The second phase of the collaboration, originally launched in 2021, will see the implementation of the Kirchner Fellowship program in March of 2025 and the first of multiple 3-day programs of the Kirchner Investment Academy in May.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to extend our relationship with CRUSA and greatly appreciate the confidence they have shown in the impact our programming has,” added Blair Kirchner, Director and Co-Manager of the Kirchner Impact Foundation. “Through this collaboration we will continue our work in this amazing country that has incredible potential as an emerging market for impact investors.”

The mission of the Fellowship program is to bring together, educate and train outstanding university students with minimal or no experience in the investment industry, through a practical, real-world model. During the 10-month program, and with the support of Kirchner Group’s network of professionals, the three chosen students will take part in a training process through a learning-by-doing methodology. While maintaining their academic pursuits, the students will form and work as an investment committee with the objective of investing in a company with a focus on social and/or environmental impact.

“This program offers university students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in impact investing alongside a key partner like the Kirchner Impact Foundation. At the CRUSA Foundation, we recognize entrepreneurship as a powerful driver of sustainable development. That’s why we are committed to training a new generation of socially conscious investors, strengthening connections between local businesses and investors, and expanding access to the critical financing needed for early-stage companies to grow and thrive” commented Byron Salas, Executive Director of the CRUSA Foundation.

The Fellowship program has been implemented by the Kirchner Impact Foundation in many other regions over the last 11 years and is recognized as a pioneering model for ecosystem assessment and deploying capital more efficiently and effectively in emerging markets. Costa Rican university students can apply to the Kirchner Fellowship program here. Applications will be accepted until April 30th and the program will commence in August of 2025.

“The Kirchner Fellowship is not just about investing capital, it’s about investing in people. By equipping emerging leaders with the tools, network, and mindset needed to drive meaningful change, we seek to promote the impact investing ecosystem and drive sustainable innovation.” commented Priscilla Morera González, Lead Director of Kirchner Fellowship Costa Rica.

The Kirchner Investment Academy (KIA) is an intensive training program that demystifies the investment process for entrepreneurs and ecosystem actors as well as introduces eager, yet perhaps inexperienced, “angel” investors to the art of deploying disciplined capital. This unique and customized program will include collaboration with Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD). Topics will include: impact investment awareness, investment evaluation frameworks, industry trends, return mechanisms, risk identification and mitigation, among many others. Details on the venue and registration processed will be released soon.

The Kirchner Investment Academy has provided instruction to over 2,500 individuals across 15 countries worldwide. The majority of the participants have highlighted the great value of the program in understanding and harnessing the power of impact investing for the development and growth of promising early-stage businesses oriented toward social and environmental impact.

Phase one of the collaboration shed insights on the current impact investment ecosystem in Costa Rica with a specific focus on the Bioeconomy sector. For more information on the results, you can read the press release summarizing the findings and the full report – Analysis of the National Impact Investment Ecosystem within the Bioeconomy Sector.