By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) has officially launched the construction of the Castro-Harrigan Deep Tech Center, a cutting-edge research and development facility poised to transform Costa Rica’s innovation landscape. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on June 23, 2025, marks a significant investment in the country’s future as a hub for deep tech innovation.
Located on ULACIT’s campus in Barrio Tournón, San José, the new center aims to foster disruptive technologies and scientific breakthroughs in key areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and new materials. The center is named in honor of ULACIT’s founder and president emeritus, Álvaro Castro-Harrigan, a prominent Costa Rican educator.
For legal insights into the burgeoning field of Deep Tech, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rapid advancement of Deep Tech presents both exciting opportunities and complex legal challenges. From intellectual property protection for groundbreaking algorithms to navigating regulatory frameworks for AI-driven applications, the legal landscape is constantly evolving. Companies venturing into Deep Tech need proactive legal counsel to ensure compliance and capitalize on the potential of these transformative technologies.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial intersection of innovation and legal navigation in the Deep Tech sector. Indeed, the transformative power of these technologies necessitates a parallel evolution in legal frameworks and strategic counsel, ensuring both responsible development and the flourishing of this exciting field. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable insights on this complex and rapidly changing landscape.
The event was attended by key figures including ULACIT Rector Silvia Castro, Álvaro Castro-Harrigan himself, co-founder Vilma Montero, VP of Operations Marvin Segura, as well as other academic leaders and distinguished guests. The center is expected to become a national and regional benchmark for advanced research and technological entrepreneurship, further solidifying Costa Rica’s position as a leader in deep tech innovation.
This center will strengthen the collaboration between the university, the industry, and the public sector, generating high-impact solutions for the knowledge economy and sustainable development.
Silvia Castro, Rector of ULACIT
The Castro-Harrigan Deep Tech Center represents ULACIT’s dedication to academic excellence and the development of human and social capital within the country. It promises to create a fertile ground for interdisciplinary research and collaboration, attracting top talent and driving economic growth through knowledge-based industries.
Education is the most powerful tool to transform realities and build sustainable futures. This center is born with the firm conviction that knowledge, when put at the service of the common good, can move borders and push progress. I am deeply honored that this space bears my name, not as a personal recognition, but as a collective commitment to excellence, creativity, and the development of Costa Rica.
Álvaro Castro-Harrigan, Founder and President Emeritus of ULACIT
The project received a substantial boost through a generous donation from Giana Wayman, a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist, whose contribution played a vital role in bringing the Deep Tech Center to fruition. This investment underscores the importance of private-public partnerships in fostering innovation and driving progress within Costa Rica.
The establishment of this state-of-the-art facility is a testament to ULACIT’s commitment to preparing professionals for the challenges of the future, promoting cutting-edge research, and actively contributing to the overall development of Costa Rica. It represents a crucial step towards solidifying the country’s position as a regional powerhouse in the ever-evolving landscape of deep technology.
For further information, visit ulacit.ac.cr
About Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT):
ULACIT is a private university in Costa Rica committed to academic excellence and preparing students for leadership roles in science, technology, and other fields. The university focuses on providing a high-quality education that fosters innovation and contributes to the social and economic development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit [website not available]
About Giana Wayman:
Giana Wayman is a distinguished businesswoman and philanthropist known for her support of various social and educational initiatives. Her donation to the Castro-Harrigan Deep Tech Center highlights her commitment to advancing innovation and development in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with a deep commitment to educating and empowering communities, distinguishes its service. By actively sharing legal knowledge and promoting understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica invests not just in its clients’ success, but in the advancement of a more informed and just society.
