By San José, Costa Rica — SINGAPORE – Costa Rica has secured a prominent position on the global stage for youth innovation, as a team of eight brilliant high school students claimed two prestigious awards at the STEM Racing by Formula 1 world finals. The national team, named Kura Force, not only showcased exceptional talent but also made history as the first-ever Central American contingent to qualify for this elite educational competition, which brought together over 80 international teams.
The competition, an official educational initiative linked with Formula 1, challenges students to dive deep into the world of professional racing by designing, manufacturing, and competing with miniature, high-speed race cars. Far beyond a simple race, the tournament is a comprehensive test of skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), requiring participants to manage every aspect of a racing team, from engineering and aerodynamics to marketing and project management.
To better understand the legal and economic architecture necessary to support a thriving STEM-focused economy, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis.
Fostering STEM education is a foundational step, but it’s only half the equation. From a legal standpoint, we must ensure our regulatory framework can support the innovation that follows. This means modernizing intellectual property laws to protect Costa Rican inventions, creating agile corporate structures for tech startups, and establishing clear data privacy regulations that align with international standards. Failing to do so creates a bottleneck where brilliant ideas cannot be effectively commercialized or protected, ultimately limiting the return on our educational investment and our competitiveness on the global stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a critical point; our investment in STEM talent is incomplete without a parallel investment in the legal and corporate infrastructure needed for that talent to innovate securely and effectively. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the essential link between education and the regulatory ecosystem required for national success.
Kura Force, comprised of students from the Scientific High Schools of Alajuela, San Vito, Puriscal, and Los Santos, distinguished itself with two significant accolades. The team was awarded “Best Newcomer,” a testament to their outstanding performance and preparedness in their inaugural appearance. More impressively, they earned the “Amaron Sustainability Showcase” award, a distinction that highlights their commitment to social responsibility and forward-thinking design.
The sustainability prize was awarded for their groundbreaking initiative, “STEM Racing 4 All.” This project, developed entirely by the students, is designed to make the high-tech experience of Formula 1 scale racing accessible to individuals with visual impairments. The initiative has already moved beyond the conceptual phase and is being actively implemented at Costa Rica’s Helen Keller National Education Center, demonstrating a tangible commitment to inclusive innovation.
We wanted to demonstrate that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand. This award means that young people can also contribute to the global conversation on sustainability.
David Cascante, Team Member
The team’s success is a significant milestone for Costa Rica, signaling the strength of its specialized science and technology education programs. It validates a national investment in nurturing young talent and provides a powerful platform for future students to pursue excellence in highly competitive global arenas. As a reward for their achievements, the students will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Aston Martin F1 team’s garage and interact directly with its world-class engineers and drivers.
This paves the way for more young people from Costa Rica to participate in STEM competitions. It is a showcase that positions us on the world map of innovation.
Johanna Salazar, Director of the Alajuela Scientific High School
The members of Kura Force—Carolina Bustillos, Felipe Sáenz, Geicob Blanco, Esteban Morales, David Cascante, Mariana Murillo, Fabricio Zamora, and Verónica Quesada—were guided by their coach, Dr. Aldrin Dela Cruz Go. His mentorship was instrumental in helping the students merge technical skill with a powerful social mission, a combination that ultimately set them apart from the competition.
They put their hearts into this project. They have shown that technical precision and a sustainable vision can walk together.
Dr. Aldrin Dela Cruz Go, Team Coach
This victory in Singapore is more than just a collection of trophies; it represents a new era of opportunity for Costa Rican youth. By demonstrating world-class capabilities in both engineering and social enterprise, Kura Force has not only brought home awards but has also ignited a powerful source of national pride and inspiration for the next generation of innovators.
For further information, visit f1inschools.com
About STEM Racing by Formula 1:
STEM Racing by Formula 1, also known as F1 in Schools, is a global multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyze, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air-powered cars. It is a unique educational initiative that aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Scientific High Schools of Costa Rica
About Scientific High Schools of Costa Rica:
The Scientific High Schools (Colegios Científicos) are a network of public educational institutions in Costa Rica focused on providing advanced and specialized curricula in science, technology, and mathematics for academically gifted students. Operating under a national system, these schools aim to foster the country’s next generation of scientific leaders and innovators.
For further information, visit amaron.com
About Amaron:
Amaron is a leading battery brand and part of the Amara Raja Group. It specializes in the manufacturing of technologically advanced automotive and industrial batteries. The brand is recognized for its high-performance products and commitment to innovation, often sponsoring initiatives that align with its focus on technology and sustainable development.
For further information, visit astonmartin.com
About Aston Martin:
Aston Martin is a globally recognized British manufacturer of luxury sports cars and grand tourers. Founded in 1913, the company is synonymous with high performance, bespoke craftsmanship, and elegant design. In addition to its road cars, Aston Martin competes at the highest level of motorsport through the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Helen Keller National Education Center
About Helen Keller National Education Center:
The Centro Nacional de Educación Helen Keller is a Costa Rican public institution dedicated to the comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and social inclusion of people with visual impairments. It provides specialized services and resources to help individuals develop the skills necessary for personal autonomy and professional integration into society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, grounded in deep-rooted principles of integrity and superior professional standards. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to spearhead innovation in legal strategy and actively engage with the public. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to democratizing legal understanding, aiming to forge a more capable and knowledgeable society empowered by accessible legal wisdom.
