Vázquez de Coronado, Costa Rica · October 5 and 9, 2026
In October 2026, Costa Rica hosted the Central American 5G Innovation Hackathon (Hackatón Centroamericano de Innovación 5G), a regional initiative that brought together 46 participants across eight teams to develop technology-based responses to challenges facing Central America.
Held October 5–9 at the Promotora Costarricense de Innovación e Investigación, the event combined activities in Costa Rica with remote participation from the region.
Commissioned by Iberian Media on behalf of FIAP, I photographed the opening on October 5 and closing and awards on October 9. My coverage followed two defining moments in a week connecting international cooperation, public institutions and new technological ideas.
A Regional Initiative for Innovation
The initiative brought together the European Union in Costa Rica, FIAP, the Promotora and MICITT, with support from CeNAT.
Teams explored applications of 5G and related technologies in biodiversity and climate action, smart agriculture, digital health, smart cities and mobility, and sustainable tourism. Costa Rica’s 5G testbed provided a technical setting for developing and evaluating ideas.
October 5: Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony introduced the participating teams, the challenges and the institutions supporting the initiative. Costa Rica’s Vice Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Antonette Williams Barnett, described the hackathon as more than a competition: a space for collaboration that could turn 5G into a practical tool for solving real problems.
I focused on the opening addresses, participating institutions and the interactions marking the start of the event.
The Week Between
Over the following days, eight teams developed proposals with technical guidance and mentorship. Their subjects ranged from wildlife conservation and agricultural water management to mobility and early warning systems. This work took place between my two coverage dates; the photographs in this essay document the opening and closing ceremonies rather than a continuous record of all five days.
October 9: Presentations and Awards
At the closing event, the participating teams presented their results and the winning projects were recognized.
PantheraID received first place for a wildlife-monitoring proposal using intelligent camera traps, automated image processing and connectivity to help detect animal activity, including that of jaguars.
InnoBIA, developed by students from the University of Costa Rica, received second place with a smart irrigation concept using soil and environmental sensors, automated controls and wireless connectivity to support water management in agriculture.
AgroSenser received third place for a climate-resilience proposal using connected sensors and data analysis to support agricultural decisions.
Other finalist projects reported by the organizers included Paso Seguro 5G, InnoBus and AgriVision, addressing flood warnings, public transport and agricultural pest monitoring.
For a photographer, the closing ceremony brought together the human and institutional sides of the event: presentations, recognition and exchanges between teams and their supporters.
Beyond the Competition
The hackathon was part of a wider effort to create opportunities for regional technological experimentation and cooperation. Selected proposals were offered possibilities for continued development through the 5G testbed, mentorship and institutional connections.
My assignment documented the beginning and conclusion of this process: the public moments in which an international initiative was introduced and the participating teams’ work was recognized. This is also an example of my news and institutional event photography coverage in Costa Rica, commissioned for an international production team.
Assignment Details
Photography: Christopher Alga
Commissioned by: Iberian Media
On behalf of: FIAP
Event: Hackatón Centroamericano de Innovación 5G
Location: Promotora Costarricense de Innovación e Investigación, Vázquez de Coronado, Costa Rica
Coverage: October 5 and 9, 2026
Event dates: October 5–9, 2026
Discipline: Documentary, editorial and institutional event photography
Official information: MICITT announcement · Promotora results
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