This text summarizes the most important events that led to the foundation of Instituto Clodomiro Picado during the last years of the decade of 1960 and the first years of the decade of 1970. The Program of Antiophidic Serum is described, with the production of the first batch of antivenom in 1967. Then, the foundation of Instituto Clodomiro Picado, in 1970, is analyzed, followed by the secondment of this institute to the School of Microbiology of the University of Costa Rica in 1972.