Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund in Hungary provides funding to support intellectual property protection and commercialization, including patents, utility models, plant varieties, trademarks, and design rights. Funding ranges from HUF 0.01 million to 7.5 million per project, with a maximum duration of 18 months, helping innovators reduce costs and secure protection both domestically and internationally.
Overview
The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund (NRDI Fund) invites applications for projects that support securing industrial property rights and promoting the effective utilization of intellectual creations.
The initiative aims to strengthen innovation capacity in Hungary by reducing financial barriers for inventors, companies, and organisations seeking protection and commercialization of their intellectual property (IP).
Eligible Activities
Projects can receive funding for a wide range of IP-related activities, including:
- Patents and Utility Models: Filing Hungarian patents, utility models, and plant variety protection applications
- International Patent Procedures: Filing under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), initiating national or regional PCT procedures, and validating European patents
- Trademarks: Filing Hungarian, EU, and international trademarks
- Design Protection: Filing Hungarian and Community design protection applications
The fund provides a structured financial allocation for each eligible activity, supporting different stages of IP protection and ensuring targeted assistance for inventors and organizations.
Funding Details
- Total budget: HUF 500,000,000
- Project funding: HUF 0.01 million – HUF 7.5 million per project
- Maximum project duration: 18 months
- Funding supports activities including patent filing, international validations, and trade mark applications
Who is Eligible?
- Private individuals residing in Hungary
- Legal entities established in Hungary or the European Economic Area with a branch office in Hungary
- Eligible entities include:
- Businesses
- Non-profit business companies
- Budgetary institutions
- Other non-profit or non-business organizations classified under specified GFO codes
How to Apply
- Identify the IP activity for which support is needed (patent, trademark, design, or international filing)
- Prepare documentation for the application, including project description, budget, and timeline
- Submit application via the official NRDI Fund platform, adhering to eligibility and financial rules
- Projects are reviewed, and funding is allocated based on activity type, impact, and compliance
Why It Matters
- Reduces the financial burden of securing IP rights
- Encourages commercialization and international protection of inventions
- Strengthens innovation capacity of individuals, companies, and organizations in Hungary
- Supports domestic and international competitiveness through protected intellectual property
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete documentation for patent or trademark applications
- Applying for activities not listed as eligible under this call
- Ignoring financial limits or structured funding rules for specific IP activities
- Failing to meet residency or establishment requirements in Hungary or EEA
FAQ
1. Who can apply for funding?
Private individuals in Hungary and legal entities established in Hungary or the EEA with a branch office in Hungary.
2. What types of IP activities are eligible?
Patents, utility models, plant variety protection, PCT procedures, European patent validations, trademarks, and design protection.
3. What is the maximum funding per project?
HUF 7.5 million per project, with a minimum of HUF 0.01 million.
4. How long can a project run?
Up to 18 months.
5. Can international organizations apply?
Yes, if they maintain a branch office in Hungary and comply with eligibility rules.
6. What is the main goal of this funding?
To reduce financial barriers for IP protection and encourage commercialization both domestically and internationally.
7. How is funding allocated?
Funding is structured per activity, supporting patent filings, international procedures, trademarks, and design applications based on the specific IP stage.
Conclusion
The NRDI Fund IP Support program enables innovators and organizations in Hungary to secure and commercialize intellectual property efficiently. By funding patents, trademarks, designs, and international filings, the program strengthens innovation capacity, competitiveness, and global reach for Hungarian creators and enterprises.
For more information, visit NRDI.