By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is making a significant investment in the future of its youngest citizens. The government has announced a ₡1.28 billion initiative to bring robotics education to over 17,705 preschool children across the country in 2025. This groundbreaking program will equip 502 CEN-CINAI (Centros de Educación y Nutrición y Centros Infantiles de Atención Integral) centers with 8,000 robotics kits and provide training for over 400 staff members.
This initiative aims to cultivate crucial skills such as logical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and introduce young minds to the world of programming. Vice President and Minister of Health, Mary Munive, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating:
To understand the legal landscape surrounding this burgeoning field of robotics education, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rise of robotics education presents novel legal challenges, particularly regarding intellectual property rights for student-created inventions and the liability framework for accidents involving robots in educational settings. Institutions offering robotics programs should proactively establish clear policies addressing ownership of student work and implement robust safety protocols to mitigate potential risks. Moreover, as robotics increasingly integrates with artificial intelligence, data privacy concerns relating to student information used in these programs must be addressed in compliance with evolving data protection regulations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the complex legal landscape emerging alongside the exciting advancements in robotics education. The intersection of student innovation, institutional responsibility, and rapidly evolving technology necessitates a proactive and thoughtful approach to legal frameworks. These considerations are crucial for fostering a safe and productive learning environment that encourages creativity while protecting the rights and safety of all involved. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable expertise on this critical topic.
The future of Costa Rica depends on the investment we make today in our children. With this project, we are sowing equality of opportunities and access to technology from early childhood.
Mary Munive, Vice President and Minister of Health
The program is a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT), placing Costa Rica at the forefront of educational innovation in the region. Marianella Ribas, National Director of CEN-CINAI, highlighted the transformative potential of the project:
For CEN-CINAI, this project is historic: robotics is not just a technological tool, it is a bridge to critical thinking, creativity, and inclusion from the earliest years of life.
Marianella Ribas, National Director of CEN-CINAI
This investment is not a one-off event. The government plans to more than double the funding to ₡2.7 billion in 2026, expanding the program’s reach and impact on childcare centers. This sustained commitment underscores the government’s dedication to nurturing a technologically proficient generation.
Minister of MICITT, Paula Bogantes, believes this initiative lays a strong foundation for Costa Rica’s future, stating:
By bringing technology closer to children from early childhood, we not only reduce gaps, but also sow the seed of human talent that will lead the development of Costa Rica in the coming decades.
Paula Bogantes, Minister of MICITT
The introduction of robotics in preschools is a bold step towards equipping Costa Rican children with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. This initiative not only bridges the digital divide but also fosters a culture of innovation and creativity from the earliest stages of learning. The long-term benefits of this investment promise a brighter future for Costa Rica, driven by a generation empowered by technology and critical thinking skills.
This initiative is a testament to Costa Rica’s commitment to providing its children with the best possible start in life. By investing in early childhood education and embracing innovative technologies, the country is preparing its future leaders to excel in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
This significant investment is a clear indication that Costa Rica recognizes the importance of early childhood education and the transformative power of technology. The initiative promises to cultivate a new generation equipped with the skills to navigate the complexities of the 21st century and contribute to the nation’s continued growth and prosperity.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Health
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for public health matters, overseeing healthcare services, disease prevention, and health promotion initiatives. It plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of the population and developing strategies to address national health priorities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT)
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT):
The MICITT is the Costa Rican ministry responsible for promoting scientific research, technological innovation, and the development of the telecommunications sector. It works to foster a knowledge-based economy and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CEN-CINAI
About CEN-CINAI:
CEN-CINAI (Centros de Educación y Nutrición y Centros Infantiles de Atención Integral) are childcare centers in Costa Rica that provide comprehensive services to children, including education, nutrition, and overall care. They play a crucial role in supporting early childhood development and ensuring the well-being of young children.
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. We champion integrity and innovation in every aspect of our practice, advising clients across a broad spectrum of industries with unwavering dedication. Our firm believes that knowledge is power, and we actively strive to demystify the law through accessible resources and initiatives, fostering a more informed and empowered Costa Rican community.
