Supporting Innovation for Societal and Market Impact in Hungary

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The National Laboratories Programme and Thematic Excellence Programme invite proposals for mission-driven national laboratories to develop practical, market-ready research solutions tackling societal, economic, and environmental challenges. With a total budget of HUF 20 billion, projects ranging from HUF 1–4 billion are supported for 36–48 months, focusing on strategic research areas such as AI, quantum technologies, healthcare, energy, and circular industrial models.

Overview of the Call

The call aims to support mission-driven national laboratories by:

• Addressing major societal, economic, and environmental challenges

• Delivering research results with practical, market-ready applications

• Strengthening Hungary’s research and innovation ecosystem

• Fostering high-level cooperation among research and knowledge dissemination organizations

Focus Areas

Projects should focus on one or more of the following:

• Knowledge centres in strategic sectors for the national economy

• Early-career researcher involvement and research talent development

• Creation of spin-off companies to utilize research results

• Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems applications

• Quantum and space technologies

• Healthcare solutions including tumorous, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and antibiotic resistance-related diseases

• Battery technologies and sustainable raw materials

• Hydrogen technologies, including green hydrogen

• Carbon dioxide utilisation and circular industrial models

Funding Details

• Total budget: HUF 20 billion

• Funding per project: HUF 1–4 billion

• Duration: 36–48 months

• Co-financing: No own funds required

• Advance payment: Up to 100% possible, provided in instalments linked to project milestones

• Type of funding: Non-refundable grant

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a legal entity with a registered seat in Hungary

• Qualify as a research and knowledge-dissemination organisation under relevant EU regulations

• Include certain non-profit and not-for-profit higher education institutions

• Include research institutes operating within the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network

• Include specific budgetary organs and entities defined by GFO codes

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

• Strengthen research talent pipeline and early-career researcher engagement

• Enhance national knowledge centres in strategic sectors

• Promote the commercialisation of research results through spin-offs and practical applications

• Advance cutting-edge technologies in AI, quantum systems, space, energy, healthcare, and circular economy

• Build a cohesive and high-performing national research ecosystem

Why This Call Matters

• Supports innovation in strategically important sectors for Hungary’s economy

• Encourages research with direct societal and market impact

• Promotes collaboration among universities, research institutes, and industry

• Advances Hungary’s position in global scientific research and technological development

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility as a research or knowledge-dissemination organisation under EU regulations

2. Prepare a detailed project proposal specifying objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and strategic relevance

3. Define project budget (HUF 1–4 billion) and project timeline (36–48 months)

4. Plan milestones for potential advance payments linked to deliverables

5. Submit the application following National Research, Development and Innovation Fund guidelines

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Eligible legal entities with a registered seat in Hungary qualifying as research and knowledge-dissemination organisations.
2. What is the funding range per project? HUF 1–4 billion.
3. Is co-financing required? No, applicants are not required to provide own funds.
4. What is the duration of projects? Between 36 and 48 months.
5. Can applicants receive advance payments? Yes, up to 100% in instalments linked to project milestones.
6. Which sectors are eligible? AI, quantum technologies, healthcare, energy, circular industrial models, and other strategic research areas.
7. What type of funding is provided? Non-refundable grant.

Conclusion

The National Laboratories Programme and Thematic Excellence Programme provide substantial support for mission-driven national laboratories, fostering innovation in strategic research areas, supporting early-career researchers, and promoting practical, market-ready solutions that strengthen Hungary’s research and innovation ecosystem.

For more information, visit National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.