NEWS
CINDE to Drive Costa Rica’s Positioning as a Regional Medical Device Leader at MD&M West 2026
- The international trade show will take place February 3–5 in California, where CINDE will participate alongside four Strategic Partners: Manpower, BAC, Cushman & Wakefield | AB Advisory, and Alta Legal.
- CINDE’s participation will focus on diversifying life sciences investment while highlighting Costa Rica’s capacity to host higher value-added operations.
San José, Costa Rica, January 29, 2026. CINDE will showcase
Costa Rica’s growing leadership in life sciences and medical technology investment at MD&M West 2026, the most important industry event in the United States.
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In a highly competitive and volatile global investment environment, Costa Rica must highlight key strengths, such as its proven track record, the robust ecosystem that positions the country as a life sciences hub, and, without question, its human talent.
We will continue positioning Costa Rica internationally and demonstrating why more than 90 companies in the sector – including 14 of the world’s top 30 medical device companies – operate in the country, while Costa Rica continues expanding production capabilities and moving from basic assembly to higher value-added processes linked to advanced research, design, and development operations,” said
Marianela Urgellés, Managing Director of
CINDE.
Participation Strategy: Driving Progress and Investment for Costa Rica
MD&M West 2026 will take place in Anaheim, California, from February 3 to 5, bringing together more than 1,700 exhibiting companies and approximately 13,000 industry professionals. At the event, CINDE will focus on expanding and diversifying Costa Rica’s foreign investment ecosystem by attracting new high-value-added life sciences projects.
To promote Costa Rica’s value proposition, the CINDE delegation will be supported by four private-sector strategic partners:
Manpower,
BAC,
Cushman & Wakefield | AB Advisory, and
Alta Legal. This collaboration will allow CINDE to provide investors with a comprehensive experience, addressing everything from access to specialized talent and workforce training to operational support for companies establishing a presence in Costa Rica.
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Human talent is one of Costa Rica’s main differentiators when it comes to attracting high-value investment. At ManpowerGroup, a global leader in workforce solutions with expertise across the entire employment lifecycle, we strengthen talent availability, training, and employability to support strategic industries, such as life sciences and medical technology,” said
Scarleth Tercero Loría, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Costa Rica.
During the event, CINDE has also proactively scheduled business meetings with key industry players, including global contract manufacturers, minimally invasive medical device producers, and specialized plastic component manufacturers. These meetings are designed to generate new investment opportunities and strengthen productive linkages within the sector.
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We see strong opportunities to diversify and locally develop priority processes, such as sterilization services, applied electronics, connected and electromechanical devices, precision machining, and advanced engineering and manufacturing services. These capabilities not only strengthen companies already operating in Costa Rica, but also create a multiplier effect by enabling a more complete domestic supply chain that attracts new investment,” said
Ana María Romero, CINDE’s Investment Advisory Manager.
Romero added, “It is important not to overlook that, within the medical sector, there remains a strong appetite to centralize service processes in Costa Rica, complement manufacturing operations, and strengthen the country’s integrated value proposition.”
“For BAC, this type of event is strategically relevant for Costa Rica, as now more than ever we must continue positioning ourselves as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, supported by a robust logistics ecosystem that enables companies to consolidate their operations, generate employment, and drive development. Our organization has positioned itself as a leader in value propositions for both local and international corporate clients, and we are ready to sit down and discuss how to support the establishment and growth of life sciences companies in Costa Rica,” said
Lorena Arce, Vice President of Corporate and Wealth Banking at BAC.
Life Sciences in Costa Rica
More than 90 multinational life sciences companies currently operate in Costa Rica, including Abbott, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Philips, Baxter, Johnson & Johnson, Edwards Lifesciences, Smith & Nephew, Cardinal Health, Terumo (MicroVention), and Zimmer Biomet, among others. As a result, 14 of the world’s top 30 medical device companies maintain operations in the country.
The medical devices and life sciences sector directly employs more than 60,000 people, supporting a highly specialized local workforce.
In 2024, Costa Rica’s exports of medical and scientific equipment exceeded $8.5 billion. This positions the country among the world’s leading medical device exporters and makes Costa Rica the global per-capita leader in exports of these products.
During MD&M West, CINDE and its strategic partners will also track emerging innovations in manufacturing digitalization, wearable technologies, automation, integrated medical software, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Monitoring these trends will allow Costa Rica to anticipate future industry demands and remain competitive as a preferred global investment destination.
About CINDE
CINDE is Costa Rica’s
expert and strategic guide in investment, business development, and talent‑driven initiatives. With 44 years of experience working with multinational companies and as a key player in the investment ecosystem, CINDE has developed dozens of talent‑development initiatives that strengthen Costa Rica’s business climate and has supported the establishment of more than 450 multinationals in the country.
