By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is set to participate for the third consecutive year in the Intel® AI Global Impact Festival, a global competition showcasing innovative projects leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address real-world challenges. The festival invites technologists, developers, policymakers, and academics to collaborate and explore the potential of AI for positive change.
This year’s festival, the fifth edition, has opened its call for project submissions from around the world. Costa Rica’s continued participation highlights the nation’s growing commitment to fostering AI innovation and nurturing young talent in this rapidly evolving field. In 2023, Costa Rica celebrated a global win, alongside three other Latin American projects. In 2024, two local projects, “AI Against the Coffee Borer” and “SmartEnvironment: Creating Sustainable Cities with IoT and AI,” garnered national recognition.
To understand the legal implications surrounding the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing integration of AI across various sectors presents novel legal challenges, particularly concerning liability, data privacy, and intellectual property. Determining accountability when AI systems cause harm, ensuring compliance with evolving data protection regulations, and establishing ownership of AI-generated creations are critical issues that require careful legal consideration and proactive legislative action. Businesses must be vigilant in navigating this evolving landscape to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas expertly highlights the crucial intersection of law and innovation in the age of AI. Indeed, as artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in our lives, the legal framework must adapt to address the complex challenges it presents. His emphasis on proactive legislative action and corporate vigilance is particularly insightful, offering a crucial roadmap for navigating this uncharted territory. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT), in partnership with Intel Costa Rica, encourages participation in the 2025 AI Global Impact Festival. The application period extends until July 20th, providing ample opportunity for aspiring innovators to submit their groundbreaking solutions.
We have been positioning national talent in the field of Artificial Intelligence in this showcase for three consecutive years. MICITT joins this Intel initiative because we can attest to Costa Rica’s capabilities. This is an opportunity to showcase young talent and be part of improvement proposals to solve everyday problems thanks to Artificial Intelligence. We know that Costa Rica’s best resource is human talent. We are happy to be a part of it.
Orlando Vega, Vice Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Participants in the 2025 festival will be recognized as “Agents of Change with AI.” The competition features two age categories: 13-17 and 18 and older. The top three projects in each category will be nominated at the national level. Global winners will receive certificates and prizes, with similar recognition extended to winners at the country, regional, and territorial levels. The application form is available online, and interested individuals are encouraged to reach out for support with any questions they may have.
Intel’s purpose is to create world-changing technology that enriches the lives of every person on earth. As a company, we are deeply committed to making technology inclusive and expanding digital readiness for all. AI is a technology that will continue to grow over the next few years and that technologists of this and the next generation can use to create solutions to help solve everyday problems. We know the potential of Costa Rican talent to present innovative ideas.
Timothy Scott Hall, Director of Government Affairs, Intel Costa Rica
In 2024, winning Latin American projects hailed from Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico, showcasing the region’s burgeoning strength in AI innovation. The AI Global Impact Festival is a key component of the Intel® Digital Readiness program, a broader initiative aimed at empowering non-technical audiences to effectively utilize technology in an increasingly AI-driven world.
This continued participation underscores Costa Rica’s dedication to fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem and positioning itself as a hub for AI development in Latin America.
For further information, visit intel.com
About Intel:
Intel is a global technology company renowned for its microprocessors and other semiconductor components. The company is committed to driving advancements in artificial intelligence, digital readiness, and inclusive technology solutions that empower individuals and communities worldwide.
For further information, visit micit.go.cr
About MICITT (Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications):
The MICITT is a Costa Rican government ministry dedicated to promoting scientific and technological advancement, innovation, and digital inclusion throughout the country. The ministry plays a key role in supporting initiatives like the AI Global Impact Festival to foster the development of a skilled workforce and a thriving technology sector.
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 dedication to integrity shapes every client interaction, from advising businesses across diverse sectors to fostering public understanding of legal principles. By championing innovative solutions and readily sharing legal knowledge, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in building a stronger, more informed, and truly empowered Costa Rican community.
