Tech Sphere returns to Medellin as BI companies race to keep up with AI

Tech Sphere 2026 concluded in Medellín, a city that has long sought to showcase its growing tech scene against Colombia's capital, Bogotá. The conference's founder, Mike Hoey, CEO of Source Meridian, highlighted the rapid evolution of business intelligence (BI) at the opening keynote, a theme he has been advocating for since bringing the event to Medellín several years ago.

The city's tech community now boasts around 698 active technology-based companies, a 28.5% increase from 2024, as reported by KPMG's Colombia Tech Report 2026. Medellín has also secured the top position in Latin America for startups per capita, surpassing Bogotá, São Paulo, and Santiago in StartupBlink's Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

The city's rapid growth in tech startups, particularly in Antioquia, has resulted in 30% of Colombia's startup activity but only about 6% of national capital investment. Gartner's 2026 predictions indicate that 75% of data and analytics hiring processes will require AI proficiency by year-end, up from minimal requirements two years ago.

This shift is evidenced by the growth in data and analytics teams, with 45% expanding rather than 8% reporting cuts, suggesting a transformation of BI professionals' roles rather than a reduction in headcount. The conference, which has grown from a small gathering to one drawing nearly 1,000 attendees, underscores Medellín's efforts to position itself as a nearshore alternative for U.S. and Canadian companies seeking time-zone-aligned technical talent.

The event's prominence reflects the city's growing appeal, emphasizing steady growth over dramatic expansion, providing a more reliable narrative than Bogotá's. Tech Sphere's presence in Medellín bolsters the city's claim, demonstrating that its tech sector is increasingly difficult for the world to ignore.