AGP Executive Report

AI & Web Ops in Puerto Rico: Otto Webmaster (IslaIntel) launched Otto MCP, an HTTP connector that lets AI agents like Claude and ChatGPT query live site analytics and draft changes via 168 tools across 11 integrations, including GA4, Search Console, Meta Ads, and Shopify. Local Leadership in Health Tech: Ponce Health Sciences University named Dr. Kenira J. Thompson García as president, highlighting her research leadership and plans to expand biomedical innovation in Puerto Rico. Space Policy Watch: The FAA is seeking input on new U.S. spaceports and how “priority airspace” should work for critical launch corridors, tied to the 2026 National Space Transportation Policy. Cyber/Forensics: The FBI cleared a 1.8M DNA backlog and reported Puerto Rico-related arrests tied to a Mayagüez transnational criminal organization. STEM & Robotics Pipeline: El Salvador selected national robotics champions for WRO International after students built AI- and sensor-based solutions under “Robots Meet Culture,” with top teams representing the country in Puerto Rico. Military Tech in Practice: East Carolina University and the U.S. Army Reserve signed a 10-year agreement to move a predictive maintenance platform into operational use nationwide. Child Safety & Platform Rules: Oklahoma announced a $235.6M guaranteed Meta settlement (part of a larger multi-state deal) over addictive design and misleading claims about teen safety, with Puerto Rico included in the claims.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Oklahoma announced it will receive $235.6M guaranteed (up to $334.1M) from Meta’s landmark teen social-media settlement, with Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands included in the multistate deal that also pushes major platform design changes for minors. Puerto Rico Health Leadership: Ponce Health Sciences University named Dr. Kenira J. Thompson García as its new president, highlighting her long track record in research leadership and expanding biomedical opportunities in Puerto Rico. Local Medical Upgrades: Isabela invested $6M to modernize CIMA, adding new radiology/sonography equipment, automated systems to cut waiting times, a 24/7 emergency room, and a new community pharmacy. AI + Healthcare Research: A real-world study used machine learning to predict hemoglobin variability in chronic kidney disease patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, aiming to improve anemia management. Space Policy Watch: The FAA is seeking input on new spaceports and “priority airspace” for launch corridors as the U.S. commercial space push accelerates. Tech for Web Ops: Otto Webmaster launched Otto MCP, exposing 168 tools across 11 integrations to AI agents so teams can manage analytics and site changes from one conversational workflow.

Space Policy & Regulation: The FAA is asking industry for input on new U.S. spaceport locations and “priority airspace” for launch corridors, as the 2026 National Space Transportation Policy pushes for far more commercial launches by 2030. AI Web Ops for Puerto Rico: Otto Webmaster (IslaIntel) launched Otto MCP, an HTTP connector that exposes 168 website-management tools across 11 integrations to AI agents like Claude and ChatGPT, aiming to let teams make SEO and analytics changes from one chat. Public Safety Tech: The FBI says it cleared a 1.8 million DNA backlog and reports Puerto Rico-related arrests tied to a Mayagüez transnational criminal organization. Healthcare Modernization (PR): Isabela invested $6M to renovate and upgrade CIMA, adding new radiology/sonography tech, automated systems to cut wait times, and a 24/7 emergency room. Food Safety: U.S. outbreaks tied to lettuce cyclospora and salmonella-linked foods are driving renewed warnings, including for vulnerable groups. STEM Pipeline: DOE labs plan hands-on fall research placements for 150+ undergrads and community college students, including AI, cybersecurity, fusion, and quantum studies.

Medical Manufacturing Boost: Puerto Rico’s Abbott expansion in Arecibo adds $3.206M in new investment and more than 60 specialized jobs, targeting cardiovascular medical device production. Healthcare Modernization: Isabela invested $6M to renovate and modernize CIMA, upgrading radiology/sonography tech, adding a 24/7 emergency room flow improvements, and opening a new community pharmacy. STEM Workforce Pipeline: The U.S. Department of Energy will place 150+ undergrads (including Puerto Rico students) into hands-on research and technical training at National Labs and a fusion facility this fall, spanning AI, quantum, cybersecurity, and materials. Digital Safety Rules: A major multistate Meta settlement (including Puerto Rico) would require Instagram/Facebook protections for minors—automatic limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks—pending court approval. Tech Services Expansion: Colombian firm Muto Studio says it’s expanding U.S. software development, AI automation, and digital transformation services, citing prior work across Puerto Rico and the region. Local Tech/Community Events: SITE Classic 2026 in Puerto Rico raised $276,000 for the SITE Foundation and released a new impact report.

Digital ID Rollout: Virginia launched Apple Wallet Digital ID at airport security on Aug. 26, letting travelers verify with Face ID/Touch ID via NFC—while major states still have no timeline. Puerto Rico Manufacturing: Abbott expanded in Arecibo with a $3.2M medical device project focused on cardiovascular tech, creating 60+ specialized jobs. Youth Tech Safety: Meta agreed to a landmark multistate $18B settlement over teen social media addiction, requiring Instagram/Facebook limits and nighttime blocks; Puerto Rico is included in the claims. AI + Software Services: Colombian firm Muto Studio is expanding U.S. tech services, including custom software, AI automation, and digital transformation—building on work across Puerto Rico and the region. Research Pipeline: DOE National Labs will host 150+ undergrads this fall for hands-on STEM and cybersecurity projects, including Puerto Rico participation. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Atlantic and may bring heavy rain to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola, though it’s not a direct U.S. threat yet. Energy + Tech Risk: Legal filings continue around Flotek’s Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority power deal after reports the agreement was terminated.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Severe drought plus aging infrastructure and a major aqueduct rupture have triggered rationing that shut off water service in San Juan and nearby areas for 48-hour intervals, affecting 180,000+ households—tourism may feel less impact, but locals say the crisis is for residents first. Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B and impose child-safety limits on Facebook and Instagram, including a default two-hour daily cap and nighttime blocks; the settlement covers Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Puerto Rico Investment Push: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón promoted Puerto Rico as an investment destination at the NYSE, highlighting Act 60 tax extensions and a competitive 4% rate for certain income types. Securities Watch (Puerto Rico-linked): Law firms are investigating Flotek Industries (FTK) after PREPA terminated a major power agreement, raising questions about what investors were told. Medical Device Recall: Erbe is correcting 11,226 cryosurgery units via software updates after a hose pull can cause a pressure issue that may rupture a probe. Biopharma Update: Amgen and AstraZeneca reported positive Phase 3 TEZSPIRE results for eosinophilic esophagitis, with benefits sustained through week 52.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta struck a landmark multistate deal worth up to about $17.1–$18B to settle claims that Facebook and Instagram were built to be addictive and harmful to minors, with court-ordered defaults like a combined two-hour daily limit, nighttime blocks, school-hour notification limits, and forced “productive pauses” after continuous use. Puerto Rico in the mix: The settlement includes Puerto Rico among participating states/territories, meaning the same teen-safety guardrails are expected to apply locally if approved. Conditional pressure on rivals: About $5.3B of the total is tied to whether TikTok and YouTube (and others) adopt comparable youth-safety terms. Local tech policy angle: Puerto Rico’s governor also used the New York Stock Exchange to push long-term investment messaging, including Act 60 tax extensions—showing how regulation and tech policy are moving in parallel. STEM/innovation note: The U.S. Army Reserve and East Carolina University expanded a facilities analytics partnership to improve predictive maintenance using sensing and data-driven planning.

Big Tech Accountability: A multistate deal with Meta could reach $17.1B over claims that Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to minors and misled the public; Puerto Rico is listed among the participating jurisdictions, and reforms include age checks, tighter teen time limits, overnight feed shutdowns, and reduced school-day notifications. Local Tech & Economy: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón used a New York Stock Exchange appearance to push Puerto Rico’s long-term investment strategy, including a framework aimed at giving qualifying new resident investors certainty through Dec. 31, 2055. STEM & Research: East Carolina University and the U.S. Army Reserve signed a 10-year, $6M+ services agreement for a technology platform to monitor and analyze military facility performance and maintenance needs. Puerto Rico in Sports Tech: USA Wheelchair Rugby won the 2026 WWR World Championship, with Puerto Rico’s Alex Pabon named Best in Class (2.5). Water & Infrastructure: Great Lakes Towing’s Puerto Rico-named tug completes the final step of a 10-boat harbor tug renewal program built in Cleveland.

Puerto Rico Investment Strategy: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón used the NYSE opening bell to pitch Puerto Rico’s long-term investment framework, aiming to give qualifying new resident investors certainty through Dec. 31, 2055. Energy & Infrastructure: Puerto Rico’s PREPA-linked contract turmoil is now drawing investor scrutiny, as Flotek Industries faces securities-fraud investigations tied to a 10-year agreement that was later revoked by the Financial Oversight and Management Board. Maritime Tech & Fleet Modernization: Great Lakes Towing’s final tug in its 10-boat renewal program—christened Puerto Rico—completed the last build in a modernization effort supported by Damen Shipyards designs. STEM Workforce Pipeline: DOE’s National Labs and a fusion facility will host 150+ undergrads from Puerto Rico and across the U.S. for hands-on research and technical training in fall 2026. Biotech Talent Development: UPR Humacao and PIA formalized a partnership to develop biopharmaceutical talent. Policy & Research Funding: A Puerto Rico bill would convert part of federal rum tax revenue into a permanent endowment fund to support science, medical infrastructure, environmental projects, and technology.

Hurricane Watch: Forecasters are tracking Invest 96L off Africa, with a possible path that could swing toward the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, and the southeastern Bahamas in about 10 days if it strengthens. STEM Pipeline: The U.S. Department of Energy will host 150+ undergrads from Puerto Rico and across the U.S. for hands-on lab and fusion training this fall, spanning AI, cybersecurity, materials, quantum, and accelerator physics. Health Tech & Research: A dual-center MRI-based machine learning study targets preoperative identification of a vascular “dissemination phenotype” in hepatocellular carcinoma, aiming to improve risk planning before surgery. Local Policy for Tech & Science: A Puerto Rico bill would redirect part of federal rum tax coverover revenue into a permanent endowment fund to back scientific research, medical infrastructure, environmental work, and technology development. Energy Grid Debate: Casa Pueblo pushes back on claims that rooftop solar is destabilizing Puerto Rico’s grid, saying solar has added over 1,200 MW and helped shorten outages. Robotics Education: AgCentric secured an NSF supplement to expand agricultural robotics and automation curriculum testing and educator training, including a food-processing field test in summer 2027.

Puerto Rico Water & Energy Policy: Casa Pueblo pushed back hard on the Energy Bureau’s “rooftop solar oversaturation” narrative, saying solar has added over 1,200 MW and helped shorten outages—while the energy czar argues unregulated rooftop growth is destabilizing the grid. STEM & Education Funding: AgCentric won a $129,579 NSF supplement to expand its Agricultural Robotics and Automation Technologies project, supporting educator training and a food-processing field test in summer 2027. Local Tech & Industry Events: GAT Expo Puerto Rico returns to San Juan on Sept. 9 for its second edition, bringing regulators, operators, and suppliers together with demos and panels on the island’s gaming market. Biopharma Talent Pipeline: UPR Humacao and PIA formalized a partnership aimed at developing biopharmaceutical talent. Public Sector Operations: PAM appointed Mark Williams as CEO for its Puerto Rico affiliate overseeing AutoExpreso, signaling a push for more local management and improved operations. Research & Health: BlackDoctor’s summit in San Juan focused on vaccine trust, emphasizing listening and patient education to strengthen confidence.

Puerto Rico Grid & Solar Debate: Casa Pueblo pushed back on Energy Czar Josué Colón Ortiz’s claim that rooftop solar has “oversaturated” the grid, saying solar has added 1,200 MW and helped shorten outages, while the government argues unregulated growth is destabilizing voltage and triggering load-shedding. STEM Education Funding: AgCentric won a $129,579 NSF supplement to expand agricultural robotics and automation curriculum testing and educator training, with a food-processing field test planned for summer 2027. Health & Vaccines Trust: BlackDoctor held a San Juan summit on “Vaccines Still Matter,” focusing on listening-first communication to build vaccine confidence and health equity. Biopharma Talent Pipeline: UPR Humacao and PIA formalized a partnership aimed at developing biopharmaceutical talent. Local Tech/Operations: PAM appointed Mark Williams as CEO for its Puerto Rico affiliate overseeing AutoExpreso operations, aiming to localize management and improve service. Energy Infrastructure Context: DOE-backed solar-and-storage projects (including Project Marahu) are highlighted as part of broader microgrid and resilience efforts across Puerto Rico. Securities Watch (PREPA-linked): Flotek (FTK) remains under investor securities-fraud investigations after claims tied to a canceled $400M PREPA contract.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Congressional leaders are pushing for a full GAO investigation into Puerto Rico’s water shortages, asking what’s driving service interruptions across PRASA and the condition of reservoirs, treatment plants, pumping, and transmission systems. Digital Identity: Apple Wallet is expanding mobile driver’s licenses, with Puerto Rico already supported and more states rolling out via incremental launches. Energy & Grid Resilience: The DOE’s Project Marahu backs two solar-and-storage farms in Guayama and Salinas to power 43,000+ homes and cut costs in disadvantaged communities. Biopharma Talent Pipeline: UPR Humacao and PIA formalized a partnership aimed at developing biopharmaceutical talent. Local Tech/Operations: PAM named Mark Williams as CEO for its Puerto Rico affiliate running AutoExpreso, aiming to localize operations and improve service. Business & Markets: Circana data shows Puerto Rico private labels keep gaining share, reaching 10% of the basic basket in 2025. STEM Research: New research reviews how drought can accelerate the spread of infectious diseases and parasites. Public Safety: A new report flags how school-zone safety data is hard to track, but child pedestrian deaths remain a serious concern.

El Niño Watch: NOAA says 2026-27 has a 90% chance of a “very strong” El Niño, with rapid strengthening and a possible “Super El Niño” by October—raising alarms for drought, storms, and hotter global temperatures, including impacts Puerto Rico felt during the 2015-16 cycle. Marine Conservation vs. Profit: NOAA letters push regional fisheries councils to loosen protections for endangered species and marine safeguards, prioritizing commercial catch over conservation goals. Puerto Rico Water Crisis Oversight: Lawmakers are urging a GAO investigation into Puerto Rico’s water interruptions, focusing on PRASA operations, infrastructure resilience, and what federal actions are underway. Digital ID Expansion: Apple Wallet mobile driver’s licenses are rolling out further, with Puerto Rico already supported and more states moving toward Apple Wallet integration. Local Tech & Transit Ops: PAM appointed Mark Williams to lead Puerto Rico operations for AutoExpreso, the toll-management system, aiming for a more local, customer-focused model. Climate & Health Research: A new study reviews nearly 100 disease studies, finding drought can both suppress some infections and accelerate others—fueling a “drought-disease paradox.”

Water Crisis & Policy: Lawmakers are pushing for a GAO investigation into Puerto Rico’s water and wastewater failures, asking what PRASA decisions and infrastructure issues are behind weeks-long outages. Digital IDs: Apple Wallet is expanding mobile driver’s licenses, with Puerto Rico already supported and more states rolling out in a slow, incremental wave. Health Tech & Research Talent: UPR Humacao and the Pharmaceutical Industry Association of Puerto Rico formalized a partnership to grow biopharmaceutical training and talent pipelines. Infectious Disease & Climate: New research highlights how drought can change disease spread patterns, with some infections surging while others drop. Energy & Grid Resilience: Puerto Rico’s fragile electric grid is getting a battery boost, part of broader efforts to stabilize power during extreme conditions. STEM Community Recognition: PICE Qatar honored Filipino civil engineers for professional excellence and community service. Local Business Tech: PAM appointed Mark Williams as CEO for its Puerto Rico affiliate running AutoExpreso, aiming to localize operations and improve service. Digital Payments Demand: Mastercard reports strong consumer interest in digital payments in Puerto Rico, but says business infrastructure still lags.

Water Crisis Oversight: U.S. lawmakers are pushing for a GAO investigation into Puerto Rico’s water and wastewater failures, asking what PRASA decisions and infrastructure issues are driving outages and how federal help is working. Mobile ID Push: Apple Wallet mobile driver’s licenses are expanding beyond Puerto Rico, with more states rolling out mDL support via state apps—still a slow, uneven rollout. Digital Payments Demand: A Mastercard study finds Puerto Rico consumers want more places to accept digital payments, even as business infrastructure lags behind. Biopharma Talent Pipeline: UPR Humacao and the Pharmaceutical Industry Association of Puerto Rico formalized a partnership to align education with biopharmaceutical workforce needs. Energy Tech for Reliability: Puerto Rico’s Project Marahu is cited as a major solar-plus-storage loan guarantee aimed at powering tens of thousands of homes and cutting costs. AutoExpreso Leadership Change: PAM named Mark Williams CEO in Puerto Rico to lead operations of AutoExpreso, signaling a shift toward a more local management team.