Introducing Colombia Flying Labs: Pioneers in Technology for Social Good

We are excited to announce the official launch of Colombia Flying Labs, the newest team to join the Global Flying Labs Network. Driven by the mission to leverage technology for social change, this dynamic team is dedicated to empowering local communities in Colombia.

Born out of deep-rooted connections with local communities and a desire to effect positive change, Colombia Flying Labs is committed to promoting technology to solve community challenges. The team firmly believes in the transformative power of equipping vulnerable societies with technological knowledge and resources to foster education, success, and growth. With its worldwide network of entrepreneurs, technology experts, and social development enthusiasts, the Flying Labs Network provides an enriching and interactive environment for this mission to flourish.

Leading Colombia Flying Labs is Rodrigo Medina, a veteran systems engineer with three decades of experience in the IT sector. An early technology adopter and a heart for social causes, Rodrigo's passion fuels the labs' mission to bring tech-driven solutions to the fore.

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Colombia Flying Labs has already made waves through an impactful project in La Calera, Cundinamarca. In collaboration with Kungliga Tekniska högskolan (KTH), Sweden's premier technical university, and Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, a leading Colombian university, the team investigated the social, environmental, and economic threats posed by neglecting water bodies.

Employing drones, LiDAR sensors, and software, the team simulated potential flood risks, demonstrating the dangers of non-compliance with local laws protecting water bodies. The study showed the peril of building or growing crops within 30 meters of a water body. This has brought attention to the hazards of living or farming close to bodies of water. The project is a new and useful way to evaluate risks and increase awareness and can be used as a model for similar efforts throughout Colombia.

Following the official launch of Colombia Flying Labs, the team will present their project findings to the La Calera community. This project is just the beginning of a series of initiatives Colombia Flying Labs will undertake to empower local communities through technology.

Join us in warmly welcoming Colombia Flying Labs as they join the Global Flying Labs community! Subscribe to our blog for updates on their journey and projects.