Deadline: 16-Feb-2026
The National Research, Development and Innovation (NRDI) Fund has launched a new call to support Hungarian participation in the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework programme and related joint EU programmes.
The focus of the call is to provide a predictable source of funding for promoting innovation in the Hungarian economy, to strengthen research and development that can be applied in economic and social spheres, to facilitate the utilisation of domestic and international research results, and to support the development of innovation infrastructure and related service activities. This call aims to encourage Hungarian applicants to participate in Horizon Europe and related joint programmes (e.g. partnerships, COST) in the highest possible number and share of funding. It also seeks to encourage applicants to take on the role of consortium leader (coordinator) as frequently as possible in these programmes. Grants awarded under this call will allow beneficiaries to obtain ex-post funding for costs incurred in the formation of the international consortium required to submit the project proposal, as well as for costs related to drafting the consortium agreement and preparing the proposal. By supporting preparatory activities, the call aims to enhance the international visibility of Hungarian applicants, strengthen their networking and fundraising capacities, support the proposal preparation process and reinforce the role of Hungarian applicants in emerging consortia. The inclusion of new applicants, particularly SMEs, is also a key objective.
The call, financed from the NRDI Fund, invites applications from budgetary institutions, enterprises, and non-profit organisations, including higher education institutions, research organisations, and members of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network. Applications can only be submitted individually and must relate exclusively to preparatory activities for participation in Horizon Europe proposals implemented in consortia. Each Hungarian partner in an international consortium is eligible to apply separately.
Eligible activities include consortium building either as a consortium member not leading any work packages or as a consortium leader or member leading a work package. Activities may cover participation in international partner search or professional events abroad, preparatory project meetings abroad or in Hungary, legal and patent advisory services, proposal drafting, proposal writing, language editing, and participation in international proposal writing training. Membership fees and travel costs related to professional organisations are also eligible.
The total available budget for this call is HUF 250 million, with expected funding for 120–150 projects. The maximum non-refundable funding per proposal is HUF 1 million for consortium members not leading work packages and HUF 2 million for consortium leaders or members leading work packages. Each project may last up to 24 months, with one milestone marking the completion of the project.
For more information, visit NRDI Office.
