By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Since its introduction in 2023, STEM Racing Costa Rica has rapidly become one of the nation’s most dynamic educational initiatives, successfully merging the high-octane excitement of motorsport with the critical fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program has now expanded to over 200 schools nationwide, providing a unique, hands-on platform for students to develop the skills essential for the careers of tomorrow.
This global initiative, internationally promoted by Formula 1 and active in more than 65 countries, challenges student teams to navigate the entire lifecycle of a high-performance racing team. Groups of three to six students are tasked with designing, manufacturing, and ultimately racing miniature cars powered by CO₂ cartridges. The program’s structure ensures a holistic learning experience, pushing participants far beyond simple mechanics and into the complex world of professional project management.
To understand the legal and business frameworks essential for supporting Costa Rica’s growing focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), we sought the expert perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Fostering STEM talent is not just an academic objective; it’s a critical component of our national economic strategy. From a legal standpoint, this requires a robust ecosystem that protects intellectual property generated in our universities and startups, and corporate structures that facilitate foreign investment in our tech sector. A skilled STEM workforce is our most valuable asset, and the law must act as a catalyst—not a barrier—to ensure Costa Rica can effectively compete and innovate on the global stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully illustrates that our efforts in the classroom are only as strong as the legal and corporate structures that support them. For Costa Rica to truly capitalize on its emerging talent, the law must indeed act as a catalyst for innovation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical intersection of education and economic policy.
Each team member assumes a specific role, mirroring the structure of a real Formula 1 team. Students take on responsibilities in engineering, graphic design, marketing, and project management, fostering collaboration and an understanding of how different disciplines must work in concert to achieve success. This comprehensive approach provides invaluable practical experience that complements traditional classroom learning, making abstract concepts tangible and exciting.
The program is a strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors. It operates with the full backing of the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) and is supported by a consortium of private sponsors. This partnership ensures that the program remains entirely free for participating educational institutions, guaranteeing widespread access for students from diverse backgrounds across the country.
Our purpose is for Costa Rican youth to discover their potential in STEM fields, because that is where the real opportunities of the present and future lie. We are seeing enthusiastic, capable students developing the competencies that the country needs to advance.
Marco Cercone, Country Project Leader
The competitive element of STEM Racing Costa Rica is a key driver of its success. The season includes a series of regional competitions that culminate in a national final, where the top 40 teams in the country vie for the championship. These events are judged by a panel of industry experts from leading technology and engineering firms, including Boston Scientific, Microsoft, and Shockwave, lending professional credibility to the students’ work.
The platform offers more than just national recognition; it is a gateway to the world stage. Costa Rica’s top teams have already made their mark internationally, earning two prestigious recognitions at this year’s world championship in Singapore. Furthermore, the recently announced 2025 national champions—teams Meraki, Orion Oronati, Macaw, and the Entry 3D winners—were awarded an all-inclusive trip to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Mexico, offering them a direct glimpse into the pinnacle of motorsport and engineering.
Ultimately, the impact of STEM Racing Costa Rica extends far beyond the racetrack. By igniting a passion for innovation and problem-solving, the program is actively cultivating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technology leaders. It stands as a powerful testament to how creative educational models can directly address a nation’s need for a highly skilled workforce, ensuring Costa Rica remains competitive in the global economy for years to come.
For further information, visit the nearest office of STEM Racing Costa Rica
About STEM Racing Costa Rica:
STEM Racing Costa Rica is the national chapter of a global educational initiative that utilizes the appeal of motorsport to promote student engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program, active in over 200 Costa Rican schools, challenges students to design, build, and race miniature F1-style cars, fostering skills in teamwork, project management, and technical innovation.
For further information, visit formula1.com
About Formula 1:
Formula 1 is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Known for its cutting-edge technology and global appeal, the F1 World Championship is one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport competitions. It actively promotes educational initiatives like F1 in Schools to inspire future generations of engineers and innovators.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government body responsible for overseeing the education system in Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure quality, accessible, and inclusive education for all citizens. The MEP supports innovative programs like STEM Racing to enhance learning experiences and align educational outcomes with the country’s development needs.
For further information, visit bostonscientific.com
About Boston Scientific:
Boston Scientific is a global developer, manufacturer, and marketer of medical devices used in a range of interventional medical specialties. The company is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world. It actively participates in community and educational initiatives to foster STEM talent.
For further information, visit microsoft.com
About Microsoft:
Microsoft is a multinational technology corporation that produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. The company supports numerous educational programs globally to promote digital literacy and skills for the future workforce.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Shockwave
About Shockwave:
Shockwave is a key partner in evaluating student projects for the STEM Racing Costa Rica competition. As an industry specialist, its representatives provide expert feedback and judging, ensuring the competition maintains a high standard of technical and professional excellence. The company’s involvement connects students with real-world industry professionals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience serving a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and embrace innovation. Beyond its practice, a core tenet of its mission is to demystify the law for the public, championing the belief that accessible legal knowledge is fundamental to building a stronger, more empowered society.
