Unlocking AgriTech and FinTech innovation potential in Costa Rica: Luxembourg and Costa Rica team up to support high‑impact early-stage enterprises

The Luxembourg Development Cooperation and the Costa Rican Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) are joining forces to support the country's most ambitious AgriTech and FinTech innovators by launching the first edition of the LuxAid Challenge Fund (LCF) in Costa Rica. Early-stage businesses proposing a high-impact solution are invited to apply before 30 March 2026. Up to EUR 120,000 in co-financing is available for game‑changing projects ready to grow. Together, Luxembourg and Costa Rica are opening new pathways for a stronger, more sustainable economy.

Costa Rica’s innovation landscape is gaining momentum – and the Luxembourg Development Cooperation, with the support of the MEIC, is stepping in to strengthen it further. 

The LCF is a pioneering initiative designed to support early‑stage companies. Previously launched in Europe and Africa, a new call for proposals is now open in Costa Rica, targeting companies developing high‑impact solutions in agritech and fintech. This growth opportunity is open to enterprises that already have a product or a service on the market, have begun attracting customers, and are generating revenue.
 

The LCF offers up to EUR 120,000 in non-reimbursable co‑financing for business projects running over 1–2 years. Funding is directed towards companies capable of delivering measurable, social, and economic impact.

Luxembourg and Costa Rica share a strong commitment to addressing key societal challenges and building a resilient, future‑ready economy. To be selected, projects must demonstrate a clear contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. Innovations in agritech and fintech are particularly encouraged where they have the potential to generate transformative, scalable impact across communities, markets and society.

The LCF is open to startups that:

• were registered between 1 June 2021 and 1 June 2025;
• employ at least two people;
• have tested their product or service in the market and generated initial sales revenue for at least three months;
• propose a 1– to 2-year business project centred around their innovation;
• can co‑finance at least 30% of total project costs.

Interested enterprises must submit their proposals via the online platform by 30 March 2026. Ten shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch to the selection committee in June 2026. Final decisions are expected in July 2026, with up to four awardees receiving LCF co‑financing of up to EUR 120,000 each.

An information webinar will take place on 26 February 2026 at 10 am (Costa Rican time).

The LuxAid Challenge Fund is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, with the support of the Costa Rican Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce.