The initiative aims to transform the results of university and research institute projects into marketable products, technologies, and services addressing societal challenges and fostering economic growth.
The program will involve university technology transfer companies (TTCs) to validate the commercial and technological potential of research results. Over the next two years, the program expects to complete hundreds of validations, with the goal of generating patents and innovative products, either through new entrepreneurial ventures or partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The PoC grant seeks to address the often-risky phase between research discovery and commercial application. It allows universities and research institutes to validate their findings technologically and commercially, preparing them for economic utilization.
The program recognizes the untapped potential within Hungary’s universities and research institutes, where many projects could become viable products, technologies, or services. These results may be commercialized internally within institutions or externally through the sale of patents, licensing agreements with domestic companies, or the establishment of spin-off businesses.
Such commercialization efforts are expected to directly benefit the economy by creating high-value-added products and services, establishing research and development positions, and supporting innovative Hungarian enterprises capable of paying competitive wages.
TTCs will play a critical role in identifying promising projects with innovation potential and supporting them in entering the market. As managers of PoC funds, TTCs will typically provide investments of HUF 8–15 million to validate the commercial and technological viability of research results.
The grant allows TTCs to apply for funding of up to HUF 350 million each, which must support 20–40 PoC investments.
“The primary goal of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation’s innovation policy is to support the economic utilization of research and development results generated at universities and research institutes,” said László Bódis, Deputy State Secretary for Innovation.
“In the Neumann János Program, adopted last year, we set a comprehensive goal to ensure that domestic research and development results have not only scientific impact but also economic and social value. These innovations must address the most significant challenges facing Hungary’s economy and society. Start-ups that bring modern technological solutions to market will play a central role in ensuring Hungary’s long-term competitiveness,” Bódis added.
The program will be implemented in collaboration with the National Innovation Agency and the successful TTCs. The application deadline for the PoC grant is March 10, 2025.
This initiative reflects Hungary’s strategic focus on leveraging academic research to create innovative, practical solutions that contribute to economic growth and address societal needs.
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