RFAs: Strengthening Technology Transfer Companies (Hungary)

The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund is inviting applications to strengthen the professional, operational, and business capacities of Hungarian Technology Transfer Companies (TTCs). The programme has a total budget of HUF 6 billion, with grants ranging from HUF 150 million to HUF 800 million for projects lasting 24 to 36 months.

Overview

This call for proposals aims to improve how research results from Hungarian universities and research institutes are transformed into market-ready innovations, deep tech ventures, and commercially viable products and services.

The programme supports Hungarian Technology Transfer Companies (TTCs) in becoming stronger intermediaries between research institutions, industry, and investors, thereby improving the economic and social utilisation of research outcomes.

Funding Information

• Total Programme Budget: HUF 6 billion
• Individual Grant Size: HUF 150 million to HUF 800 million
• Project Duration: 24 to 36 months
• Application Deadline: 16 April 2026
• Submission Method: Electronic submission

Programme Objectives

The programme seeks to:

• Improve the economic and societal utilisation of research results
• Professionalise technology transfer processes
• Build sustainable TTC operations capable of generating market revenue
• Strengthen Hungary’s deep tech ecosystem
• Increase the number and value of deep tech companies
• Support research-based innovations toward market readiness
• Develop a hub-based, nationally coordinated technology transfer ecosystem

Sub-Programmes

Sub-programme A

Focuses on establishing and maintaining core TTC functions, including:

• Innovation project generation
• Proof of concept preparation
• Intellectual property commercialisation
• Industry relationship building
• Investor engagement

Sub-programme B

Supports TTCs that previously participated in an earlier pilot initiative, helping them to:

• Expand services
• Strengthen international engagement
• Improve portfolio management
• Enhance internal quality assurance
• Further professionalise operations

Sub-programme C

Aims to build a national hub-based TTC ecosystem by:

• Connecting multiple TTCs
• Enhancing collaboration across institutions
• Stimulating innovation
• Improving international market access
• Creating a coordinated national support structure

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Legal entities
• Fully owned by Hungarian higher education institutions or specified research organisations
• Operating as Technology Transfer Companies (TTCs)
• Engaged in:
  • Technology transfer
  • Innovation advisory
  • Research commercialisation

Eligibility Notes

• Applications must be submitted independently
• Eligibility for specific sub-programmes depends on prior participation in earlier TTC pilot projects

Expected Project Activities

Funded projects are expected to implement a range of mandatory activities, such as:

• Capacity assessments
• Innovation incubation
• Intellectual property management
• Business development
• Training and capacity-building

Projects are also expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including:

• Project reviews
• Advancement in Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)
• Partnership agreements
• Licensing of intellectual property

For Sub-programmes B and C, additional expectations include:

• International collaboration
• Service development
• Creation of coordinated TTC hubs involving multiple institutions

Why This Opportunity Matters

This programme is highly significant for Hungary’s research commercialisation landscape because it directly supports the systems that move scientific discoveries into economic value.

It is particularly valuable for institutions seeking to:

• Build stronger deep tech pipelines
• Improve IP commercialisation
• Attract industry and investor partnerships
• Create sustainable innovation support infrastructure
• Strengthen national and international technology transfer networks

FAQs

What is the total budget of the programme?

The programme has a total budget of HUF 6 billion.

How much funding can applicants request?

Individual projects can receive between HUF 150 million and HUF 800 million.

How long can projects last?

Projects are expected to run for 24 to 36 months.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are legal entities fully owned by Hungarian higher education institutions or specified research organisations, operating as Technology Transfer Companies (TTCs).

Are there different funding tracks?

Yes. The programme is divided into three sub-programmes (A, B, and C), each targeting different stages of TTC development and ecosystem coordination.

What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 16 April 2026.

Conclusion

The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund TTC call is a major opportunity for Hungarian Technology Transfer Companies to strengthen their capacity, sustainability, and market impact.

With a substantial HUF 6 billion budget, large-scale grants of HUF 150 million to HUF 800 million, and a strong emphasis on deep tech commercialisation and ecosystem building, this call is ideal for TTCs seeking to accelerate the translation of research into real-world innovation and economic growth.