Top 5 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Costa Rica
- Sotirios Seridis
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
Costa Rica has emerged as a technological powerhouse in Latin America, with a thriving ecosystem of startups and tech hubs attracting entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world. This thriving ecosystem is distinguished by a dynamic combination of government backing, high educational quality, and a comprehensive network of incubators and accelerators aimed at propelling entrepreneurs to new heights. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all incubator and accelerator programs in Costa Rica that are accelerating startup growth in the country, along with a short overview to help you find a suitable program!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN COSTA RICA
Stage: Ideation / Launch
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The University Agency for Entrepreneurship Management (AUGE) of the University of Costa Rica is committed to promoting entrepreneurial innovation and growth by providing comprehensive assistance and resources. AUGE intends to empower businesses by providing non-reimbursable funding and considerable financial support to chosen projects. Extensive training, coaching, and a structured framework help participants formalize and grow their company concepts, increasing their chances of success and regional development.
Stage: Launch
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Games
The Indie Games Accelerator program, a global initiative by Google Play, seeks to empower high-potential indie game developers in Costa Rica and beyond by offering complete support to accelerate their growth. The program provides an online education and mentorship platform through which participants may learn directly from industry professionals and interact with a worldwide community of enthusiastic game creators. Key advantages include hands-on assistance, access to Google's resources, and a portion of the $2 million Indie Games Fund, without requiring any equity.
Stage: Launch
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Founder Institute San Jose program in Costa Rica is a leading pre-seed accelerator that helps high-potential ideas turn into fundable startups and scalable worldwide enterprises. The program provides a systematic approach and a key support network, including mentorship from the region's leading entrepreneurs, CEOs, and investors. Participants may gain access to a wealth of resources, including investment funds, expert training, and feedback sessions, all of which are designed to assist them in developing strong business models, gaining momentum, and securing funding.
Stage: Launch / Growth
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Startup Costa Rica aims to build a flourishing business environment by offering comprehensive support system to early-stage firms. The initiative intends to promote innovation and economic growth by providing a variety of benefits such as capital, mentorship from industry professionals, and broad networking opportunities. Startups enrolled in the program may obtain customized business development services, workshops, and training sessions aimed at improving their operational capabilities and market readiness. Furthermore, the program promotes contacts with possible investors and partners, allowing businesses to grow and prosper in both domestic and international markets.
Stage: Growth
Who is it for: Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech, Retail, IT, Software
The PROCOMER Upload Canada is an acceleration program designed to help Costa Rican software development businesses consolidate or join the Canadian market. This 12-16 week virtual training program, conducted by the award-winning Accelerator Centre (AC), provides an assortment of tools, including online webinars, group and individual mentorship, workshops, networking events, and connecting activities with firms and investors. The Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) provides a 90% program cost subsidy to selected enterprises, offering opportunities for entrepreneurs to obtain market insights, build strategic connections, and enhance their export capabilities.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Costa Rica
The government's proactive stance, as demonstrated by programs such as the "Law for the Attraction and Promotion of Foreign Innovation and Technology Companies," creates a conducive environment for entrepreneurs. This legislative support is matched by a high-quality education system that develops a talented workforce prepared to face the challenges of today's modern challenges. Finally, Costa Rica's startup incubators and accelerators play an important role in developing early-stage enterprises, ensuring that startups have the resources they require to flourish. With the right support and strategic planning, Costa Rica provides an ideal environment for entrepreneurs to innovate, grow, and thrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Costa Rica
What are the leading startup accelerators and incubators in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's ecosystem features prominent programs like Carao Ventures, Founder Institute Costa Rica, AUGE (UCR Business Incubator), PARQUE TEC, and PROCOMER's scaling programs. These organizations are concentrated in innovation hubs like San José, Cartago (around TEC university), and emerging technology clusters in Guanacaste, providing support for entrepreneurs at various development stages.
What support do Costa Rican accelerators typically offer to startups?
Costa Rican accelerators generally provide seed funding ranging from US$10,000 to US$75,000, specialized mentorship from local and international experts, coworking facilities, business development services, and connections to regional and global investors. Many programs leverage Costa Rica's strategic position as a stable business environment with high-quality talent and access to North American markets.
How selective are Costa Rican startup programs?
Top Costa Rican accelerators have acceptance rates between 5-10%. Selection committees evaluate business model innovation, scalability potential, founding team composition, and market opportunity. Most programs require at least a functioning prototype and demonstration of early market validation, with preference for startups addressing regional challenges or having export potential.
Which sectors are Costa Rican accelerators prioritizing currently?
Costa Rican accelerators are particularly focused on cleantech, healthtech, edtech, sustainable tourism technology, and digital solutions. Programs increasingly support ventures leveraging Costa Rica's advantages in sustainability, biodiversity, and human capital development, with special emphasis on technologies that align with the country's carbon neutrality goals and knowledge economy aspirations.
How does the Costa Rican government support the startup ecosystem?
The Costa Rican government provides support through initiatives like PROCOMER's internationalization programs, MICITT's innovation funding, and SBD (Banking System for Development) financial instruments. Costa Rica's strategic focus on education, sustainability, and technology services has established favorable conditions for startups, complemented by special economic zones offering tax incentives and operational benefits for technology companies.
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