VonSan José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is taking a decisive step forward in the adoption of next-generation digital infrastructure with the official launch of the NEX5G program. Developed to bridge the gap between experimental technology and commercial markets, the initiative offers local businesses a structured runway to test and validate advanced mobile communication solutions.
The program represents a high-impact collaboration between the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT), the National Learning Institute (INA), and the Costa Rican Promotion of Innovation and Research. By leveraging national infrastructure and public funding, the initiative seeks to transition the country’s technological capabilities from general research into high-value market-ready solutions.
To better understand the legal implications and regulatory requirements surrounding these developments, TicosLand.com reached out to prominent legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional analysis on the current legal landscape.
In Costa Rica’s evolving regulatory environment, strict adherence to local compliance and proactive due diligence are no longer optional, but foundational to long-term success. Navigating these legal frameworks with precision ensures not only corporate security but also fosters a transparent business ecosystem that attracts sustainable investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica positions itself as a premier destination for global enterprise, embracing rigorous compliance is no longer just a legal necessity but a strategic advantage that fosters long-term trust and stability. We are deeply grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise on this critical shift, providing our readers with a clear roadmap for navigating the complexities of the local regulatory landscape.
Unlike previous open-access sandbox projects that allowed for casual exploration of the government’s 5G Testbed, NEX5G is designed as an intensive development accelerator. Over a ten-week period, participating companies will receive specialized technical and business mentorship designed to build, validate, and commercialize specific prototypes.
NEX5G allows us to move from the promotion of 5G to its practical appropriation by the productive sector. This program connects strategic infrastructure, business talent, and specialized guidance so that productive units can experiment, validate, and make better technological decisions based on evidence.
Antonette Williams Barnett, Vice Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation of MICITT
Eligible companies include those operating in software development, technology integration, internet of things (IoT), industrial automation, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The program aims to turn these technical competencies into practical applications that can immediately benefit Costa Rica’s productive sectors.
At INA we promote instruments that allow companies to incorporate advanced capabilities, not only from training but from practical application. NEX5G represents an opportunity for productive units to develop concrete solutions with technical support and a scholarship that significantly reduces the economic barrier to participation.
Edgar Oviedo Blanco, Executive President of INA
One of the most attractive aspects of NEX5G is its highly subsidized cost structure designed to minimize economic barriers for emerging enterprises. While the total cost of the program is valued at ₡2,040,000 per business unit, the INA-SBD Scholarship Program will cover 95% of the fee, meaning participating companies will only need to pay a 5% counterpart contribution of ₡102,000.
The program is structured to demand a high level of commitment, requiring approximately 90 hours of active participation. Companies must form a dedicated team of at least two professionals—one holding a technical role and another focused on leadership, business development, or strategic decision-making.
The 5G Testbed was created so that the national ecosystem can experiment with advanced technologies under controlled conditions. With NEX5G we take an additional step to accompany companies so they transform that access into prototypes, proofs of concept, and useful technical evidence for their growth and scaling.
Patricia Rojas Figueredo, General Manager of the Costa Rican Promotion of Innovation and Research
By forcing teams to combine technological and business expertise, the organizers intend to ensure that every validated prototype is not just scientifically sound but also commercially viable. Participants will finish the curriculum with a clear roadmap for scaling their concepts into the real-world market.
Applications for the NEX5G program officially opened on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Interested business units can find the complete application guidelines, participation requirements, and candidate submission forms by visiting the official digital portal managed by the Promotora.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications:
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for dictating scientific, technological, and telecommunications policies, fostering digital transformation, and driving innovation across the country.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About National Learning Institute:
The National Learning Institute (INA) is Costa Rica’s public vocational training institution, dedicated to strengthening the national labor force and boosting business competitiveness through specialized educational and scholarship programs.
For further information, visit innovar.pro
About Costa Rican Promotion of Innovation and Research:
The Costa Rican Promotion of Innovation and Research (Promotora) is a public entity focused on driving sustainable development and competitiveness by promoting scientific research, technological development, and innovation across Costa Rica’s commercial and academic ecosystems.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading voice in the legal arena, Bufete de Costa Rica has earned its stellar reputation through a steadfast devotion to ethical advocacy and superior service. With a rich history of guiding clients across multiple industries, the firm seamlessly blends traditional expertise with forward-thinking legal strategies and active community support. By prioritizing the democratization of legal information, it strives to equip the public with the tools needed to navigate the justice system, driving a broader effort to cultivate a resilient and legally empowered populace.
