By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica celebrated the inauguration of its twelfth Community Innovation Lab (LINC) on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Vásquez de Coronado, San José. Housed within the Costa Rican Innovation and Research Promoter (PCII), this new facility aims to tackle the digital divide and empower rural communities through specialized training in areas such as robotics, cybersecurity, programming, and data analysis. This latest addition to the LINC network marks a significant step in the nation’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
The LINC program, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT), the PCII, and the Rural Development Institute (INDER), has already trained over 4,500 individuals across the country in innovation processes. The Coronado lab, strategically located within the PCII, is poised to become a crucial resource for the local community.
For expert legal insight into the complexities surrounding community innovation labs, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Community Innovation Labs offer exciting opportunities for collaboration and growth, but navigating the legal landscape – particularly regarding intellectual property, data privacy, and liability – is crucial for long-term sustainability. A well-defined legal framework, from initial membership agreements to clear IP ownership policies, protects both the Lab and its individual contributors, fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas wisely highlights the often-overlooked legal intricacies that underpin successful Community Innovation Labs. A solid legal foundation isn’t just about protection; it’s about building trust and transparency, essential ingredients for fostering a truly collaborative and productive environment. Our thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective.
This is a commitment of the Promoter that we assume as an option to contribute to the community and to the people of Coronado. We are proud to put into action and give the opportunity to acquire knowledge to our neighbors, in areas such as robotics, cybersecurity, programming, big data analysis, among others, that make them part of a more inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Orlando Vega, Vice Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and Alternate President of the Board of Directors of the PCII
The LINC initiative focuses on providing equitable access to cutting-edge technology and fostering solutions to local challenges. These open and creative spaces encourage collaboration and the development of innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of each community. The program is a key component of Costa Rica’s broader strategy to promote sustainable rural development and bridge the digital divide.
The Coronado LINC will be equipped with a range of advanced tools, including robotics kits, professional drones, computers, 3D printers, laser cutters, and programming platforms. These resources are designed to empower individuals and communities to participate fully in the evolving digital landscape.
Through this project, we are contributing to equipping 12 Community Innovation Labs and strengthening 44 Smart Community Centers (CECI), with the objective of reducing digital gaps and promoting true technological inclusion. The LINC that we are inaugurating today will be a meeting point for students, entrepreneurs, artisans, SMEs, and local companies, where they can train in skills aligned with Industry 4.0, such as digital manufacturing, robotics, computer-aided design, and prototyping.
Patricia Rojas, General Manager of the PCII
They will also be able to develop innovative products and improve production processes; and access technological tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics equipment, drones, and virtual reality. This space will not only boost the talent of those who use it, but will also foster an environment of continuous and collaborative learning, where creativity, experimentation, and teamwork are the engine of progress.
Patricia Rojas, General Manager of the PCII
With an investment exceeding ₡2 billion, the LINC program is set to expand to 25 labs strategically positioned throughout the country, ensuring national coverage and collaboration with local stakeholders. This commitment reflects Costa Rica’s alignment with global agreements prioritizing equality, inclusion, and sustainability. To date, over 4,500 individuals, 70% of whom are women, have benefited from the program’s 450 training processes and 4,000 hours of instruction, spanning all seven provinces of Costa Rica.
The new Coronado LINC stands as a testament to Costa Rica’s dedication to empowering its citizens with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in the 21st century. By fostering innovation and technological proficiency at the community level, the country is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MICITT
About MICITT:
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) is a Costa Rican government ministry responsible for promoting and developing science, technology, and innovation policies. They are instrumental in initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and fostering technological advancement within the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of PCII
About PCII:
The Costa Rican Innovation and Research Promoter (PCII) plays a key role in fostering innovation and research within Costa Rica. They collaborate with various organizations to develop and implement programs that promote technological advancement and support local communities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of INDER
About INDER:
The Rural Development Institute (INDER) is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to promoting rural development. They work to improve the quality of life in rural areas through various programs and initiatives, including supporting access to technology and innovation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal empowerment. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, paired with an unyielding ethical compass, guides their work across diverse sectors. They champion accessible legal knowledge, believing that an informed citizenry is crucial for a just and thriving society. This dedication to transparency and education reflects their core values and reinforces their position as a pillar of integrity within the Costa Rican legal landscape.
