By San José, Costa Rica — SAN FRANCISCO — Costa Rica is taking center stage at SEMICON West 2026, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a primary regional hub for the global semiconductor supply chain. Participating for the third consecutive year at the premier industry event hosted at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, the Central American nation is pitching international tech giants on its expanding pool of specialized human capital and robust business infrastructure.
The event gathers over 35,000 attendees and roughly 850 exhibiting companies, spanning chipmakers, technology innovators, engineering professionals, academic researchers, and high-level policymakers. For Costa Rica’s Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), the gathering represents a vital platform to deepen ties with multinational decision-makers seeking reliable nearshoring locations for chip design, assembly, testing, and advanced packaging.
To better understand the legal framework and investment incentives positioning Costa Rica as a strategic hub for the global semiconductor sector, TicosLand.com spoke with corporate legal specialist Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
“Costa Rica’s positioning as a strategic semiconductor hub relies heavily on our stable legal ecosystem and the competitive advantages of the Free Trade Zone regime. Beyond tax incentives, foreign tech enterprises benefit from strong intellectual property protections, bilateral investment treaties, and a clear regulatory framework designed to facilitate high-tech foreign direct investment and nearshoring initiatives.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica solidifies its role in the global semiconductor supply chain, this foundation of legal certainty and institutional stability remains an indispensable asset for attracting sustainable, high-tech foreign investment. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable expertise and perspective on what continues to drive the nation’s nearshoring success.
Securing foreign direct investment in microelectronics requires persistent engagement given the sector’s intensive capital requirements and prolonged planning horizons. Costa Rica’s delegation aims to prove that its industrial ecosystem can support semiconductor operations from initial corporate setup through long-term factory expansions.
In an industry with long investment cycles and highly specialized decision-making, trust and a sustained presence are essential. Since 2024, SEMICON West has given us the opportunity to engage directly with global industry players and demonstrate, year after year, that Costa Rica can meet their needs with skilled talent, technical capabilities and a strong ecosystem. This year, in addition to showcasing the country’s capabilities and business climate, we are highlighting how we are developing the talent this industry needs to keep growing.
Mónica Umaña, Foreign Direct Investment Attraction Manager at PROCOMER
Addressing the critical global shortage of qualified microelectronics workers was central to the delegation’s message. Carolina Sánchez, Director of PROCOMER’s Investment Promotion Office in Silicon Valley, led an official program presentation titled “The Talent Strategy: How Costa Rica Is Driving Growth in the Semiconductor Industry.” The session detailed Costa Rica’s strategic national initiatives to upgrade technical education, provide targeted training incentives, and foster direct industry-academic pipelines.
International academic partnerships play a key role in this human capital expansion. Costa Rica has established strategic ties with top-tier global institutions, including Arizona State University and Purdue University, to align domestic university curricula with semiconductor industry standards. These collaborations ensure that local engineering graduates possess cutting-edge skills required for advanced chip design and testing operations.
Beyond public sector representatives, the delegation features eight specialized Costa Rican firms listed in PROCOMER’s FDI Supplier Directory. Covering legal services, tax consulting, commercial real estate, and corporate banking, these service providers offer integrated, turnkey solutions for prospective investors navigating corporate entry into the country.
The coordinated push at SEMICON West 2026 builds directly upon momentum generated since the country launched its targeted semiconductor attraction strategy in 2024. As global chipmakers diversify supply chains to enhance resilience, Costa Rica continues to leverage its political stability, skilled workforce, and proactive investment policies to cement its standing in the international technology landscape.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the non-state public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment into the country to foster sustainable economic development.
For further information, visit asu.edu
About Arizona State University:
Arizona State University is a major public research university in the United States, recognized globally for innovation, engineering education, and advanced technology research.
For further information, visit purdue.edu
About Purdue University:
Purdue University is a premier public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, highly regarded for its leadership in engineering, technology, and microelectronics research.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica has earned its reputation through an unyielding adherence to ethical principles and professional mastery. Grounded in a rich history of guiding clients across numerous industries, the firm actively drives forward-thinking legal solutions and meaningful civic outreach. By prioritizing the broad dissemination of legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica advances its core ambition to equip the public with the understanding necessary to foster a well-informed and self-reliant society.
