This Costa Rican University Teaches Entrepreneurship as a Survival Skill

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-18

Allan Matarrita-Chinchilla doesn't talk about entrepreneurship like it's a buzzword. For him, it's something more fundamental. It's a survival skill. He's the mind behind the entrepreneurship program at ULACIT, a university in Costa Rica. And his approach is refreshingly practical. Instead of just teaching students how to write a business plan, he's preparing them for a world where change is the only constant. ### Why Entrepreneurship Is More Than Starting a Business When you hear "entrepreneurship," you probably think of startups, venture capital, and pitch decks. But Matarrita-Chinchilla sees it differently. He believes entrepreneurial thinking is what helps you navigate uncertainty, whether you're launching a company or working inside one. "It's about developing a mindset," he explains. "One that allows you to spot opportunities, adapt to new situations, and create value wherever you are." That mindset is becoming essential. The job market is shifting fast. Entire industries are being reshaped by technology. And for students in Costa Rica—and really, anywhere—the ability to think like an entrepreneur can be the difference between struggling and thriving. ### A Hands-On Approach to Learning ULACIT's program isn't about lectures and theory. It's about doing. Students work on real projects, collaborate with local businesses, and learn by making mistakes in a safe environment. "We want them to experience the ups and downs," says Matarrita-Chinchilla. "That's how you build resilience." The university has partnered with startups and established companies to give students hands-on experience. They pitch ideas, get feedback, and iterate. It's messy, it's unpredictable, and that's exactly the point. > "Entrepreneurship is not a course you take. It's a way of thinking you practice every day." – Allan Matarrita-Chinchilla ### Preparing for a Future of Constant Change The world is changing faster than ever. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 50% of all employees will need reskilling. That's a staggering number. And it means that the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is no longer optional. Matarrita-Chinchilla sees entrepreneurship education as a way to future-proof students. Whether they become founders or join the workforce, they'll be better equipped to handle whatever comes their way. - They learn to embrace uncertainty instead of fearing it. - They develop problem-solving skills that apply to any industry. - They build the confidence to take calculated risks. ### The Ripple Effect on Costa Rica's Economy Costa Rica has been making waves as a hub for innovation in Latin America. The country's stable democracy, strong education system, and focus on sustainability have attracted attention from global companies. But for Matarrita-Chinchilla, the real potential lies in nurturing local talent. By teaching entrepreneurship as a survival skill, ULACIT is helping to create a generation of adaptable, creative thinkers who can drive economic growth from within. "We're not just preparing students for jobs that exist today," he says. "We're preparing them for jobs that don't exist yet." ### What This Means for the Rest of Us You might not be in Costa Rica. You might not be a student. But the lesson here is universal. Entrepreneurship isn't just for founders. It's for anyone who wants to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. So the next time you face a challenge, try thinking like an entrepreneur. Look for opportunities. Adapt. Create value. It might just become your survival skill too.