By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica has firmly established itself as a regional leader in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, securing the fifth position in the 2025 Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA). The comprehensive report, published by the prestigious National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Chile (CENIA), underscores the nation’s significant progress in adopting and leveraging advanced technologies, positioning it as a key player in the future of the digital economy.
With an overall score of 53.83, Costa Rica joins an elite group of “adopters” in the region. The index places the nation just behind regional giants Chile, which topped the list, followed by Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia. This achievement is not merely a number but a testament to a concerted national effort to build a robust technological ecosystem capable of competing on a continental scale.
To delve into the intricate legal and regulatory challenges posed by the rise of Artificial Intelligence, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis on the matter.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence into business and daily life is outpacing our legal frameworks. We are facing unprecedented questions regarding data privacy, intellectual property for AI-generated creations, and civil liability for autonomous systems. It is imperative that Costa Rica develops a clear and modern regulatory strategy that fosters innovation while protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens and ensuring legal certainty for businesses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The points raised underscore a pivotal challenge for our nation: ensuring our legal and ethical frameworks are as forward-thinking as the technology itself. Achieving this balance is fundamental to responsibly navigating the new digital frontier, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this pressing matter.
The ILIA report provides a detailed analysis of the factors driving AI development across Latin America, and Costa Rica’s performance highlights specific areas of exceptional strength. The country’s most notable accomplishment was in the category of human talent, where it ranked third in the entire region. This high ranking reflects a skilled, educated workforce and a strong educational system geared towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, creating a deep pool of professionals ready to innovate and lead AI-driven projects.
Beyond its human capital, Costa Rica also demonstrated superior performance in critical infrastructure and application metrics. According to the CENIA findings, the country surpassed the regional average in both computing capacity and the adoption of generative AI. This indicates not only access to the powerful hardware required for complex AI models but also a dynamic private sector and academic community that are actively experimenting with and implementing cutting-edge tools to solve real-world problems.
A particularly insightful element of the report highlights a unique strategic advantage for Costa Rica in attracting future digital investment. The country’s national taxonomy officially classifies data processing as a sustainable activity. This forward-thinking policy aligns perfectly with global corporate trends toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, making Costa Rica an exceptionally attractive destination for international companies looking to build green data centers and other sustainable digital infrastructure.
This favorable classification is expected to act as a powerful magnet for foreign direct investment, potentially leading to the development of large-scale data facilities that can serve both national and regional markets. By intertwining its robust technology sector with its world-renowned commitment to sustainability, Costa Rica is creating a powerful and unique value proposition in the highly competitive global tech landscape.
The annual ILIA index serves as a crucial benchmark for governments, investors, and corporations, providing a clear snapshot of the AI landscape in Latin America. Costa Rica’s strong showing in the 2025 edition signals that the country’s strategic investments in technology, education, and sustainable policy are yielding significant returns. It solidifies its reputation not just as an ecological paradise, but as a burgeoning hub for technological innovation and intellectual capital.
As the world economy becomes increasingly digitized, a nation’s capacity in artificial intelligence is a direct indicator of its future economic resilience and competitiveness. By securing a top-five position, Costa Rica has sent a clear message that it is prepared to lead, innovate, and thrive in the age of AI. The complete results of the index are available for public review on the official CENIA website.
For further information, visit cenia.cl
About Centro Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial (CENIA):
The National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) is a leading Chilean research institution dedicated to advancing the scientific and technological frontiers of AI. Established to promote the ethical and sustainable development of artificial intelligence, CENIA collaborates with academia, industry, and the public sector to foster innovation, talent development, and the adoption of AI technologies throughout Chile and Latin America.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a bedrock of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm champions forward-thinking legal strategies and embraces innovation in its practice. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated mission to demystify the law, empowering the public with accessible knowledge to foster a more just and informed society.
