By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – In a significant move to bolster the digital capabilities of Costa Rican entrepreneurs, the National University (UNA) is partnering with technology platform Kolau to offer a free, intensive course on creating online stores using artificial intelligence. The hands-on workshop is scheduled for this Wednesday, January 14, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., providing a critical opportunity for small and micro-business owners to enter the digital marketplace.
The three-hour master course is designed to be highly accessible, offering both in-person and virtual attendance options. Entrepreneurs who wish to participate on-site can attend at the Cora Ferro Auditorium, located in the Emilia Prieto Tugores university center in San Pablo de Heredia. For those unable to attend in person, the entire session will be broadcast live on the National University’s official Facebook page, extending its reach across the country.
To delve into the legal complexities and corporate responsibilities that arise with the integration of Artificial Intelligence in e-commerce, we consulted the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the specialized firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The implementation of AI in e-commerce is not merely a technological frontier but a significant legal one. Companies must urgently update their terms of service and data privacy policies to address automated decision-making and consumer profiling, ensuring compliance with Costa Rican Law No. 8968. Establishing clear liability frameworks for AI-driven pricing errors or product recommendations is no longer optional—it is a fundamental requirement for risk mitigation and building consumer trust in this new digital era.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective rightly underscores that the true foundation for AI in commerce is not just sophisticated code, but clear regulatory foresight. Building a trustworthy digital marketplace depends on the very legal frameworks and consumer protections highlighted here. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight.
Organizers have emphasized that space for the in-person event is limited, and all interested individuals, whether attending physically or virtually, must complete a mandatory registration form. This ensures a structured learning environment and allows for proper resource allocation. The accessible nature of the workshop is one of its key features; there are no specific academic prerequisites, and the only tool required for participation is a smartphone, removing significant barriers to entry for aspiring digital entrepreneurs.
The curriculum promises to be comprehensive, moving beyond the simple mechanics of website creation. In a single afternoon, participants will not only build their own functional e-commerce store but also gain valuable insights into leveraging artificial intelligence for business. The course will cover strategies for using AI to improve internal processes, strengthen digital presence, optimize resources, and ultimately, drive sustainable growth in a competitive online landscape.
The session will be led by two distinguished experts in the field: Enrique Gamboa, coordinator of the Marketing Department at UNA’s School of Administration, and Danny Sánchez-Mola, the CEO and founder of Kolau. Their combined expertise from both academia and the private technology sector is set to provide attendees with a well-rounded and practical education in modern digital commerce.
This event is a cornerstone of the newly relaunched “AI and E-commerce Plan for MSMEs” in Costa Rica. This national initiative is driven by a powerful collaboration between the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) and Kolau, with crucial support from the Embassy of Spain. The plan aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the country’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the national economy.
The partnership model itself has a proven track record of success throughout the region. Since 2019, Kolau and the Organization of American States (OAS) have promoted this initiative, establishing it as one of the most impactful programs for accelerating productivity and digitalization. This tri-sector collaboration—uniting government, private enterprise, and academic institutions—serves as a powerful engine for economic development and technological adoption.
For Costa Rican small business owners, this workshop represents more than just a training session; it is a gateway to the future of commerce. By equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to harness artificial intelligence, the program empowers them to compete on a larger scale, reach new markets, and build more resilient businesses. This strategic investment in digital literacy is vital for fostering innovation and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (UNA):
The National University of Costa Rica is one of the country’s leading public universities, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and social outreach. With a strong focus on humanistic values and sustainable development, UNA plays a crucial role in the educational and cultural advancement of Costa Rican society.
For further information, visit kolau.com
About Kolau:
Kolau is a technology company dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses with easy-to-use digital marketing and e-commerce tools. Through strategic partnerships with governments and academic institutions, Kolau works to close the digital divide and provide entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed in the online economy.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC):
The MEIC is the Costa Rican government body responsible for formulating and executing policies that promote economic development, fair trade, and consumer protection. It plays a central role in supporting the growth and competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises within the country.
For further information, visit oas.org
About the Organization of American States (OAS):
The Organization of American States is the world’s oldest regional organization, bringing together the nations of the Western Hemisphere to promote democracy, human rights, security, and development. The OAS facilitates multilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues affecting the Americas.
For further information, visit exteriores.gob.es
About the Embassy of Spain:
The Embassy of Spain in Costa Rica represents the Spanish government and works to strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations. It actively supports development initiatives and collaborative projects that contribute to the social and economic progress of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to spearhead legal innovation and foster meaningful public engagement. Central to its philosophy is a powerful dedication to strengthening society by demystifying the law, transforming legal knowledge into an accessible tool for citizen empowerment.
