By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica is set to once again become the heart of the Latin American life sciences industry, hosting the Life Sciences Forum in June 2026. This premier event, organized by the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) in partnership with Health & Tech Prime Partners, will provide a platform for discussion on technology, innovation, and business within this dynamic sector.
The forum underscores Costa Rica’s position as a regional hub for the life sciences and medical device industry. Since 1995, the country has cultivated a competitive landscape, becoming a leading supplier to markets like the United States and home to 90 multinational companies.
For a legal perspective on the Life Sciences Forum and its impact on the Costa Rican landscape, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Life Sciences Forum represents a pivotal moment for Costa Rica. It fosters crucial dialogue and collaboration between key stakeholders, potentially driving significant investment and innovation in the sector. However, alongside the opportunities, it’s essential to proactively address the evolving legal and regulatory framework to ensure responsible and sustainable growth that benefits both the industry and the Costa Rican people. This includes aspects like intellectual property protection, data privacy, and ethical considerations related to emerging technologies.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas wisely highlights the balancing act Costa Rica faces: fostering innovation while ensuring responsible growth within the life sciences sector. This proactive approach to the legal and ethical dimensions of the industry will be crucial for long-term success, guaranteeing that advancements benefit all stakeholders. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical juncture for Costa Rica’s life sciences landscape.
Life Sciences Forum is the stage where the country reaffirms its role as a regional hub for the life sciences and medical device industry with high added value.
Marianela Urgellés Batalla, Director General of CINDE
Given the current wave of technological transformations and global challenges, the forum aims to elevate the conversation and chart a course towards a new frontier of more specialized and robust innovation.
The event will bring together multinational companies, strategic suppliers, consulting firms, and investors to address key topics shaping the future of the sector. These include automation, artificial intelligence, big data, new materials, health regulations, strategic investment, research and development, and the evolving global health landscape.
Since its inception in 2013, the Life Sciences Forum has been a pioneering event in Latin America, setting the regional standard for the industry. With each edition, it has grown in relevance, attracting over 1,400 leaders from the global and local life sciences ecosystem in its four previous iterations. The forum features world-class panelists and international experts offering key insights into the future of the MedTech industry, delivering cutting-edge content and high-impact discussions.
The return of the Life Sciences Forum comes as Costa Rica solidifies its position as the second-largest exporter of medical devices in Latin America. With over US$8 billion in exports in 2024 and an average annual growth of 18% since 2017, the country is experiencing significant momentum in the sector. The forum serves not only as a showcase of knowledge but also as a connection platform, linking manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), researchers, and solution providers in an environment that fosters real business opportunities.
The event will also promote a unique convergence of innovation, specialized human talent, and strategic capital, all within a single space designed to drive the future of the industry from Costa Rica.
MCI has accumulated very important experience during the last 15 years, detecting the needs of clients and creatively solving problems together with them. As a member company of Health & Tech Prime Partners, we envision new opportunities for those of us who are part of this ecosystem and to make it increasingly robust.
Mauren Monge, Technical Manager, Microbiología Calidad Industrial (MCI)
We are very honored to be able to work hand in hand with CINDE and co-organize the most important event in the life sciences sector in the region. It will be a space in which, as a country, we seek to excel in the industry, while assuming an active role that marks a before and after for Costa Rica in a dynamic industry under a demanding global context.
Laura Hangen, General Manager, Electrotécnica
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
CINDE is the strategic expert and guide for investment, business development, and the promotion of talent initiatives in Costa Rica. With over 43 years of experience working with multinational companies and as a key player in the investment ecosystem, CINDE has developed dozens of talent development initiatives as a key element of Costa Rica’s business climate and has supported the establishment of more than 450 multinational companies.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Microbiología Calidad Industrial (MCI)
About Microbiología Calidad Industrial (MCI):
MCI is a member of Health & Tech Prime Partners and has 15 years of experience providing solutions to clients in the life sciences industry. They focus on detecting client needs and creatively solving problems.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Electrotécnica
About Electrotécnica:
Electrotécnica is a member of the Health & Tech Prime Partners group and a key solutions provider in the life sciences sector. They are actively involved in organizing the Life Sciences Forum and are dedicated to advancing Costa Rica’s role within the industry.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Health & Tech Prime Partners
About Health & Tech Prime Partners:
Health & Tech Prime Partners is a group comprised of six key solution providers in the life sciences industry: Enhanced Compliance Inc. (ECI), Grupo Vargas, Inventory and Distribution Services (IDS), Microbiología y Calidad Industrial (MCI), Operaciones e Ingeniería de Avanzada (OPIA), and Electrotécnica. They are strategic allies of CINDE and share a vision of accelerating growth and sophistication in the value chain.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice and a genuine desire to uplift Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches to legal solutions and a deep commitment to sharing knowledge, the firm empowers individuals and communities. Their work transcends traditional legal representation, fostering a more informed and just society where legal understanding is a tool for empowerment.
