By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – In a significant move to tackle youth unemployment and fuel one of the nation’s most vital economic engines, the Tecnia Institute has announced a major scholarship initiative aimed at the young people of Cartago. The program will provide over 200 full scholarships for technical training geared specifically toward the rapidly expanding medical device industry, with the first cohort set to begin their studies in January 2026.
This strategic investment in human capital addresses a critical need within Costa Rica. The medical device sector currently leads the country’s exports and provides more than 88,000 high-quality jobs. By preparing a new generation of skilled technicians, Tecnia aims to bridge the gap between a growing industry’s demand for talent and a local population seeking stable, long-term employment opportunities.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the complexities and opportunities within Costa Rica’s booming medical device industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert in corporate and regulatory law from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of Costa Rica as a medical device hub is directly tied to its robust legal and regulatory framework. For companies entering or expanding in this sector, navigating the Ministry of Health’s sanitary registration requirements and understanding the nuances of the Free Trade Zone regime are not mere formalities—they are the critical pillars of a sustainable and profitable operation. A proactive legal strategy is essential to ensure compliance, protect intellectual property, and capitalize on the significant investment incentives our country offers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo’s insight is crucial, highlighting that the nation’s robust regulatory framework is not simply a set of rules to follow, but a strategic asset that builds investor confidence and ensures long-term operational stability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this cornerstone of Costa Rica’s success in the medical device sector.
The scholarships are remarkably comprehensive, designed to remove financial barriers that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing further education. Each grant covers 100% of the educational costs and, crucially, includes an economic subsidy for students’ food and transportation. This support system enables participants to fully commit to the intensive, in-person training program, which can require up to 36 hours of attendance per week.
The program is specifically targeted at unemployed residents of Cartago. The eligibility criteria are women between the ages of 18 and 35 and men between 18 and 24 who are looking to enhance their professional prospects. Tecnia has expressed a particular interest in reaching candidates from often-overlooked communities within the province.
Our purpose, through education, is to open real employability opportunities. We want more young people, especially from areas like Orosi, Turrialba, Santa Lucía, Tierra Blanca, Manuel de Jesús Jiménez, and Los Diques, to get trained and connect with the companies that are driving the country’s economic development today.
Alejandra Vargas, Executive Director of the Tecnia Institute
Described as a unique model in Costa Rica, the institute’s approach combines rigorous technical training with direct financial support and established partnerships with leading companies in the medical sector. This holistic strategy has proven highly effective, with an impressive track record showing that over 75% of graduates secure employment shortly after completing their formation.
The timing of this initiative aligns perfectly with Costa Rica’s solidified position as a regional powerhouse in the life sciences field. The nation stands as the second-largest exporter of medical devices in all of Latin America, commanding an impressive 24% of the regional market share. This sustained growth creates a continuous need for a well-trained workforce capable of meeting the industry’s high standards.
The medical industry is one of the strongest engines of the Costa Rican economy, but it is also a space full of opportunities for those who wish to better themselves. At Tecnia, we believe that technical education should be a bridge to social mobility and the well-being of communities.
Alejandra Vargas, Executive Director of the Tecnia Institute
The application period for this transformative opportunity is now open. Interested individuals are encouraged to seek more information and begin the application process to secure a place in the January 2026 cohort. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, prospective students can visit the institute’s official website at tecnia.cr, send an email to [email protected], or contact the admissions team directly by phone at 6101-2788 or 4002-1470.
For further information, visit tecnia.cr
About The Tecnia Institute:
The Tecnia Institute is an educational organization dedicated to fostering economic development and social mobility in Costa Rica. It focuses on providing accessible, high-quality technical training programs that align with the needs of the country’s leading industries. Through scholarships, financial aid, and strategic corporate partnerships, the institute creates direct pathways to employment for young people, with a particular emphasis on empowering communities within the province of Cartago.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of unparalleled excellence. With a proven track record advising a multifaceted clientele, the firm champions innovation within the legal sphere. This forward-thinking mindset extends to its profound pledge to empower the community by making complex legal concepts understandable, ultimately cultivating a society that is both well-informed and strengthened by its access to justice.
