Under the call managed by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH) and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, up to HUF 80 million in non-refundable funding can be requested – by consortia launching innovative projects jointly with Hungarian and Korean participants.
The goal is clear: the creation of competitive, market-oriented technologies, services, or products through collaboration between Hungarian and Korean actors. This not only promotes the international utilization of scientific results but also contributes to strengthening the domestic economy and innovation ecosystem.
What is the call about?
The program clearly seeks projects that turn innovative ideas into marketable solutions. The aim of the call is to promote knowledge transfer between Hungarian and South Korean research institutions and enterprises, foster joint developments, and lead to the creation of new products, technologies, services, or prototypes.
Eligible thematic areas:
- health preservation (innovative therapies, medical devices),
- green transition (agricultural innovation, energy efficiency, mobility),
- digital technologies (artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum technology).
Who can apply?
Applications can only be submitted in the form of a consortium. A successful application requires the collaboration of at least two Hungarian participants – a Hungarian for-profit company and a Hungarian research partner – and a Korean partner who simultaneously submits their application in their own country.
What funding can be expected?
The total budget of the call is HUF 400 million, from which 5 to 13 projects may receive funding. The support is non-refundable, and the amount that can be requested per project is:
- minimum HUF 30 million,
- maximum HUF 80 million.
Beneficiaries may request an advance of up to 75–90%, depending on the project type, which enables a rapid project start.
Deadlines and project duration
Projects may start after October 1, 2025, and have 36 months for implementation, which can be extended by up to 6 months. The application submission deadline is June 30, 2025, at 16:00.
What commitments must be made?
Supported consortia are required to ensure that at least one new product, service, technology, or prototype is created jointly with the Korean partner. In addition, at least one of the following further commitments is mandatory:
- publication in a Q1 international journal or
- presentation at an international conference where project results are showcased.
Failure to meet the commitments will result in sanctions, potentially including the repayment of the full grant amount.
Why is it worth applying?
This call offers not only funding but also a strategic advantage:
- networking with international researchers and technology partners,
- access to new markets in the Asian region through Korea,
- expanding domestic innovation capacity with export-oriented developments.
For Hungarian companies, this is an exceptional opportunity to gain international visibility and achieve a technological leap, while the research sector also gains new experiences and publishing opportunities.
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