Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The National Research, Development and Innovation (NRDI) Fund supports Hungarian organisations participating in EU Horizon Europe European Partnerships by providing national co-funding for approved international projects. With a total budget of HUF 1.81 billion and project durations of up to 36 months, the call strengthens Hungary’s role in strategic European R&D collaboration across key thematic areas such as health, climate, energy, biodiversity, agriculture, and digital transformation.
Overview of the NRDI Fund Call
The National Research, Development and Innovation (NRDI) Fund aims to provide national-level financial support to Hungarian organisations that successfully participate in joint international calls for proposals under European Partnerships co-funded by the EU Horizon Europe programme.
This funding opportunity applies specifically to partnerships in which the NRDI Office is actively involved and is intended to complement EU-level funding by supporting Hungarian partners within approved international consortia.
The call strengthens Hungary’s participation in European research and innovation ecosystems while supporting impact-driven, internationally competitive R&D activities.
Strategic Purpose of the Funding
The call is designed to:
• Strengthen strategic cooperation among Hungarian organisations involved in European Partnerships
• Support compliance with Horizon Europe rules and requirements
• Build experience in international R&D collaboration
• Promote impact-oriented and mission-driven research approaches
• Enable participation in partnership-led networking and capacity-building activities
• Lay the foundation for long-term scientific, technological, and economic cooperation
Through this support, Hungarian institutions can deepen their integration into European innovation networks and enhance future funding success.
Thematic Areas and European Partnerships Supported
The call focuses on specific Horizon Europe European Partnerships, each aligned with major societal and scientific challenges.
Supported Partnerships and Themes
• Biodiversa+ – Biodiversity and ecosystem conservation research and innovation
• Water4All – Water security, water management, and aquatic ecosystems
• CETP (Clean Energy Transition Partnership) – Clean energy systems and decarbonisation
• DUT (Driving Urban Transitions) – Sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development
• ERA for Health – Pre-clinical and clinical biomedical research and health promotion
• EP PERMED – Translational research in personalised medicine
• AGRIDATA – Digital transformation and data-driven innovation in agriculture
• OH AMR – Monitoring antimicrobial resistance using a One Health approach
• BRAIN HEALTH – Collaborative brain research and public health initiatives
• AGROECOLOGY – Sustainable agricultural transformation through social innovation
Applicants must align their project objectives with the specific scope of the relevant partnership call.
Funding Scope and Budget
Total Available Budget
• Total call budget: HUF 1,809,180,000
Project Duration
• Maximum project duration: 36 months
Funding is provided as national support for Hungarian partners within internationally approved projects.
Eligible Research and Innovation Activities
Activities Eligible for Independent Funding
The following R&D activities may be supported:
• Basic research
• Applied (industrial) research
• Experimental development
Projects should clearly define objectives, methodologies, and expected impacts in line with Horizon Europe standards.
Activities Not Eligible for Independent Funding
The following activities are not eligible for separate funding under this call:
• Project support and management-only activities
• Travel-related activities
• Purchase of equipment
• Purchase of intangible assets
These costs may only be supported where allowed under the relevant European Partnership framework and funding rules.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be Hungarian participants in European Partnership projects.
Eligible entities include:
• Hungarian members of consortia recommended for funding under a European Partnership evaluation
• Hungarian participants joining approved consortia after recommendation
Legal and Institutional Eligibility
Eligible legal entities include:
• Organisations with a registered seat in Hungary
• European Economic Area (EEA) entities with a registered branch office in Hungary
Eligible organisation types:
• Businesses and non-profit companies using double-entry accounting
• Accredited higher education institutions
• Budgetary organs
• Research and knowledge-dissemination organisations
Applicants must meet all national and partnership-specific eligibility requirements.
Why This Funding Matters
This NRDI Fund call plays a strategic role in strengthening Hungary’s R&D and innovation capacity.
It helps to:
• Increase Hungarian participation in Horizon Europe partnerships
• Enhance research excellence and international competitiveness
• Support long-term scientific and industrial collaboration
• Promote innovation-driven economic growth
• Build institutional capacity for future EU funding
By supporting nationally co-funded participation, the call ensures Hungarian organisations can fully benefit from European research opportunities.
How the Funding Works: Step-by-Step
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Participate in a European Partnership joint call under Horizon Europe
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Receive a positive funding recommendation through the partnership’s evaluation process
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Confirm Hungarian eligibility under NRDI Fund conditions
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Submit a national funding application to the NRDI Office
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Implement the project in line with Horizon Europe and national requirements
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Participate in partnership-led networking and capacity-building activities
National funding is aligned with the approved international project scope.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying without being part of a recommended European Partnership consortium
• Misalignment between national application and approved international proposal
• Including ineligible cost categories as independent funding items
• Weak articulation of impact and Horizon Europe relevance
• Inadequate documentation of legal or institutional eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of this NRDI Fund call?
It provides national co-funding to Hungarian organisations participating in Horizon Europe European Partnership projects.
2. Which partnerships are covered under this call?
The call supports partnerships including Biodiversa+, Water4All, CETP, DUT, ERA for Health, EP PERMED, AGRIDATA, OH AMR, BRAIN HEALTH, and AGROECOLOGY.
3. What is the maximum project duration?
Projects may run for up to 36 months.
4. Who can apply for this funding?
Hungarian members of consortia recommended for funding under European Partnerships, including businesses, universities, research institutions, and eligible public entities.
5. What types of research activities are eligible?
Basic research, applied research, and experimental development are eligible for independent funding.
6. Are equipment purchases eligible for funding?
No. Equipment and intangible asset purchases are not eligible as independent funding activities under this call.
7. What is the total budget for the call?
The total available budget is HUF 1,809,180,000.
Conclusion
The NRDI Fund support for Horizon Europe European Partnerships provides critical national backing for Hungarian organisations engaged in international research and innovation projects. By aligning national funding with EU priorities, the call strengthens Hungary’s research ecosystem, deepens European cooperation, and supports high-impact scientific and technological advancement across key strategic sectors.
For more information, visit National Research, Development and Innovation Office.
