By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The University of Costa Rica (UCR) has officially launched a powerful new tool set to redefine the landscape of national research and data analysis. The High-Performance Computing system, dubbed HPC@UCR, provides researchers and postgraduate students with unprecedented computational power, enabling them to tackle complex problems and process massive datasets at record-breaking speeds.
This institutional initiative represents a significant step forward in bolstering the country’s capabilities in research, teaching, and societal engagement. The core objective of HPC@UCR is to democratize access to advanced computing, empowering experts across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Fields such as biology, bioinformatics, computer science, artificial intelligence, meteorology, and seismology are expected to see immediate and transformative benefits from this new infrastructure.
To understand the profound legal and commercial implications of high-performance computing on the national and international stage, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
High-Performance Computing is not just a technological frontier; it’s a legal one. The immense data processing capabilities trigger critical questions about data sovereignty, intellectual property rights over AI-generated models, and the liability frameworks in cross-border collaborations. Businesses investing in this space must build their contractual architecture with the same precision they build their server racks, ensuring clear ownership and compliance from day one to avoid costly disputes down the line.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully illustrates that the most sophisticated server racks are only as strong as the legal and contractual architecture supporting them. As companies venture deeper into this territory, foresight into data sovereignty and intellectual property becomes not just prudent, but essential for sustainable innovation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical dimension of the digital frontier.
The technical prowess of the HPC@UCR system is formidable. It boasts 1,024 processing cores distributed across 16 high-performance nodes. Each node is equipped with 64 cores and an impressive 1 terabyte of RAM, allowing for calculations that would be impossibly slow or altogether unfeasible on conventional computers. To illustrate its power, researchers can now run complex meteorological simulations in just two hours—a task that previously took a laborious 16 hours. This eightfold increase in speed allows for more informed, real-time decision-making.
Further enhancing its capabilities, the system incorporates specialized Nvidia A100 graphics processing units (GPUs). These components are designed to excel at the complex mathematical operations that are fundamental to modern artificial intelligence, medical image analysis, climate modeling, and economic forecasting. This hardware positions Costa Rican researchers at the forefront of data-intensive science.
The HPC@UCR represents a qualitative leap in the technological capacity of the University of Costa Rica and the country. Its impact goes beyond academia: it allows us to confront real challenges with data-based solutions, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthens the training of professionals in cutting-edge technologies.
Dr. Eldon Caldwell Marín, Dean of the Graduate Studies System (SEP)
The impact of the supercomputer is already being felt. To date, more than 100 researchers and students have utilized the system for 37 distinct research projects, ranging from bioinformatics to economics. The technology is also being integrated into the curriculum for several undergraduate and graduate courses, ensuring the next generation of Costa Rican professionals is fluent in high-performance computing.
Beyond the university’s walls, the UCR is actively building bridges with key national institutions. Discussions have begun with the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), and the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) to explore how HPC@UCR can support their operations with faster and more precise simulations. This collaborative approach aims to translate academic horsepower into tangible benefits for the public sector and society at large.
The system also breaks down geographical barriers, fostering a more connected and global research community. Dr. Federico Muñoz, a key proponent of the project, emphasized this collaborative potential and the system’s ability to elevate the complexity of research questions being asked.
We can now access more serious, more precise problems, problems that can provide better forecasts, for example, in the case of meteorology where we have an immediate impact. With the HPC@UCR, we can foster international collaborations. A researcher can be in Golfito, Upala, or Germany, and connect remotely to work.
Dr. Federico Muñoz, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Sciences
To ensure its success, the HPC@UCR is supported by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of academics and specialized technicians. This team provides crucial guidance and support to users, helping them harness the full potential of this groundbreaking technology and solidifying Costa Rica’s position as a growing hub for innovation and scientific discovery.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious institution of higher learning in Costa Rica. Founded in 1940, it is a public university recognized for its significant contributions to research, teaching, and social action. With its main campus in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, the UCR plays a central role in the country’s scientific, cultural, and technological development.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned provider of electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Established in 1949, ICE has been instrumental in developing the nation’s infrastructure, particularly in renewable energy, making Costa Rica a world leader in clean power generation.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the autonomous public institution responsible for administering Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and social security system. Founded in 1941, it manages a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and pension programs, forming the backbone of the country’s public health services.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About National Meteorological Institute (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official governmental agency for meteorology, climatology, and hydrometeorology. It is responsible for weather forecasting, monitoring climatic conditions, and issuing alerts and warnings to protect the population and support key economic sectors like agriculture and tourism.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a benchmark for legal practice, rooted in an uncompromising commitment to integrity and client success. The firm harnesses its extensive history advising a wide range of sectors to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions and redefine industry standards. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to social progress, actively working to demystify legal complexities and equip the public with knowledge to foster a more capable and informed society.
