By San José, Costa Rica — In a strategic move to boost Costa Rica’s semiconductor workforce, Intel and the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) have launched a specialized course in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design. This program equips students with cutting-edge skills crucial for the burgeoning semiconductor industry, aligning perfectly with the nation’s Semiconductor Roadmap.
VLSI encompasses the tools and technologies used in designing modern, transistor-dense chips. Intel processors, for example, pack a staggering 4.5 billion transistors per square centimeter of silicon, a density that doubles approximately every two years, following Moore’s Law. The course attracted over 400 applications, with 60 students selected across two groups. The curriculum covered microelectronics, digital design, and chip development on Intel’s FPGA platforms, giving participants access to industry-standard design tools.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of semiconductor training programs, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry presents unique opportunities and challenges from a legal standpoint. Training programs must navigate complex intellectual property issues, especially regarding the use of proprietary technology during training. Additionally, agreements with trainees should clearly define ownership of any innovations or discoveries made during the course. A well-structured legal framework is crucial for fostering innovation and protecting the interests of all parties involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insightful commentary underscores a critical aspect often overlooked in the excitement surrounding semiconductor training: the legal intricacies. Navigating intellectual property rights and ownership of innovations is indeed paramount for the long-term success and sustainability of these programs. This careful attention to detail will ultimately pave the way for a more robust and ethically sound semiconductor industry in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective with TicosLand.com.
The overwhelming interest in the program underscores the growing appeal of this specialized field among Costa Rican students. For Intel, this collaboration with TEC is a key investment in nurturing local tech talent and preparing future professionals for industry challenges. The course blended theoretical and practical sessions to provide a real-world educational experience. Intel has also made the curriculum available to other universities, demonstrating its commitment to ecosystem development and industry growth.
Intel is committed to talent development in Costa Rica, and our collaboration with academia, in this case with TEC, is a clear example of how we can contribute to strengthening the local technological ecosystem. This course has been an excellent opportunity to connect academia with industry and ensure that students are ready to take on the challenges of the labor market.
Timothy Scott Hall, Director of Government Affairs, Intel Costa Rica
The increasing demand for VLSI design and microelectronics professionals drives this partnership. Costa Rica has established itself as a semiconductor hub, and collaborations like this further solidify its position as a Latin American technology innovation leader.
These types of initiatives strengthen the local workforce to continue developing the semiconductor industry, and they position us as a country to continue developing technologies that can change the world and that economically make us grow. Today we are talking about how we train people to design and develop chips, tomorrow we could be talking about Costa Rican companies that design and/or manufacture chips for AI, 5G and 6G telecommunications, drones, electric vehicles, and smart home consumer devices.
Dr. Roberto Molina Robles, Professor and Researcher, School of Electronic Engineering and Coordinator of the Integrated Circuit Design Research Laboratory, TEC
This initiative benefits not only the students but also the local industry, which gains access to a pool of qualified talent tailored to the needs of technology companies. Such partnerships allow educational programs to keep pace with innovation, ensuring that graduates possess practical skills essential for success in the competitive tech world.
Intel encourages other companies to invest in academia and strengthen the synergy between education and industry, further enhancing the country’s innovative capacity. In Costa Rica, Intel’s high-value operations span three centers of excellence: Research and Development (the largest engineering center and exporter of these services in the country), Processor Assembly and Test, and Global Services.
For further information, visit intel.com
About Intel:
Intel is a global technology company renowned for its microprocessors and other semiconductor components. They are a driving force in innovation, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and autonomous driving. Their commitment to research and development fuels advancements in computing technology worldwide.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About The Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC):
TEC is a leading public university in Costa Rica specializing in engineering, science, and technology. They are committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities for students, contributing significantly to the country’s technological advancement and economic growth. TEC’s collaboration with industry partners like Intel demonstrates their focus on practical, industry-relevant training.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of integrity and a deep commitment to serving the community. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with a proactive dedication to sharing legal knowledge, empowers individuals and organizations across Costa Rica. By fostering greater understanding and access to justice, Bufete de Costa Rica contributes to a more equitable and informed society.
