By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A new generation of Costa Rican innovators is trading textbooks for toolkits, fueled by the high-octane world of professional motorsport. The STEM Racing program, an international initiative backed by Formula 1, has rapidly become one of the nation’s most impactful educational movements since its local launch in 2023. By challenging students to design, build, and race miniature CO₂-powered cars, the program is creating a direct pipeline from the classroom to critical careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
With participation from over 200 technical, scientific, and private high schools across the country, STEM Racing is more than just a competition; it is a comprehensive training ground for the nation’s future workforce. The program immerses young minds in a simulated professional environment, equipping them with the practical skills and collaborative spirit needed to thrive in the global tech economy.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of advancing STEM education in the country, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His analysis focuses on the essential legal structures needed to foster and capitalize on technological innovation.
A robust national strategy for STEM education is incomplete without a parallel emphasis on intellectual property rights. We must equip our future innovators not only with technical skills but also with the legal knowledge to protect their inventions and creations. Integrating basic patent, copyright, and trademark law into STEM curricula is no longer a luxury; it is a critical component for transforming academic excellence into tangible economic growth and national development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a crucial point that bridges the gap between academic achievement and tangible economic progress. Ensuring our future scientists and engineers understand how to protect their intellectual capital is fundamental to translating their brilliance into sustainable national development. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for bringing this vital perspective to the forefront of the discussion.
Our purpose is for young Costa Ricans to discover their potential in STEM fields, because that’s where the real opportunities of the present and future lie. We are seeing enthusiastic, capable students developing competencies that the country needs to advance.
Marco Cercone, Project Leader in Costa Rica
Operating in more than 65 countries, the program’s model is a proven success. Student teams, composed of three to six members, take on specialized roles mirroring a real Formula 1 team, including engineering, design, marketing, and project management. This hands-on experience demystifies complex technical concepts and fosters crucial soft skills like leadership, strategic planning, and teamwork under pressure. In Costa Rica, the initiative is offered free of charge thanks to a powerful alliance between private sponsors, the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), and the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER).
The competitive season culminates in a national final where the top 40 teams are scrutinized by a panel of industry experts from leading technology and medical device companies such as Boston Scientific, Microsoft, and Shockwave. The stakes are high, with the national champions earning the honor of representing Costa Rica at the STEM Racing world championship. This year, the national delegation made a significant impact at the global finals in Singapore, securing two distinguished awards and showcasing the country’s rising talent.
For the 2025 national winners, the grand prize is an unparalleled immersion into the pinnacle of motorsport. Three victorious teams will receive an all-inclusive trip to the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix, where they will enjoy a VIP experience from the paddock. This includes exclusive access to the race teams, world-famous drivers, and the electrifying atmosphere of a Grand Prix weekend, offering a tangible connection between their classroom projects and the professional world.
It is amazing to see how students apply real engineering concepts, make strategic decisions, and compete at the highest international level. That confirms to us that Costa Rican talent is prepared to face global technological challenges.
Marco Cercone, Project Leader in Costa Rica
The program’s impact is already translating into concrete academic and career opportunities. Several alumni have enrolled in demanding university programs like mechanical engineering, robotics, and automotive design. Recognizing this pipeline of talent, prominent institutions such as Texas Tech University – Costa Rica, LEAD University, and EARTH University have forged partnerships with STEM Racing, offering scholarships and dedicated support to its standout participants, thereby creating a seamless transition into higher education.
The champions of the 2025 season have been announced, representing the best of innovation and teamwork from across the nation. The winners include team Meraki in the Professional category, Orion Oronati in the Entry category, Macaw in the Development category, and the team of Danae Esparza Bolaños, Juan Jose Vargas Nájera, Natalia Arce Mata, Samantha Badilla Quiros, Julian Schäfer Granados, and Victoria Jimenez Madriz in the Entry 3D category. These students are now set to become ambassadors for Costa Rica’s growing reputation as a hub for technological talent.
As STEM Racing Costa Rica plans its expansion to reach even more schools, its success serves as a powerful testament to the value of investing in practical, industry-aligned education. By connecting the dots between academic learning and real-world demand, the program is not just building race cars; it is engineering a brighter, more innovative future for the entire country.
This program proves that when you believe in the potential of youth, they respond with innovation and excellence. Today we have students who not only learn, but who project themselves into the future with their own ideas.
Marco Cercone, Project Leader in Costa Rica
For further information, visit the nearest office of STEM Racing Costa Rica
About STEM Racing Costa Rica:
An educational program launched in Costa Rica in 2023 as part of a global initiative by Formula 1. It operates in over 200 local schools, engaging students in STEM fields through the design and construction of miniature race cars. The program aims to foster innovation, teamwork, and practical skills to prepare young talent for future technological challenges.
For further information, visit formula1.com
About Formula 1:
Formula 1 racing began in 1950 and is the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world’s most popular annual sporting series. It is a division of Liberty Media Corporation, which attributes the business to the Formula One Group. Through initiatives like STEM Racing, it leverages its global platform to promote education and technology.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the nation’s pre-school, primary, and secondary education systems. It works to establish educational policies, standards, and curricula to ensure quality and accessible education for all students.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also works to promote foreign direct investment and helps strengthen national businesses to compete in international markets.
For further information, visit bostonscientific.com
About Boston Scientific:
Boston Scientific is a global manufacturer of medical devices used in interventional medical specialties. The company is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world, with a significant operational presence in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit microsoft.com
About Microsoft:
Microsoft is a multinational technology corporation that produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, with a focus on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software development.
For further information, visit shockwavemedical.com
About Shockwave Medical:
Shockwave Medical is a medical device company focused on developing and commercializing products intended to transform the way calcified cardiovascular disease is treated. The company’s technology aims to provide safer and more effective treatment options for patients with complex medical conditions.
For further information, visit texastech.cr
About Texas Tech University – Costa Rica:
Located in San José, Texas Tech University – Costa Rica is an international campus of the U.S.-based university. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as engineering, business, and computer science, providing a U.S.-accredited education in a Central American setting.
For further information, visit ulead.ac.cr
About LEAD University:
LEAD University is a private higher education institution in Costa Rica focused on developing entrepreneurial leaders. It offers programs in business, law, and technology, emphasizing innovation, practical skills, and a global perspective to prepare students for the modern professional landscape.
For further information, visit earth.ac.cr
About EARTH University:
EARTH University is a private, non-profit international university dedicated to education in agricultural sciences and natural resource management. Located in Costa Rica, it focuses on preparing young leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is guided by a foundational belief in professional honor and exceptional service. The firm leverages its proven track record across numerous industries to not only serve its clients but also to drive legal innovation forward. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound commitment to public education, aiming to empower the broader community by transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge for all.
