Deadline Date: April 16, 2026
The Call for Proposals under the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund aims to strengthen the professional, operational, and business capacities of Hungarian Technology Transfer Companies (TTCs) to enhance the utilisation of research outcomes.
The key objectives and focus areas of the programme include improving the economic and societal utilisation of research results generated by higher education institutions and research institutes, professionalising technology transfer processes, establishing sustainable TTC operations capable of generating market revenues, strengthening the domestic deep tech ecosystem, increasing the number and value of deep tech companies, supporting the development and market readiness of research-based innovations, and building a hub-based, nationally coordinated technology transfer ecosystem.
This funding opportunity supports Hungarian TTCs in becoming more effective intermediaries between research institutions and the market. By enhancing their operational and business capabilities, the programme aims to ensure that scientific and technological breakthroughs are translated into commercially viable products and services that contribute to long-term economic growth.
The programme is structured into three sub-programmes. Sub-programme A focuses on establishing and maintaining core TTC activities, including innovation project generation, proof of concept preparation, intellectual property commercialisation, and building industry and investor relationships. Sub-programme B is designed for the further development of TTCs that participated in a previous pilot initiative, enabling them to expand their services, strengthen international engagement, and improve internal processes such as portfolio management and quality assurance. Sub-programme C aims to develop a national-level hub-based ecosystem by connecting multiple TTCs and enhancing collaboration, innovation stimulation, and international market access.
Eligible applicants are legal entities fully owned by Hungarian higher education institutions or specified research organisations, operating as TTCs engaged in technology transfer, innovation advisory, and research commercialisation. Applications must be submitted independently, and eligibility to apply for specific sub-programmes depends on prior participation in earlier TTC pilot projects.
Projects funded under this call are expected to implement a wide range of mandatory activities, including capacity assessments, innovation incubation, intellectual property management, business development, and training. Additional commitments include measurable outcomes such as project reviews, technology readiness level advancements, partnership agreements, and licensing of intellectual property. Sub-programmes B and C further require international collaboration, service development, and the establishment of a coordinated TTC hub involving multiple institutions.
The programme has a total budget of HUF 6 billion, distributed across the three sub-programmes, with individual project funding ranging from HUF 150 million to HUF 800 million. Projects are expected to run for a duration of 24 to 36 months, and proposals must be submitted electronically by 16 April 2026.
For more information, visit NKFIH.
