RFAs: Bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Grants (Hungary)

The Hungary Bilateral Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation Call 2026 supports collaborative research projects between Hungarian organisations and international partner institutions to strengthen bilateral scientific cooperation, researcher mobility, and knowledge exchange. The programme is funded through the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund with a total budget of HUF 150 million.

Eligible organisations can receive up to HUF 4 million for projects with neighbouring European partner institutions and up to HUF 6 million for collaborations with non-neighbouring European partner institutions. Projects must last between 12 and 24 months.

What Is the Hungary Bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Call?

The Call for Project Proposals is a funding programme that promotes bilateral scientific and technological cooperation between Hungary and international research partners.

The initiative supports collaborative research activities that strengthen long-term partnerships, encourage scientific exchange, and foster innovation through joint research projects.

The programme is financed by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund (NRDI Fund).

Why This Programme Matters

International scientific collaboration enables researchers to:

• Share expertise and knowledge
• Develop innovative research solutions
• Access international research networks
• Strengthen institutional partnerships
• Increase research quality and impact
• Support technology and knowledge transfer

The programme contributes to Hungary’s research and innovation ecosystem by encouraging long-term international cooperation.

Objectives of the Programme

The call aims to:

• Launch new bilateral scientific cooperation projects
• Strengthen existing international research partnerships
• Support scientific and technological research
• Promote researcher mobility
• Encourage expert exchanges
• Expand international collaboration between research institutions

Key Activities Supported

The programme funds collaborative activities such as:

New Bilateral Research Projects

Funding supports the development of new joint research initiatives between Hungarian organisations and eligible international partner institutions.

Existing Cooperation Projects

The programme also strengthens ongoing bilateral collaborations by supporting continued joint research activities.

Researcher Mobility

Funding may support activities that promote researcher mobility, including:

• Research visits
• Scientific exchanges
• Collaborative meetings
• Joint research activities

Expert Exchange

Projects may include:

• Exchange of scientific experts
• Technical collaboration
• Knowledge sharing
• Capacity-building activities

Funding Available

The programme has a total budget of:

• HUF 150,000,000

Funding is provided as non-refundable financial support.

Maximum Grant Amount

Funding depends on the location of the international partner.

Applicants may receive:

• Up to HUF 4,000,000 for collaboration with a European partner institution located in a neighbouring country.
• Up to HUF 6,000,000 for collaboration with a European partner institution located in a non-neighbouring country.

Project Duration

Projects must have a duration of:

• Minimum: 12 months
• Maximum: 24 months

Applicants should develop realistic work plans that fit within this implementation period.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to eligible legal entities involved in research, innovation, and higher education.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be:

• Legal entities with a registered seat in Hungary, or
• Legal entities registered in the European Economic Area (EEA) with a branch office in Hungary

Applications must be submitted individually.

Eligible Beneficiary Groups

The programme supports:

• Higher education institutions
• Budgetary research institutions
• Non-profit research organisations
• HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network institutions

Eligible Organisation Types

Eligible applicants may include:

• Businesses with legal personality
• Non-profit companies
• Other eligible economic organisations
• Accredited higher education institutions
• Eligible research institutions
• Budgetary organs
• Budgetary entities functioning as research and knowledge-dissemination organisations

Business Eligibility Requirements

Business applicants must:

• Have legal personality
• Have completed at least one business year
• Maintain double-entry accounting

Eligible Research Institutions

Research organisations should demonstrate their role in:

• Scientific research
• Innovation
• Knowledge dissemination
• Technology development

How the Programme Works

The programme supports collaboration between Hungarian applicants and eligible international partner institutions.

Projects may involve:

• Joint scientific research
• Knowledge exchange
• Research mobility
• Collaborative innovation
• Bilateral technology development

Each proposal should clearly demonstrate the value of international cooperation.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that your organisation:

• Meets the legal eligibility requirements
• Is established in Hungary or has an eligible Hungarian branch
• Falls within one of the eligible organisation categories

Step 2: Identify an International Partner

Applicants should establish collaboration with an eligible partner institution located in a participating European country.

The partnership should support meaningful scientific cooperation.

Step 3: Develop a Joint Research Proposal

The proposal should explain:

• Research objectives
• Scientific methodology
• Roles of each partner
• Planned cooperation activities
• Expected research outcomes
• Innovation potential

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

The budget should clearly outline:

• Research activities
• Mobility costs
• Collaboration activities
• Project management
• Eligible project expenses

Funding requested should not exceed the applicable grant limit.

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Applications must be submitted individually following the official programme requirements before the deadline.

Why This Funding Is Important

The programme helps organisations:

• Expand international research partnerships
• Increase scientific collaboration
• Strengthen innovation capacity
• Support researcher mobility
• Build long-term international networks
• Enhance research excellence

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Demonstrating a strong international partnership
• Clearly defining research objectives
• Explaining the benefits of bilateral cooperation
• Presenting realistic timelines
• Providing a detailed and justified budget
• Highlighting expected scientific and technological outcomes
• Showing long-term collaboration potential

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete proposals
• Choosing partners without clear research collaboration
• Providing vague project objectives
• Requesting funding beyond programme limits
• Developing unrealistic work plans
• Failing to explain the value of researcher mobility
• Ignoring eligibility requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the Hungary Bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Call?

The programme supports bilateral scientific and technological cooperation between Hungarian organisations and international partner institutions through collaborative research and researcher mobility.

How much funding is available?

The programme has a total budget of HUF 150 million.

Individual projects may receive:

• Up to HUF 4 million for neighbouring European partner institutions.
• Up to HUF 6 million for non-neighbouring European partner institutions.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, research organisations, non-profit organisations, businesses with legal personality, HUN-REN institutions, and other eligible research entities operating in Hungary.

How long can projects last?

Projects must run for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 24 months.

Can businesses apply?

Yes. Eligible businesses with legal personality, at least one completed business year, and double-entry accounting may apply.

What activities are supported?

The programme supports collaborative research, researcher mobility, expert exchanges, and the development of new or existing bilateral scientific cooperation projects.

Are applications submitted jointly?

No. Proposals must be submitted individually by the eligible applicant organisation, while demonstrating collaboration with an international partner institution.

Conclusion

The Hungary Bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Call 2026 provides valuable funding for organisations seeking to expand international scientific partnerships and strengthen research collaboration.

With support for joint research projects, researcher mobility, and expert exchanges, the programme helps build lasting partnerships between Hungarian institutions and international research organisations while advancing scientific innovation and technological development.