OVER 50 YEARS OF LIFE SCIENCES

LIFE SCIENCES

HIGHLIGHTS

Costa Rica has over 50 years of life sciences track record, both in research and in business experience. The existence of quality infrastructure and a strong knowledge base of scientists makes Costa Rica an interesting partner. There is a skilled workforce compliant with GMP, ISO standards as well as FDA and CE-mark regulations.

LIFE SCIENCES

HIGHLIGHTS

A broad scope of Life Science suppliers is available. Laws, infrastructure and institutional initiatives have accompanied the development of most of the biotechnology niches in the world. Costa Rica has a suite of laws supporting life sciences sectors and intellectual property in compliance with international treaties. The same time zone and proximity to the USA, where the world’s most amount of biotech companies are concentrated, makes Costa Rica an ideal platform for foreign companies to partner with local institutions and companies to network worldwide.

OUR SCIENCE

& TECHNOLOGY PILARS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Costa Rica ranks #2 in Latin America for protection of intellectual property, according to the IPRI (Intellectual Property Right Index).

As a national priority, Costa Rica complies with core components as follows:

It is guaranteed by the National Constitution.

Modern protection mechanisms meet international standards.

Protected areas include: Copyrights, Trademarks, Encrypted Program-Carrying Satellite Signals, Industrial Designs, Utility models, Patents, plant varieties and geographical indications

Legal and political environment, Physical Property Rights, Intellectual Property Rights.

As a member of the WTO, the nation harmonizes its intellectual property rights with the provision of “TRIPS” (Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights).

INNOVATION

We have the greatest potential for innovation in Latin America, ranking #1 in Latin America innovation.3 (World Economic Forum, 2017-2018.)

Costa Rica leads in parameters such as capacity for innovation, quality of scientific research institutions, university-industry collaboration in R&D, government procurement of advanced technology products.

Costa Rica is a source of innovation supported by the establishment of a sound supplier base, comprised of +100 local and multinational companies that improve logistics, reduce lead times, costs and inventory, and improve quality related issues.

RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS / CENTERS

Research centers are an important actor within the high tech industries. Those which are part of public universities in Costa Rica not only fulfill an educational goal but they also provide significant services to companies in the private sector, and they act as support for the development of new products and services for different industries.

There are 35 biotechnology and 6 nanotechnology centers, in Costa Rica. Out of the 41 centers identified, 32 are part of academic institutions (public and private).

STRENGTHS OF THE LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR IN COSTA RICA

A good critical mass of diversified life sciences companies compared to other Latin American countries, including biotechnology, medical device industry, environmental and agricultural-oriented products & services.

A selective group of research institutions with excellent infrastructure for research and development collaborating with the private sector.

There is flexibility and collaboration from the government and public-private academic sectors. Biotechnology is considered an objective in many governmental organizations by adopting development schemes to enhance and strengthen diverse industries.

A solid knowledge base of its biodiversity, characterized and geographically identified. Regulations allow a sustainable use of the biodiversity, not presenting constraints.

A broad scope of suppliers for the life sciences sectors.

There is a strong knowledge base and germplasm bank of identified microorganisms and plants of Costa Rica’s biodiversity (INBIO).

State of the art infrastructure in bioprocessing, nanotechnology, and food technology.

There is a critical mass of leading medical devices companies (70 multinationals).

The economy has an intensive high technology industry.

A valuable academic sector with a long track record in biotechnology research.

SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGICAL CAPACITIES IN

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Costa Rica has a high potential in educational programs that includes the educational development in biotechnology and nanotechnology majors.

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