eCommerce industries. Intellias also has offices in Ukraine, working with the country’s engineers to launch initiatives to support the Ukrainian people during the country’s defense against Russian aggression. In 2023, the company plans to open even more locations in Colombia and India.