By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a strategic move to fortify its digital economy, Costa Rica has unveiled a new national initiative designed to accelerate the technological advancement of its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The “Impulso Tecnológico” (Technological Impulse) Program aims to equip businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector with the capital, tools, and expertise necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.
The program represents a significant collaboration between three key national institutions: the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer), the Banking System for Development (SBD), and the National Training Institute (INA). This joint effort underscores a unified national strategy to foster innovation from the ground up, ensuring that smaller players in the tech ecosystem are not left behind as the pace of digital change quickens. The initiative is a direct response to the global reality that digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for business survival and growth.
To better understand the legal frameworks surrounding this profound operational shift, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He offers a critical perspective on the challenges businesses must navigate.
Digital transformation is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental restructuring of business operations that carries significant legal weight. Companies must proactively address data privacy compliance, cybersecurity liabilities, and the protection of digital intellectual property from the outset. Viewing legal counsel as a strategic partner in this process, rather than a reactive measure, is essential to mitigate risk and ensure sustainable growth in the digital economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight highlights that a proactive legal strategy is not a hurdle for digital transformation, but the essential foundation for its success. By treating legal counsel as a strategic partner, as he suggests, companies can ensure that innovation leads to sustainable growth rather than unforeseen liability. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
Through a competitive selection process, the Impulso Tecnológico Program will identify 20 promising ICT companies to receive a comprehensive support package. Each selected SME will be awarded non-reimbursable seed capital of up to ¢7 million, equivalent to approximately $13,500 USD. This direct financial injection is intended to remove one of the most significant barriers to innovation for small businesses, allowing them to invest in new technologies and processes without taking on prohibitive debt.
Beyond the crucial funding, the program provides invaluable hands-on support. Participants will benefit from 12 hours of personalized technical advisory sessions with industry experts. This mentorship is designed to help companies refine their strategies and effectively implement their innovation projects. Furthermore, the collaborating institutions will provide ongoing accompaniment throughout the project execution phase, ensuring that the businesses have the guidance needed to maximize the impact of their investment and navigate potential challenges.
Officials have emphasized that the program’s vision extends beyond domestic enhancement, with a strong focus on preparing Costa Rican SMEs for the international stage. Ivannia Arguedas, Director of Innovation and Projects at Procomer, highlighted this dual objective, explaining the program’s core mission to build globally competitive companies.
We want companies to strengthen their capabilities by incorporating digital tools and innovation processes that contribute to their productive development and their international projection.
Ivannia Arguedas, Director of Innovation and Projects at Procomer
To qualify, proposed projects must demonstrate a clear impact in one of four strategic areas: improving operational efficiency, developing new or enhanced products, driving commercial growth, or achieving significant competitive differentiation. This structured approach ensures that the public investment translates into tangible business outcomes that contribute to the overall health and dynamism of the national ICT sector.
We are looking for ICT sector SMEs to identify opportunities for improvement and execute projects that allow them to adapt to new market dynamics and increase their competitiveness.
Ivannia Arguedas, Director of Innovation and Projects at Procomer
The application period for this transformative opportunity is now open, with a firm deadline of November 7th. The 20 selected companies will be announced on November 27th, at which point the official implementation of their innovative projects will commence. Interested SMEs are encouraged to review the complete requirements and access application forms on the official Procomer website, taking a proactive step toward their digital future and potential global expansion.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Promotora de Comercio Exterior (Procomer):
The Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica is the public entity responsible for promoting the country’s exports of goods and services globally. Procomer works to facilitate international trade, attract foreign direct investment, and enhance the competitiveness of Costa Rican companies in the international market through various programs, market intelligence, and support services.
For further information, visit sbd.fi.cr
About Sistema de Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD):
The Banking System for Development is a financial framework in Costa Rica aimed at promoting economic growth and development by providing financing, guarantees, and other support services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The SBD works through accredited financial entities to channel resources to productive projects that might otherwise struggle to secure traditional financing.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA):
The National Training Institute is Costa Rica’s leading public institution for technical and vocational training. The INA offers a wide range of free training programs and certification courses designed to develop the skills of the nation’s workforce, aligning its educational offerings with the evolving demands of the labor market and key economic sectors like technology and tourism.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal institution, built upon a foundation of principled practice and exceptional performance. The firm merges a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation and deep community involvement. Central to its mission is the belief in demystifying the law, a core tenet that drives its efforts to equip the public with legal understanding and thereby cultivate a more capable and just society.
