By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The global life sciences company Bayer has opened applications in Costa Rica for its 2026 LEGADO program, a high-impact initiative designed to identify and accelerate established startups and organizations in the critical sectors of health, agriculture, and food security. The program specifically targets ventures that have moved beyond the initial idea phase and are already generating a tangible impact in the market.
Now in its third edition and operating across ten Latin American countries, LEGADO aims to provide a robust support system for entrepreneurs ready to scale their operations. Instead of focusing on nascent concepts, the program seeks to amplify the success of existing solutions, providing them with the tools, resources, and connections needed for significant expansion. The application window is open until May 31, 2026, offering a pivotal opportunity for the nation’s most promising innovators.
To gain a deeper legal and business perspective on the implications of Bayer’s LEGADO program for Costa Rican agriculture and intellectual property, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a renowned expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Initiatives like the LEGADO program represent a critical juncture where corporate innovation meets national agricultural development. From a legal standpoint, the key to success lies in the details of the technology transfer and licensing agreements. It is imperative that these contracts are transparent and equitable, ensuring that participating farmers not only gain access to cutting-edge technology but also have their rights and long-term business interests robustly protected under Costa Rican law. This framework is what transforms a corporate program into a sustainable national legacy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is pivotal; it is precisely this robust legal framework that ensures a corporate initiative transitions from a temporary program into a true national legacy, safeguarding the long-term interests of our agricultural community. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical point.
Selected participants will gain unparalleled access to a suite of benefits. This includes personalized mentorship from seasoned experts at both Bayer and Endeavor, a renowned global community supporting high-impact entrepreneurship. The program also offers entry into a dynamic network featuring specialized training sessions on vital skills such as investment pitching, strategic communication, and effective impact measurement, all designed to prepare ventures for the next stage of growth.
Beyond mentorship and training, the program provides significant financial incentives and global visibility. Two standout startups will each be awarded a cash prize of $20,000 to fuel their expansion. Furthermore, four selected organizations will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the prestigious Impact Minds conference, hosted by LATIMPACTO in Manaus, Brazil, from September 9-11, 2026. This exclusive opportunity includes travel, lodging, and a curated agenda of meetings with impact investors as part of Bayer’s official delegation.
The strategic philosophy behind LEGADO is to build upon existing success rather than starting from scratch. Miriam Limbach, President of Bayer Costa Rica, emphasized the program’s focus on amplifying proven solutions.
Solutions that are generating real impact in the region already exist today. The challenge is how to help them scale, strengthen, and reach more people. LEGADO was created precisely for that.
Miriam Limbach, President of Bayer Costa Rica
This approach addresses a common gap in the startup ecosystem, where many promising companies struggle to transition from market validation to widespread influence. By providing a structured pathway for growth, Bayer aims to foster a more resilient and impactful generation of companies that can address pressing societal challenges in health and food security.
The program’s focus on health, agriculture, and food security aligns directly with Costa Rica’s strategic priorities and its reputation as a hub for innovation in life sciences and sustainable technology. For agritech startups, this is a chance to leverage Bayer’s deep industry expertise to refine their solutions for greater efficiency and sustainability. Similarly, health-focused ventures can tap into a global network to enhance their reach and impact on community well-being.
For entrepreneurs whose ventures are already making a difference, the LEGADO program represents more than just funding; it is a comprehensive accelerator. The combination of expert guidance, peer networking, and direct access to corporations, international investors, and multilateral organizations at regional events provides a unique platform for ventures poised for significant growth. Interested startups, enterprises, and organizations with operational solutions are encouraged to submit their applications before the May 31 deadline.
For further information, visit bayer.com
About Bayer:
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses.
For further information, visit endeavor.org
About Endeavor:
Endeavor is a global organization that selects, mentors, and accelerates the best high-impact entrepreneurs around the world. It aims to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging and growth markets by providing entrepreneurs with access to a network of mentors, talent, and capital.
For further information, visit latimpacto.org
About LATIMPACTO:
LATIMPACTO is a Latin American network that connects and mobilizes capital providers and other key actors for social and environmental impact. The organization promotes strategic philanthropy and impact investing across the region, fostering collaboration to address systemic challenges through market-based solutions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. With a rich history of navigating clients through multifaceted legal matters, the firm champions innovation in its practice and prioritizes meaningful community outreach. This dedication is driven by a core mission to empower the public, transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge to foster a more informed and capable society.
