Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund in Hungary provides national contribution funding for organisations participating in Horizon Europe European Partnership projects. The programme strengthens international research cooperation in areas such as biodiversity, water innovation, clean energy, and urban transformation.
It supports Hungarian institutions involved in EU-level consortia, with a total budget of HUF 1.809 billion and project durations of up to 36 months.
About the Programme
The programme aims to increase Hungary’s participation in European research and innovation collaborations under Horizon Europe. It provides national co-funding to organisations involved in international partnership projects.
It focuses on:
- Strengthening participation in Horizon Europe partnerships
- Enhancing international R&D cooperation
- Supporting knowledge exchange and innovation networks
- Improving research capacity and stakeholder engagement
- Promoting open science and data management practices
- Encouraging impact-driven research approaches
Key Thematic Areas Supported
The programme supports projects under major European Partnership initiatives, including:
- Biodiversa+ (biodiversity and ecosystem protection)
- Water4All (water security and innovation)
- CETP (Clean Energy Transition Partnership)
- DUT (Driving Urban Transitions)
Programme Objectives
The main objectives are to:
- Strengthen Hungarian participation in international R&D projects
- Support collaboration within Horizon Europe partnerships
- Build long-term scientific and economic cooperation
- Improve innovation capacity in key strategic sectors
- Enhance access to international research networks
- Promote sustainable and impact-oriented research
Funding Information
- Total budget: HUF 1,809,180,000
- Project duration: up to 36 months
- Funding type: national contribution (co-funding for Horizon Europe participation)
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organisations include:
- Higher education institutions
- Budgetary research institutions
- Enterprise-based research organisations
- Private companies engaged in R&D
- Non-profit research organisations
- Other non-profit entities
- HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be part of consortia selected under Horizon Europe European Partnership calls
- Be Hungarian members of funded international consortia
- Or join such consortia at a later stage if eligible
- Be legally registered in Hungary or the European Economic Area with a Hungarian branch
Eligible Entity Types
Eligible entities include:
- Companies with double-entry bookkeeping
- Accredited private or denominational higher education institutions
- State-recognised research and knowledge organisations
- Budgetary bodies and public research entities
- Organisations compliant with relevant EU classifications
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to:
- Increase Hungary’s presence in EU research projects
- Strengthen cross-border scientific collaboration
- Improve innovation capacity in strategic sectors
- Enhance knowledge transfer and research impact
- Build sustainable international research networks
- Support long-term economic and technological development
Key Benefits
- Financial support for participation in Horizon Europe partnerships
- Strengthened international research cooperation
- Access to large-scale EU research ecosystems
- Improved institutional research capacity
- Enhanced innovation and competitiveness
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Integrates Hungarian research into European innovation systems
- Strengthens participation in global scientific networks
- Supports climate, energy, biodiversity, and urban sustainability research
- Encourages collaboration between academia, industry, and public institutions
- Builds long-term research and innovation capacity in Hungary
FAQ
What is the purpose of this programme?
It provides national co-funding for Hungarian organisations participating in Horizon Europe European Partnership projects.
What is the total budget?
The total budget is HUF 1,809,180,000.
How long can projects last?
Projects can run for up to 36 months.
Who can apply?
Hungarian universities, research institutions, companies, and non-profit organisations involved in Horizon Europe consortia.
Which research areas are supported?
Biodiversity, water innovation, clean energy transition, and urban transformation.
What is required for eligibility?
Applicants must be part of an approved Horizon Europe consortium or join one that is selected for funding.
Conclusion
The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund programme strengthens Hungary’s participation in Horizon Europe partnerships by supporting co-funded research and innovation projects. It enhances international collaboration in key scientific fields such as biodiversity, water systems, clean energy, and urban development, while building long-term research capacity and innovation competitiveness.
For more information, visit NKFIH.