Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund invites Hungarian organisations to apply for support to participate in European Partnership projects co-funded by Horizon Europe. The call aims to strengthen international R&D cooperation, build capacity in open science, stakeholder engagement, data management, and impact-focused project work, and help Hungarian institutions gain long-term strategic partnerships through European collaboration.
Overview
The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund supports Hungarian organisations taking part in European Partnership projects under Horizon Europe.
The main goal is to help Hungarian participants strengthen their role in international research and innovation projects while building long-term scientific and economic cooperation through European partnerships.
This opportunity is especially relevant for organisations seeking to expand their Horizon Europe experience, improve collaboration skills, and increase participation in international R&D networks.
Key Details
- Funding Programme: National Research, Development and Innovation Fund
- Geographic Focus: Hungary
- Programme Type: Support for participation in European Partnership projects
- Co-funding Framework: Horizon Europe
- Main Aim: Strengthen Hungarian involvement in international R&D cooperation
- Eligible Research Types: Basic research, applied (industrial) research, and experimental development
Purpose of the Call
The call is designed to strengthen the capacity and international engagement of Hungarian organisations participating in European Partnership projects.
It specifically aims to:
- Strengthen strategic cooperation between Hungarian organisations and international partners
- Improve experience in international R&D collaboration
- Build skills in stakeholder engagement
- Promote use of open science techniques
- Strengthen data management practices
- Encourage impact-oriented project approaches
- Provide networking and capacity-building opportunities
- Lay the groundwork for future scientific and economic cooperation
Overall, the programme helps Hungarian organisations become stronger and more competitive participants in European research partnerships.
Covered Sub-programmes and Topics
The call supports participation in several European Partnership sub-programmes and thematic areas.
These include:
- Biodiversa+
- Water4All
- CETP
- DUT
- ERA for Health
- Brain Health
- Agroecology
These themes reflect a broad range of research and innovation priorities under Horizon Europe.
Eligible Project Objectives
Projects may include the following research and innovation objectives:
- Basic research
- Applied (industrial) research
- Experimental development
This allows a broad range of scientific and innovation-focused activities, from early-stage knowledge generation to more practical and development-oriented work.
Important Funding Limitation
Certain activities are not independently eligible under this call.
These include:
- Project support activities
- Travel costs
- Purchase of equipment
- Purchase of intangible assets
This means such items cannot be funded as stand-alone activities and should be considered only within the broader context of eligible project work, where applicable.
Funding Available
The programme provides multi-year financial support.
Annual Budget Allocation
- 2024: HUF 1,164,000,000
- 2025: HUF 2,972,444,075
- 2026: HUF 1,809,180,000
This indicates a substantial national commitment to helping Hungarian organisations join and contribute to European Partnership projects.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to Hungarian organisations participating in eligible joint international projects.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
- Businesses
- Non-profit companies
- Accredited higher education institutions
- Budgetary organisations
Registration Requirement
Applicants must be:
- Registered in Hungary, or
- Have a branch office in Hungary
Consortium Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Hungarian members of consortia in joint international projects recommended for funding, or
- Hungarian organisations joining consortia after evaluation
This gives flexibility to organisations that are already part of selected projects as well as those entering collaboration at a later stage.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This funding opportunity is valuable because it helps Hungarian organisations:
- Participate more actively in European Partnerships
- Gain direct experience in Horizon Europe-funded collaboration
- Build stronger international R&D networks
- Improve institutional capacity in open science and data practices
- Strengthen long-term scientific and economic cooperation
- Increase visibility in European research ecosystems
For many organisations, this can also serve as a strategic stepping stone toward stronger future participation in large-scale EU research and innovation programmes.
Best Fit Applicants
This call is especially suitable for:
- Hungarian research institutions
- Universities
- Innovation-driven companies
- Applied research organisations
- Non-profit research entities
- Public sector and budgetary institutions involved in R&D
Strong applicants will usually have:
- A clear role in a European Partnership consortium
- Alignment with one of the listed sub-programmes or topics
- Capacity to contribute to research or innovation outputs
- Interest in long-term international collaboration
- Readiness to engage with open science, impact, and data management practices
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen an application, organisations should:
- Clearly show their role in the international consortium
- Demonstrate alignment with the relevant European Partnership topic
- Explain the scientific, innovation, or development value of their contribution
- Highlight experience or plans related to open science and stakeholder engagement
- Emphasise the long-term value of the partnership for future cooperation
- Make sure proposed activities fit the eligible project objective categories
FAQs
What is the purpose of this call?
It supports Hungarian organisations participating in European Partnership projects co-funded by Horizon Europe, helping them strengthen international R&D cooperation and institutional capacity.
Which research types are eligible?
Eligible objectives include:
- Basic research
- Applied (industrial) research
- Experimental development
Which topics are covered?
The call includes:
- Biodiversa+
- Water4All
- CETP
- DUT
- ERA for Health
- Brain Health
- Agroecology
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include Hungarian:
- Businesses
- Non-profit companies
- Accredited higher education institutions
- Budgetary organisations
They must be registered in Hungary or have a branch office in Hungary.
Can organisations join a consortium after evaluation?
Yes. The call allows Hungarian organisations that join consortia post-evaluation, in addition to those already in projects recommended for funding.
Are travel and equipment purchases eligible?
Not as stand-alone items. Project support, travel, equipment, and intangible assets are not independently eligible under this call.
How much funding is available?
The annual budgets are:
- 2024: HUF 1,164,000,000
- 2025: HUF 2,972,444,075
- 2026: HUF 1,809,180,000
Why is this opportunity important?
It helps Hungarian organisations gain Horizon Europe experience, strengthen international R&D partnerships, and contribute to Hungary’s scientific and economic development.
Final Takeaway
The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund offers an important opportunity for Hungarian organisations to strengthen their participation in European Partnership projects under Horizon Europe.
With support for basic research, applied research, and experimental development, and a strong focus on capacity building, international cooperation, open science, and long-term partnerships, this call can help Hungarian institutions expand their impact in European research and innovation while supporting national scientific and economic growth.
For more information, visit NKFIH.