By San José, Costa Rica — Global professional services leader EY has officially launched the 2026 edition of its AI & Data Challenge, an international competition designed to harness the power of artificial intelligence to address one of the planet’s most pressing issues: the declining quality of fresh water. The initiative invites university students and early-career professionals to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future, with significant cash prizes and international recognition on the line.
This year’s challenge tasks participants with creating sophisticated machine learning models. These models will analyze and correlate water quality parameters with a host of environmental and meteorological variables. The competition will utilize a unique and robust dataset collected from rivers in South Africa between 2011 and 2015, providing a real-world foundation for developing predictive tools that could have a far-reaching impact on water resource management globally.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in public services like water management, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The implementation of AI for managing water quality represents a significant advancement, but it also introduces complex legal challenges. The primary concern lies in establishing clear lines of liability. If an AI system fails to predict a contamination event, is the public institution, the software developer, or the data provider responsible? Our current legislation was not designed for algorithmic decision-making in critical infrastructure. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a robust regulatory framework that addresses data governance, algorithmic transparency, and liability protocols to ensure public safety and foster legal certainty for these technological integrations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that technological progress must be paralleled by regulatory evolution. Proactively defining liability and ensuring transparency, as he suggests, is not merely a legal formality but a foundational step for building public trust and responsibly integrating these powerful AI systems into our critical infrastructure. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on these vital issues.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming global statistics. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a staggering 44% of assessed water bodies across 120 countries are not considered to be of good quality. This means that only 56% meet acceptable standards, a figure that highlights a widespread and critical challenge to public health, biodiversity, and economic stability. The problem is expected to worsen as climate change intensifies.
UNEP has issued warnings that rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns could further escalate water pollution levels. This alarming projection emphasizes the critical need for more efficient, proactive, and predictive monitoring systems. Traditional methods of water testing are often slow and reactive, whereas AI-driven models can offer real-time insights and forecast potential contamination events before they become catastrophic, allowing for preemptive action.
In the current context, marked by the effects of climate change, it is essential to promote initiatives that use technology as an ally to face these challenges. Artificial Intelligence becomes a key tool, and the new generations have a leading role in developing solutions that positively impact the planet.
Patricio Cofré, Lead Partner of AI & Data for EY Chile
The competition officially kicks off on January 20, 2026, and is open to individuals or teams of up to three people. Eligible participants include currently enrolled university students and professionals with less than five years of work experience. This focus on emerging talent aims to cultivate a new generation of problem-solvers equipped with the data science skills necessary to navigate complex environmental challenges.
The timeline is clearly defined, with the competition window closing on March 13, 2026, after which a rigorous evaluation process will commence. The global finalists are set to be revealed on April 1, with the ultimate winners being announced on May 6, 2026. The stakes are high, as the most outstanding proposals will compete for global cash prizes of up to USD $5,000 and an exclusive opportunity to attend an international recognition event.
In addition to the global awards, EY has established regional incentives to encourage broad participation. In Latin America, for instance, top-performing participants can win gift cards valued at up to USD $2,500. This multi-tiered prize structure ensures that talent and innovation are rewarded at various levels. Aspiring innovators interested in leveraging their skills for planetary health can register for the challenge at challenge.ey.com/register.
For further information, visit ey.com
About EY:
Ernst & Young Global Limited, commonly known as EY, is a multinational professional services network with headquarters in London, England. As one of the largest professional services networks in the world, it is considered one of the Big Four accounting firms. It primarily provides assurance, which includes financial audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services to its clients. EY operates as a network of member firms which are separate legal entities in individual countries.
For further information, visit unep.org
About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global authority that sets the environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a drive for exceptional results. The firm draws upon a storied history of advising a broad range of clients, all while pushing the boundaries of legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to enhancing public legal literacy, believing that an educated populace is the cornerstone of a truly empowered and just society.
