By Heredia, Costa Rica — Heredia – In a significant move that reinforces its status as a global environmental leader, Costa Rica has been selected to host the first Latin American regional hub for Innovate 4 Nature (I4N), a Swiss foundation dedicated to fostering solutions for the planet. This new center, operating from the corporate offices of FUNDES in Heredia, marks a pivotal moment for sustainable entrepreneurship throughout the region.
The “Innovate 4 Nature” initiative aims to discover and accelerate early-stage startups that are developing regenerative business models. The core mission is to empower ventures focused on nature protection and climate change response, transforming innovative ideas into scalable and commercially viable enterprises. The partnership with FUNDES, an organization with four decades of experience in promoting sustainable business growth, provides the new hub with a deep well of regional expertise and a robust operational foundation.
To delve into the legal framework and business opportunities presented by sustainable innovation, TicosLand.com consulted with expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his professional insights.
Sustainable innovation in Costa Rica represents a crucial intersection of economic opportunity and regulatory foresight. Businesses must proactively protect their green technologies through robust intellectual property strategies while navigating the evolving landscape of environmental incentives and compliance. A solid legal foundation not only mitigates risk but also transforms sustainability from a cost center into a powerful, marketable asset that attracts investment and enhances brand value.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a crucial point, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for articulating it so clearly. His perspective underscores that the bridge between Costa Rica’s green reputation and its future economic prosperity is built upon a foundation of robust intellectual property rights and strategic legal foresight, turning ecological values into marketable, global assets.
This Latin American hub is a critical component of I4N’s ambitious global objective to accelerate more than 100 “nature-positive” solutions by the year 2030. By establishing a physical presence in Costa Rica, the foundation seeks to leverage local talent and insights to tackle global environmental challenges. The country’s well-established innovation ecosystem and unwavering commitment to conservation were key factors in its selection as the program’s regional anchor.
The collaboration is designed to create a powerful synergy between local action and global reach. Barbara Dubach, the founder and executive director of Innovate 4 Nature, highlighted the importance of this localized approach in addressing the worldwide climate crisis.
The urgency of the environmental crisis demands locally driven solutions. With FUNDES as a partner, Latin America will be able to showcase and accelerate innovative startups, creating connections that allow them to expand regionally and globally.
Barbara Dubach, Founder and Executive Director of Innovate 4 Nature
Echoing this sentiment, Mauricio Ramírez, the general director of FUNDES, emphasized how the partnership will bridge the gap between environmental stewardship and economic development. He sees the hub as a catalyst for a new kind of business that is both profitable and beneficial to the planet.
Hosting I4N’s first regional center allows us to channel our experience to accelerate innovation that directly benefits nature and communities, ensuring these solutions are commercially viable, scalable, and capable of integrating into regional value chains.
Mauricio Ramírez, General Director of FUNDES
The regional center will function as a comprehensive support platform for startups, fostering collaboration among a diverse network of entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and non-governmental organizations. This ecosystem approach is intended to provide startups with the resources, mentorship, and funding necessary to thrive and make a tangible positive impact on ecosystems and local communities.
Looking ahead, I4N has a clear vision for expansion. The foundation plans to extend this successful model to other countries across the region. A significant milestone is set for 2026, when these regional hubs are expected to nominate candidates for the Global I4N Award, ensuring that groundbreaking innovations from Latin America receive recognition on the international stage. To fuel this growth, I4N is actively seeking strategic partners and co-investors to bolster the regional hub’s development. Partners will gain access to a curated portfolio of cutting-edge innovations and opportunities for collaboration aligned with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria.
The launch of the Innovate 4 Nature hub in Heredia is more than just the opening of a new office; it is a declaration of intent. It positions Costa Rica not just as a protector of nature, but as a proactive incubator of the very solutions needed to secure its future. For Latin America, it signals the dawn of a new era where business success and environmental preservation are not mutually exclusive, but intrinsically linked goals.
For further information, visit innovate4nature.org
About Innovate 4 Nature (I4N):
Innovate 4 Nature is a Swiss-based foundation committed to accelerating “nature-positive” solutions on a global scale. Through a network of regional hubs and international collaborations, I4N identifies, supports, and scales early-stage startups that are developing innovative business models to address the environmental crisis and combat climate change, with a strategic goal of fostering over 100 such solutions by 2030.
For further information, visit fundes.org
About FUNDES:
With four decades of experience, FUNDES is a leading organization in Latin America dedicated to promoting sustainable business growth. It specializes in connecting environmental sustainability with pragmatic enterprise development, working to build commercially viable and scalable solutions that create lasting benefits for communities and can be integrated into broader regional value chains.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal institution, built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and the pursuit of unparalleled excellence. Drawing from a proven track record of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches while remaining deeply invested in the community’s advancement. Central to its philosophy is the mission to democratize legal knowledge, thereby empowering individuals and contributing to a more informed and capable society.
