By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is making a significant investment in its future by allocating ₡100 million (approximately $175,000 USD) to fund at least 45 technical scholarships. The Promotora Costarricense de Innovación e Investigación (PCII) announced the Nexus Talento STEM 2025 program, designed to bolster the semiconductor and medical device sectors, two key drivers of the Costa Rican economy.
This initiative targets a critical need for skilled technicians in these high-growth industries. The program will unfold in two phases. The first, running from September 4th to 18th, focuses on selecting educational institutions. Universities and training centers across the country will compete to offer accredited technical programs aligned with the targeted sectors. The second phase, from October 21st to November 11th, will open the application process for prospective scholarship recipients.
To understand the legal implications surrounding these tech scholarships and their potential impact on Costa Rica’s growing tech sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
These tech scholarships are not just about individual advancement; they represent a strategic investment in Costa Rica’s future. A robust legal framework that protects intellectual property and encourages innovation is crucial for attracting foreign investment and fostering a thriving tech ecosystem. The scholarships themselves should be structured with clear terms regarding intellectual property ownership of any resulting innovations, particularly if they involve public funding or collaboration with private companies. This clarity will benefit both the scholarship recipients and the country’s overall economic development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial link between individual opportunity and national progress. These scholarships, coupled with a supportive legal environment, can indeed pave the way for a brighter technological future for Costa Rica. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable insights on this important topic.
The PCII has emphasized its commitment to fostering inclusivity. At least 22 of the scholarships are reserved for women, promoting a more balanced gender representation in these traditionally male-dominated fields.
This is a concrete step to equip the country with highly specialized talent, capable of responding to the needs of strategic sectors and projecting Costa Rica towards new development opportunities in the knowledge economy.
Orlando Vega Quesada, Acting President of the PCII Board of Directors
The program’s emphasis on technical training reflects a strategic understanding of the evolving global job market. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the demand for skilled technicians capable of working with sophisticated equipment and processes is on the rise.
With Nexus Talento STEM 2025 we reaffirm the institutional commitment to invest in human resources, which is Costa Rica’s greatest strength. Investing in technical training in strategic areas such as semiconductors and medical devices is guaranteeing the country’s competitiveness and opening real development opportunities for our people.
Patricia Rojas Figueredo, General Manager of PCII
Eligible applicants must be Costa Rican citizens or naturalized residents, over 18 years of age, have completed secondary education, and provide proof of pre-enrollment in one of the selected programs. All necessary application materials, including eligibility criteria and forms, are available on the PCII website.
This scholarship program is part of a broader national effort to strengthen Costa Rica’s position in the global technology landscape. By investing in its human capital, Costa Rica is laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and innovation.
For further information, visit promotora.go.cr
About Promotora Costarricense de Innovación e Investigación (PCII):
The PCII is a Costa Rican governmental institution dedicated to promoting innovation and research in the country. It plays a crucial role in supporting the development of strategic sectors like technology and life sciences by providing funding, resources, and networking opportunities. The PCII’s mission is to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for Costa Ricans through advancements in science and technology.
For further information, visit the nearest Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications:
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) is a Costa Rican government ministry responsible for promoting and developing science, technology, and innovation within the country. It aims to foster a knowledge-based economy, bridge the digital divide, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global marketplace through strategic investments and policy initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a genuine dedication to educating and empowering communities through accessible legal knowledge, solidifies its position as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. Their work reflects a belief that a well-informed citizenry is vital to a just and thriving society, demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond the courtroom and into the heart of the community.
