AGP Executive Report

Transcat’s Costa Rica link: Transcat reported 18% Q4 revenue growth to $61.6M and 19% full-year growth to $331.9M, citing higher-margin rentals and acquisitions; its San José-based SCM Metrology and Laboratories gives it an operational foothold in Latin America. Costa Rica health alert: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health is investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to a commercial establishment in Ciudad Colón de Mora; 47 people have an epidemiological link, 12 tested positive, and one death is possibly connected, with INCIENSA analyzing samples and SENASA reviewing traceability. Energy policy shock: Costa Rica’s electricity market reform is at risk after the PLN said it will vote against the harmonization bill, blocking the supermajority needed for approval and leaving the future of the energy model uncertain. Pollinator science in Guanacaste: Reserva Conchal launched a bee genetics pilot to build climate-resilient pollinators, using an applied lab approach (including queen artificial insemination) to strengthen colonies against heat and drought. Deep-sea discovery: Scientists near the Galápagos identified a tiny, blue octopus species at about 5,900 feet deep, using CT scanning instead of dissection to study a single specimen.

Costa Rica Electricity Reform Hits a Wall: The PLN says it will vote against the Fernández administration’s electricity market harmonization bill, effectively blocking the reform that needs 38 votes in second debate—leaving Costa Rica’s power-sector future in doubt. Digital Safety: Costa Rica’s authorities are warning of a surge in SMS scams that mimic official services (smishing), using urgency and “points about to expire” hooks to push victims to fake sites. AI in Workflows: Across the region, GCCs are shifting from low-cost back-office work to outcome-driven hubs as AI automates procedural tasks and reshapes hiring. Global Tech & Policy: Canada pledged “principled use” of AI in migration management at the UN, while streaming tax rules are clouding USMCA review talks. Science Spotlight: A new, golf-ball-sized blue octopus was formally described from deep waters near the Galápagos, forcing a rethink of its family’s textbook definition.

USMCA Streaming Fight: Canada’s new streaming content rules are colliding with U.S. trade politics, with Washington facing fresh pressure to treat the issue as part of the USMCA review. Costa Rica Health Watch: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health is investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to a Ciudad Colón de Mora food outlet—47 linked cases so far, including one possibly related death, after sanitation and temperature-control problems were found. Digital Safety: Costa Rica is seeing more SMS scams (“smishing”), using fake COSEVI-style messages and urgent “points expiring” lures to push victims to lookalike sites. Deep-Sea Science: Near the Galápagos, researchers identified a tiny, blue octopus species at about 5,900 feet deep—forcing a rethink of its deep-sea family. Local Tech & Nature: Reserva Conchal’s bee genetics pilot in Guanacaste aims to breed pollinators tougher for heat and drought, tying biotech to climate resilience.

Deep-Sea Discovery: A Charles Darwin Foundation team has formally described a new “tiny, blue” octopus species near the Galápagos—Microeledone galapagensis—found about 1,800 meters down, forcing scientists to revise parts of the deep-sea octopus family tree. Local Science & Biodiversity: Costa Rica researchers also confirmed a new marine worm, Sthenelais onca, at Playa Naranjo in Guanacaste, adding to the country’s growing catalog of ocean life. Cybersecurity Warning: Costa Rica is seeing more SMS scams (“smishing”), with messages that pressure victims using fake “points” or urgent prizes and links to lookalike sites. Tech Policy: El Salvador jumped into the top 10 Latin America startup ecosystems, crediting its AI law, a state AI lab, and a 0% tax rate for innovation and AI activities. Climate Watch: Meteorologists are flagging rising odds of a major El Niño/Super El Niño, with ocean warming “fuel” already building.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists near the Galapagos spotted a brand-new octopus species—tiny, bright blue, and found about 1,800 meters down—named Microeledone galapagensis, with researchers using CT scans and a 3D model after getting only one preserved specimen. Regional Security: A U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel coalition is ramping up military and intelligence cooperation across the hemisphere, putting new pressure on Mexico to tighten enforcement. Climate Watch: NOAA and Costa Rica’s meteorology agency are warning El Niño could intensify into a “Super El Niño,” with high odds of major ocean warming later this year. Costa Rica Tech & Society: Costa Rica’s earthquake/volcano monitoring network risks losing coverage without stable funding, while local tech firms keep pushing globally—Costa Rican companies highlighted at Web Summit Vancouver 2026. Local Innovation: Reserva Conchal launched a bee genetics pilot in Guanacaste to strengthen pollinators using applied science and closer monitoring.

El Niño Alarm: NOAA and Costa Rica’s IMN say El Niño is rapidly intensifying, with an 82% chance to form May–July 2026 and 96% by Dec 2026–Feb 2027—raising fears of a “Super El Niño” level event that could swing weather patterns worldwide. Ocean Discovery: Near the Galapagos, scientists spotted a new deep-sea octopus—tiny, bright blue, and found ~1,800m down—using CT scans to study it without cutting it open. Pacific Push: France used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to reaffirm big Pacific investments tied to ocean protection and the “Nice Ocean Action Plan,” linking ocean health to jobs and stability. Costa Rica Watch: OVSICORI warns earthquake and volcano monitoring could lose coverage if permanent funding doesn’t return. Energy Tension: Panama has suspended electricity sales to Costa Rica amid the trade fight—just as El Niño threatens rainfall and power supply.

World Cup warm-up news: England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Alex Scott, Josh King, Rio Ngumoha and Ethan Nwaneri will join the squad for two friendlies in Florida as the 26-man World Cup group takes shape. Public safety & science funding: Costa Rica’s earthquake and volcano monitoring network is at risk of losing coverage unless permanent funding is restored, with stations starting to fail one by one. Energy & diplomacy: Panama has suspended electricity sales to Costa Rica indefinitely after renewed bilateral tensions, just as El Niño could cut rainfall and raise power pressure. Tech & jobs: Costa Rican companies are pitching AI, immersive tech and cybersecurity to global investors at Web Summit Vancouver 2026, while Talent Up 2026 pushes same-day language testing and CV/LinkedIn coaching. Environment: A Guanacaste bee genetics pilot aims to strengthen pollinators through queen selection and closer monitoring.

Earthquake & Volcano Watch Under Threat: Costa Rica’s monitoring network could lose “eyes and ears” in the field as stable funding runs out, with stations at risk of failing one by one unless permanent support is restored. AI & Work Reality Check: A Financial Times reporter is traveling from miners to care workers—including Costa Rica—to show how AI is reshaping jobs beyond the hype. Tech Push Abroad: Costa Rican companies are using Web Summit Vancouver 2026 to lock in new alliances in AI, immersive tech, and cybersecurity. Digital Skills for Hiring: The Talent Up 2026 fair is bringing same-day language tests, CV help, and LinkedIn coaching to job seekers. Energy Tensions: Panama has suspended electricity sales to Costa Rica amid a wider trade dispute, raising concerns as El Niño threatens rainfall and supply. Pollinators Get a Science Boost: Reserva Conchal launches a bee genetics pilot in Guanacaste to strengthen colonies against disease and extreme weather.

Creativity Tech Talk: Carlos Lastres just dropped a TEDx talk, “Innovation Comes From Breaking Things,” arguing that real creativity comes from experimentation, limits, and hands-on problem solving—not frictionless systems and not just today’s AI. Disaster Readiness: Costa Rica’s earthquake and volcano monitoring network is at risk of losing coverage as stable funding runs out, meaning fewer “eyes and ears” in the field. AI at Work (Global): A Financial Times report follows workers from miners to care staff, including people in Costa Rica, pushing back on the idea that AI’s job impact is unstoppable and purely beneficial. Local Business Push: Costa Rican companies are using Web Summit Vancouver 2026 to lock in new partnerships in AI, immersive tech, and cybersecurity. Tech & Society: A separate look at Costa Rica’s streaming, gaming, and smart-home boom shows the living room is back as the digital hub. Environment: Reserva Conchal launched a bee genetics pilot in Guanacaste to strengthen pollinators against climate stress.

US Courtroom Shock: A federal judge tossed criminal charges against wrongly deported Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Ábrego García, calling the Trump DOJ case “selective and vindictive” and saying prosecutors effectively “picked the person first.” Tech & Daily Life: A new look at Costa Rica’s cell-phone boom shows how the device became the country’s public-life hub—news, payments, navigation, even “talking to yourself” in plain sight. Environment in Action: Costa Rica is testing ways to stop plastic before it reaches the sea, including floating barriers on rivers plus urban recycling. Biodiversity Wins: Wildlife photographer Felipe Vega won Santiago Wild with a one-minute film on tent-making bats in Sarapiquí. Climate + Food Pressure: Banana growers report higher diesel and input costs, erratic weather, and uncertainty from El Niño as volumes lag. Local Science: Reserva Conchal launched a bee genetics pilot in Guanacaste to strengthen pollinators. Migration Scrutiny: Costa Rica received another US deportation flight group, bringing 2026 arrivals to about 95, renewing questions about housing and screening.

Nasdaq Launch in Regenerative Medicine: Reno’s Conexeu Sciences just started trading on Nasdaq under “Architecting Bioregeneration™,” pitching a platform meant to help the body regrow tissue and then dissolve away—one chemistry, many indications. Costa Rica–Panama Energy Clash: Panama has ordered an immediate, indefinite suspension of electricity sales to Costa Rica after criticism tied to President Laura Fernández, raising fresh worries as El Niño could cut Costa Rica rainfall and strain supply. Wildlife Rescue Gets a New Home Base: Wild Sun Rescue is moving under the Choose Your Change nonprofit umbrella in the U.S. as it works toward independent 501(c)(3) status, continuing a decade of sanctuary and veterinary work in Costa Rica. AI Data Centers vs. Local Backlash: In the U.S., developers are pushing a major data center complex in DeSoto County, Florida, amid community pushback—another sign of how AI demand is reshaping power and land debates. Costa Rica Tech & Industry Moves: Rhythmlink opened a new neurodiagnostic manufacturing plant in Costa Rica, while BMI went live on Actisure in Costa Rica to modernize policy and claims operations.

AI in the workplace: PwC and other firms are cutting executive assistants and similar support roles as AI takes over more scheduling and admin work, with PwC’s U.S. layoffs hitting about 600 staff in February. Costa Rica connectivity: Williams Barnett has been named vice minister of telecommunications at MICITT, adding fresh leadership to the country’s tech policy pipeline. Energy systems modernization: JASEC in Cartago is moving to a new AI-ready electricity billing platform via Congero’s Embrix, aiming to unify prepaid and postpaid billing and replace legacy processes. Conservation with measurable impact: Costa Rica’s Payment for Ecosystem Services is showing wildlife “soundtrack” returns, with restored forests on the Nicoya Peninsula matching protected areas more closely than pastures. Tourism and trade signals: Lufthansa will add flights between Frankfurt and San José for the 2026-27 season, while Costa Rica’s exporters keep waiting on Washington tariff talks.

AI at Work: Executive assistants at major firms are getting cut as AI takes over scheduling, expenses, and travel—PwC alone reportedly laid off about 600 support roles. Costa Rica’s Climate Finance: Costa Rica is expanding its Payment for Ecosystem Services beyond forests to mangroves, coral reefs, and ocean conservation, building on a program that has protected 1.3M hectares since the 1990s. Renewables Meets AI Demand: With 98.6% renewable electricity in 2025, Costa Rica is pitching itself to AI data centers—but the new pressure is whether the grid and watersheds can handle the growth. Energy Tech Upgrade: JASEC (Cartago) is modernizing electricity billing with Congero’s Embrix platform, aiming to unify prepaid and postpaid in an AI-ready cloud system. Trade Tension: Costa Rica is still waiting on Washington tariff talks tied to DR-CAFTA, keeping exporters and investment plans in limbo. Tourism Connectivity: Lufthansa will add flights between Frankfurt and San José for the 2026-27 season.

Tariff Pressure Watch: Costa Rica is still waiting on a third round of talks with Washington to restore DR-CAFTA-era trade terms after U.S. tariffs on Costa Rican goods have lingered since 2025, keeping exporters—and the medical device sector in particular—stuck in uncertainty. Telecom Leadership: Micitt named Antonette Williams Barnett as vice minister of telecommunications, adding fresh planning experience from within the ministry. Tourism Connectivity: Lufthansa will boost Frankfurt–San José flights to five weekly services for the 2026-2027 season, starting Oct. 25, betting on continued demand. Regenerative Hospitality: Hotel Belmar launches Artista, a low-impact, car-free set of 10 regenerative luxury villas opening June 1 in Monteverde. Digital Finance Momentum: Costa Rica hit a milestone with 90% of adults holding formal accounts, driven by mobile payments and SINPE Móvil. Energy + AI Demand: Costa Rica’s clean power edge is now being marketed to AI data centers—but it raises a new question: can the grid and water supply handle the growth?

Emergency Response Data Awards: ESO Innovation Awards named Tulsa Fire Department, Global Medical Response, Tower Health, and Hawaii’s health agency for using integrated data to improve outcomes across EMS, fire, and hospitals. Regenerative Tourism: Hotel Belmar’s Artista launches June 1 in Monteverde with 10 car-free regenerative luxury villas designed to cut energy use by up to 70%. Telecom Leadership: Micitt appointed Antonette Williams Barnett as vice minister of telecommunications. Aviation Boost: Lufthansa will add Frankfurt–San José flights, moving from 3 to 5 weekly services starting Oct. 25, 2026. Insurance Tech Upgrade: BMI went live in Costa Rica on Cegedim’s Actisure platform to modernize policy and claims across Latin America. AI + Clean Power Pressure: Costa Rica’s renewable-heavy grid is being pitched for AI data centers, but new demand raises questions about electricity and water capacity. Conservation Signal: ETH Zurich reports restored forests under Costa Rica’s PES program sound far more like protected habitats than pastures.

Clean Energy Advocacy Shake-Up: Steve McBee launched AMPED, a new U.S. clean-energy advocacy “operating platform” aimed at challenging major Washington groups he says have been too soft on renewables. Forest Recovery Signals: A Costa Rica study using thousands of hours of sound recordings found restored forests under the country’s PES program are increasingly “alive,” with wildlife activity sounding closer to protected areas than pastures. Utility Billing Gets an AI-Ready Upgrade: JASEC selected Congero’s Embrix platform to unify prepaid and postpaid electricity billing in a cloud system built for AI-ready revenue management. Regional Tech & Power Demand: Costa Rica’s renewable-heavy grid is drawing fresh attention as AI data centers add pressure on electricity—and potentially water—capacity. Trade Tension: Costa Rica escalated its dispute with Panama over agricultural blockades, moving toward “international actions” after years of tariff and phytosanitary fights. Digital Shift in Costa Rica: TikTok has overtaken Instagram as the country’s second most used social network, hitting 58% adult usage on mobile.