In a computer lab at a Technical Professional High School (CTP) in Cartago, where most students are focused on their upcoming exams, a group of young people decided to look beyond the classroom walls. Armed with ingenuity, computers, and a deep respect for their community’s agricultural roots, they set out to solve one of the country’s oldest and most persistent problems: the pests that threaten crops. The result is not just a functional application, but an international award that demonstrates the incredible power of talent and public education in Costa Rica.
The Problem Born from the Land
To understand the magnitude of their achievement, one must first understand the daily challenge faced by our country’s small-scale farmers. For thousands of families, agriculture is more than a job; it’s a legacy. However, that legacy lives under the constant threat of an unexpected pest or a disease that can ruin an entire harvest in a matter of days. The fight against these invisible enemies often involves the use of expensive chemical pesticides that impact both the farmer’s wallet and the health of the land. For years, the lack of accessible tools for a quick diagnosis and sustainable solutions has been a source of uncertainty and economic risk.
A Solution in the Palm of the Hand
Inspired by the stories of their own grandparents and neighbors, these students from Cartago created “AgroScan,” a free and easy-to-use mobile application. Its operation is astonishingly simple yet powerful: the farmer simply takes a picture of the affected leaf or plant with their cell phone. Using artificial intelligence, the app analyzes the image, compares it to a database, and diagnoses the pest or disease in seconds.
But it doesn’t stop there. Instead of recommending harsh chemicals, the application offers a list of organic and low-environmental-impact treatments, prioritizing solutions that farmers can prepare themselves. It is a tool that connects the most advanced technology with traditional and sustainable knowledge.
The Recognition: An Award That Inspires
The effort and brilliance of these young people did not go unnoticed. Recently, the “AgroScan” project was awarded first place at a prestigious Latin American scientific innovation fair. The award is much more than a trophy; it’s a validation of their work and a door that opens to new opportunities, such as scholarships and a promising professional future in the tech field.
More importantly, this achievement brings honor to their high school and demonstrates the incredible potential being cultivated in the country’s Technical Professional High Schools (CTPs). It is a source of immense pride for their families, their teachers, and the entire community of Cartago.
The story of “AgroScan” is the perfect example of innovation with a social purpose. It’s not just about technology, but about a new generation of Costa Ricans using their knowledge to honor and protect the agricultural roots that sustain us as a nation. These young people remind us that the best ideas are often born from a genuine desire to help others, building a greener and more sustainable future for the Costa Rican countryside, right from the classroom.
