Future-Proof Skills for a Transforming Manufacturing Industry
15 de May de 2026
Evolution Free Zone is the first free trade zone in Costa Rica to have an INA Center on-site
June 2026. Evolution Free Zone has begun construction of a training Center in partnership with the National Learning Institute (INA), aimed at strengthening the development of technical talent to meet the hiring needs of companies operating in this industrial park and to continue promoting the creation of quality jobs in the Western Region of the country.
The incorporation of an on-site INA Center positions Evolution Free Zone as the first free trade zone in Costa Rica to offer this innovative model of technical training and talent development within its facilities.
The start of construction was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony in the High-Tech Business Park located in Tacares, Grecia, and was attended by senior representatives from the INA, Mayors from the ten Local Governments of FEDOMA, the Executive President of FEDOMA, PROCOMER, leaders from the eight companies confirmed at Evolution Free Zone, and CODE Development Group, the developer of this High-Tech Business Park.
The construction of this facility represents a decisive step in strengthening the partnership between Evolution Free Zone and INA, aimed at expanding technical training opportunities in the region and enhancing the competitiveness of the local productive ecosystem.
“At Evolution Free Zone, we believe that human talent development is one of the main drivers of competitiveness for the country. This INA Center represents an investment in the future of the Western Region by creating technical training opportunities aligned with the current needs of the industry and contributing to the creation of quality jobs for local communities”, said Jorge Monge Víquez, Managing Director of CODE Development Group, developer of Evolution Free Zone.
Specialized technical talent
The opening of the INA Center at Evolution Free Zone responds to the sustained growth of high impact industries in Costa Rica’s economy.
According to data from the study “The World’s Health Is Manufactured in Costa Rica: Export Performance (2020–2024)” by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), Costa Rican exports of medical devices grew at an average annual rate of 22% during that period, reaching US$8.675 billion in 2024. Today, this sector is the main driver of the country’s exports, and Costa Rica has positioned itself as Latin America’s leading exporter of medical devices per capita.
Evolution Free Zone currently hosts eight companies, all of which are linked to the Life Sciences sector. As part of its development plan, this business park is projected to create more than 20,000 direct, high-quality jobs over the next 15 years, establishing itself as one of the leading hubs for investment and quality job creation in the Western Region.
“The groundbreaking ceremony for the INA Center at Evolution Free Zone marks a milestone in the cooperation between the public-private sectors. This project demonstrates how collaboration and the efficient use of available resources can accelerate high-impact initiatives. Its benefits extend beyond the participating companies to the broader population and the region as a whole, strengthening the country’s productive development and technical training,” said Jimena Fletes, Executive Director of the Medical Devices Cluster.
In addition, training programs are expected to be gradually introduced in areas such as Quality Technician and Quality Inspector, Production Supervision, Good Medical Manufacturing Practices Operator, Behavioral Competencies for the Medical Industry, Fine Motor Skills for Medical Manufacturing, and English.
For Evolution Free Zone, the development of the new building will involve an investment of more US$1,000,000 in infrastructure and engineering. INA will also invest in equipment, curriculum design, recruitment processes, and the development of training programs.
The facilities are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, with courses set to begin in February 2027, marking a new milestone in the cooperation between the private sector and technical education in Costa Rica. The INA Center at Evolution Free Zone will offer specialized workshops as well as academic resources designed to provide practical training aligned with the standards required by the industry.
“For INA, this initiative represents an opportunity to continue expanding our range of services nationwide and to strengthen a public-private partnership that helps connect people with real job opportunities. Through this joint effort, we aim to enable more Costa Ricans to secure jobs at the companies that are part of this important productive ecosystem,” said Oscar Solís, Technical Deputy Manager at the National Learning Institute.
Individuals interested in participating in these programs must be at least 15 years old and have completed sixth grade. Upon completion of their training, they will receive a technical certification accredited by the INA.
In addition, INA will make its Financial Aid Program available to students, along with comprehensive support from the Student Welfare staff, with the aim of facilitating access, retention, and the successful completion of their studies.
This project is part of the long-term vision of CODE Development Group, a 100% Costa Rican-owned company with more than 20 years of experience in the development and management of industrial parks under the Free Trade Zone regime, which have played a leading role in attracting foreign direct investment to the country.
With this pioneering model, Evolution Free Zone continues to consolidate its position as the fastest-growing business ecosystem in Costa Rica and a catalyst for economic development in the Western Region, fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen human alent development, boost the country’s competitiveness, and create new opportunities for future generations.
