CATIE and CENFOTEC University drive cooperation to integrate AI and emerging technologies into education and research

• The alliance seeks to contribute to the country’s development with forward-looking educational solutions.

CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) and CENFOTEC University took a decisive step toward the future of education and applied research with a strategic meeting held on September 16 at CATIE’s campus in Turrialba.

The purpose of the meeting was to establish a joint roadmap that leverages artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital transformation to strengthen talent training and the generation of innovative solutions for the region’s sustainability challenges.

Proposals were discussed for courses and diploma programs in areas such as artificial intelligence applied to agriculture, data science for sustainability, and automation of decision-making processes. These contents would be integrated into the Master’s in Agribusiness, Markets and Sustainable Organizations Management (GANEMOS) and into short-term training programs, ensuring that both university and technical students gain access to cutting-edge tools.

Cooperation proposals

The alliance identified the formulation of joint research and development (R&D) projects as a priority, aimed at securing funding for high-impact technological solutions such as blockchain-based traceability platforms, AI-driven predictive systems, and digital twins of ecosystems to optimize decision-making in agriculture and conservation.

A key moment was the signing of the cooperation agreement between both institutions, held at CATIE’s Directorate General with the participation of Dr. Ulises Agüero and Dr. Luis Pocasangre. This act formalized the commitment to advance a common agenda that fosters innovation and the adoption of disruptive technologies in the region.

This agreement reflects the shared interest of CENFOTEC University and CATIE in leading the digital transformation of education and research, preparing professionals capable of applying AI and technological solutions to boost sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience in Latin America and the Caribbean.