By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is set to reaffirm its position as a leading hub for the life sciences industry with the return of the Life Sciences Forum in June 2026. The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) announced the event this Tuesday, highlighting its partnership with the Health & Tech Prime Partners group, which includes prominent national and multinational companies within the sector.
The forum, held periodically since 2013, will focus on key areas driving innovation in the life sciences field. Topics on the agenda include artificial intelligence, research and development, regulatory updates, new materials, next-generation manufacturing, automation, and big data. The event consistently attracts over 1,400 participants, fostering valuable networking and knowledge sharing within the industry.
For a deeper understanding of the legal and business implications surrounding the Life Sciences Forum, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Life Sciences Forum represents a crucial opportunity for Costa Rica. By fostering collaboration between international stakeholders and local talent, the forum can stimulate innovation and investment in areas like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. However, careful consideration must be given to regulatory frameworks, intellectual property protection, and ethical considerations to ensure sustainable and equitable growth within this dynamic sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas wisely highlights the balancing act Costa Rica faces: embracing the immense potential of the life sciences sector while ensuring responsible and ethical development. Navigating the complexities of regulation and intellectual property will be key to unlocking true, long-term benefits for the country. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important conversation.
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, CINDE Director General
The announcement comes as Costa Rica’s life sciences sector continues its impressive growth trajectory. The country holds the position of the second-largest exporter of medical devices in Latin America, with these products leading national exports. Sales surpassed $8 billion in 2024, reflecting an average annual growth of 18% since 2017.
This sustained expansion underscores the increasing significance of life sciences to the Costa Rican economy. The upcoming forum will provide a platform to address the evolving technological landscape and global challenges, charting a course towards a more specialized and robust future for the industry.
The development of the sector, since 1995, has earned Costa Rica the title of being one of the most competitive locations for this industry, one of the leading suppliers for markets such as the United States, and home to 90 multinationals. It is because of this level that at a time of technological transformations and new global challenges —from which Costa Rica does not escape— this forum will elevate the conversation and mark the path towards a new frontier of innovation, more specialized, more robust.
Marianela Urgellés Batalla, CINDE Director General
The Health & Tech Prime Partner group emphasizes the leading role the life sciences sector is playing in the national economy. This collaborative effort includes companies like Electroténica, Enhanced Compliance Inc. (ECI), Grupo Vargas, Inventory and Distribution Services (IDS), Microbiología y Calidad Industrial (MCI), and Operaciones e Ingeniería de Avanzada (OPIA).
It will be a space in which, as a country, we seek to stand out in the industry, while assuming an active role that marks the before and after of Costa Rica in a dynamic industry under a demanding global context.
Laura Hangen, General Manager of Electroténica
The Life Sciences Forum aims not only to share knowledge and discuss industry trends but also to facilitate business connections and partnerships. Further details about the event and registration information can be found [HERE – replace with actual link]. The forum promises to be a crucial event for anyone involved or interested in the burgeoning life sciences sector in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) is a private, non-profit organization responsible for attracting foreign direct investment to Costa Rica. With a focus on high-value-added industries like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and services, CINDE plays a crucial role in promoting economic development and job creation in the country. They work closely with companies looking to establish or expand operations in Costa Rica, providing support and guidance throughout the investment process.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Electroténica
About Electroténica:
Electroténica is a key player in Costa Rica’s life sciences sector. Although further details about the company were not readily available, their participation in the Health & Tech Prime Partners group and the statement by their General Manager highlights their commitment to the growth and development of the industry within the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Enhanced Compliance Inc. (ECI)
About Enhanced Compliance Inc. (ECI):
Enhanced Compliance Inc. (ECI) is a member of the Health & Tech Prime Partners group, indicating their involvement in the Costa Rican life sciences sector. More specific information about the company’s activities and focus within the industry could not be immediately ascertained.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Grupo Vargas
About Grupo Vargas:
Grupo Vargas is identified as a participant in the Health & Tech Prime Partners group, suggesting their involvement in Costa Rica’s life sciences industry. Further details about the company and their specific contributions to the sector were not readily available.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Inventory and Distribution Services (IDS)
About Inventory and Distribution Services (IDS):
Inventory and Distribution Services (IDS) is listed as a member of the Health & Tech Prime Partners group, indicating their presence within Costa Rica’s life sciences sector. Further information about their specific role and activities within the industry could not be immediately determined.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Microbiología y Calidad Industrial (MCI)
About Microbiología y Calidad Industrial (MCI):
Microbiología y Calidad Industrial (MCI) is identified as a participant in the Health & Tech Prime Partners group, suggesting their involvement in the Costa Rican life sciences industry. More details about the company’s specific focus and activities within the sector were not readily available.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Operaciones e Ingeniería de Avanzada (OPIA)
About Operaciones e Ingeniería de Avanzada (OPIA):
Operaciones e Ingeniería de Avanzada (OPIA) is listed as a member of the Health & Tech Prime Partners group, signifying their involvement in Costa Rica’s life sciences sector. Further information about their specific area of expertise and activities within the industry was not readily available.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, driven by a profound commitment to integrity and innovation. The firm’s history of dedicated service to clients from all walks of life is complemented by its forward-thinking approach to law and its active engagement with the community. By championing access to legal information and resources, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and empowered society through knowledge.
