EMIN 2024: A success in connecting entrepreneurship, innovation, and nature

• The event organized by ACTIVA-CATIE brought together rural entrepreneurs and experts to boost sustainable businesses in Costa Rica
  

The San José Convention Center in Costa Rica was the setting for the Business, Innovation, and Nature (EMIN 2024) event, organized by ACTIVA-CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center). This event successfully gathered 36 rural enterprises, providing them with an opportunity to connect with strategic actors, facilitating knowledge exchange, synergy creation, and the development of sustainable businesses.

In this third edition of EMIN, held on October 22, entrepreneurs focused on areas such as food and beverages, bio-inputs, coffee and cocoa, forestry, livestock, technology, and tourism. The event also featured representatives from public institutions, the private sector, and international organizations.

Through this event, ACTIVA-CATIE, the innovation and entrepreneurship lab of CATIE’s Productive Landscapes Forests and Biodiversity Unit (UBBPP), aims to promote innovation with a sustainable and socially responsible approach. This effort is supported by non-reimbursable funds provided by the Development Banking System (SBD), specialized consultancy services, and a robust network of contacts.

The Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Fernando Vargas Pérez, had the honor of inaugurating the event, highlighting the importance of fostering rural entrepreneurship that integrates biodiversity conservation with economic growth. "It is truly an honor to join you at this event, which has become a key reference for promoting sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector. Today, we gather in a space where ideas, experiences, and dreams converge, and this confluence has the power to transform the lives of many entrepreneurial families," said the Vice Minister.

Among the EMIN 2024 participants were Daniel Suchar, a renowned financial analyst, entrepreneur, and consultant, who gave a lecture on emerging trends in sustainable entrepreneurship. Karina Díaz, CEO of Costa Rica Fashion Week and a member of the International Committee of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, also shared her experience in creating green businesses within the fashion industry.

Alejandra Martínez, leader of CATIE’s UBBPP, emphasized that EMIN is a clear example of the work CATIE does, where entrepreneurs present their achievements after receiving support from ACTIVA-CATIE, turning ideas into realities that generate environmental, social, and economic benefits for the development of Costa Rica.

Finally, the Minister of Economy, Industry, and Commerce, Francisco Ernesto Gamboa, delivered the closing remarks, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainability as a central axis of development. "We have made significant reforms in the system, operations, regulations, and administration of the Development Banking System (SBD), resulting in today’s active credit beneficiaries being double what they were two and a half years ago, and the credit portfolio being 63% larger. I invite you to continue working together to build a country where businesses and nature can flourish jointly," he emphasized.

Innovation and sustainability at the core

EMIN 2024 allowed attendees to interact directly with experts in various fields and to discover innovative projects that integrate sustainability as a fundamental pillar of their business models. The event was a unique opportunity to explore transformative ventures, share knowledge, and explore new alliances that will contribute to the country's economic and environmental development.

With a clear focus on creating business solutions that respect the environment, EMIN 2024 made a significant mark on Costa Rica's entrepreneurial ecosystem, reaffirming ACTIVA-CATIE’s commitment to driving initiatives that promote a greener and more equitable future.

Five years of continuity

In 2024, ACTIVA-CATIE celebrates five years of uninterrupted work as an operator of seed capital, during which time it has supported 111 enterprises throughout Costa Rica, thanks to the backing of the SBD. Vladimir Valera, director of ACTIVA-CATIE, highlighted these achievements during the event, showcasing the results of the lab.

With SBD financing, entrepreneurial companies have received funding through the non-reimbursable seed capital mechanism, as well as training, mentoring, and coaching on sustainable business topics from ACTIVA-CATIE experts.