INCAE 's first Executive Master's program begins at the Costa Rica Campus, graduating in 1991. In 1990, we launched our first Executive Master's program - MAEX, which would later become EMBA - marking the beginning of a new era in executive education. In 1991, our first class of students successfully graduated, and today we celebrate the legacy of excellence and leadership that has endured ever since!
Brizio Biondi-Morra, academic and businessman, becomes the sixth Rector of INCAE . Born in Switzerland and with a doctorate from Harvard University, he previously served as professor and director of the Public Management Program at INCAE. During his tenure, he stood out for leading INCAE on issues of global importance, such as competitiveness and sustainable development. In addition, he strengthened the Faculty, the master's programs and the relationships with Harvard University and the main business leaders active in the region.
Master's Program in Natural Resources Management (MARN) begins
INCAE launched its Master's program in Natural Resources Management (MARN) in 1992, attracting international students thanks to its focus on sustainability.
Inspired by the 1992 World Summit for Sustainable Development, the program addresses crucial topics such as environmental economics and energy management.
An education aligned with global demands!
In 1993, a bold step into the future! INCAE launched the Master of Industry and Technology Management (MAIT), a visionary response to a changing world. At that historic moment, the technological landscape was changing rapidly, and MAIT came to fill a crucial gap in training leaders prepared to meet the challenges of industry and technology. Today we continue this vision with an updated version of this program, the Master in Analytics, Innovation and Technology-MAIT.
INCAE receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). A proud moment for INCAE! In 1994, we received the prestigious accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), a recognition of our academic excellence and commitment to educational quality. Since then, we have held steadfast to this standard, with successive reaccreditations validating our continued dedication to excellence. We remain committed to providing a world-class education!
Michael Porter's first visit to Central America, where he meets with the presidents of the Central American countries on the campus of INCAE in Costa Rica. In January 1995, INCAE promoted an unprecedented meeting between Michael Porter and seven Central American heads of state. Business and government leaders came together to discuss the future of regional integration, inspired by Porter's visions. This event culminated in a commitment to conduct research and reconvene at Harvard University to evaluate the results - a crucial step toward a more prosperous future for Central America!
Founding of the Latin American Center for Competitiveness and Sustainable Development (CLACDS), and laying of the first stone of the Stephan Schmidheiny Building, thanks to its innovative and impactful spirit, which will be inaugurated in 1999.
In June 1996, the CLACDS was created by INCAE, marking the beginning of an era of research and development for the region. With the presence of leaders such as Michael E. Porter and Jeffrey Sachs, this center was founded to promote competitiveness and sustainable development. Since then, CLACDS has been key in the articulation of these concepts, promoting sectors such as tourism and sustainable agribusiness. 🌎💡
Moreover, in September 1999, CLACDS became an essential part of our institution, and what better way to mark this milestone than with the construction of the Stephan Schmidheiny Building on our Costa Rica campus! This permanent headquarters, funded by a special donation from Schmidheiny himself, not only houses this impact center, but also provides state-of-the-art spaces for the library, the President, multi-purpose classrooms and offices for our faculty and support staff - a sign of the new culture of philanthropy we are promoting throughout the region!
AACSB Accreditation.
A milestone we celebrate and renew! In 1999, we became one of the first business schools outside the United States to earn AACSB accreditation. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and educational quality. This year (2024) we are reaccredited, reaffirming our continued commitment to excellence! We continue to lead the way in training world-class business leaders in Latin America and the world!
Central American Agenda for the XXI Century.
On June 18, 1999, at our campus in Costa Rica, the Central American Agenda for the 21st Century was presented. Jeffrey Sachs and Michael E. Porter shared their visions in the presence of eight heads of state, including the leaders of the six Central American countries, the prime minister of Belize and the president of Ecuador, a milestone that marked the path to a prosperous and sustainable future for our region!
Roberto Artavia Loría becomes President . He was the first INCAE graduate to become President. A Costa Rican with a doctorate from Harvard University, he became President after climbing through all academic and some administrative ranks at INCAE. He was the first director of CLACDS - Latin American Center for Competitiveness and Sustainable Development. He took INCAE to the first place among business schools in Latin America. Modernized and expanded all academic facilities with the support and contributions of many entrepreneurs in the region and expanded the borders from Mexico to Argentina. He positioned INCAE as the business school of sustainable development and consolidated it as a center of influence for governments, international organizations and business sectors in Central America. He served as President until 2007 and was succeeded by Arturo Condo
