Hungary is also responding actively to these developments: the funding call titled "Support for Energy Research and Development Projects", opening in the summer of 2025, aims to help domestic innovations reach the market in the field of clean energy and sustainable technologies.
Why is this funding important?
The energy sector is currently one of the fastest-growing and most exciting industries. Those who develop or enter this sector now are not only building new technologies but also gaining a competitive edge over their rivals.
The green transition — whether we like it or not — is already underway, and those companies will benefit most that not only follow the changes but actively shape them. This funding program provides the financial backing for exactly that: a total of 13 billion HUF in non-refundable support will be distributed among companies working on new, marketable technologies or entering fields such as renewable energy, energy storage, efficiency, or smart systems.
Who can apply?
- Individually: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- In consortium (up to 3 members):
- the consortium leader must be a small or medium-sized enterprise
- members can be micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises
Higher education institutions, research institutes, and other non-profit research organizations may participate in the projects as R&D service providers or innovation subcontractors.
It is important that companies have at least two fully closed financial years, that their equity is not negative, and that their equity is not less than their registered capital.
What does the funding support?
The main focus of the call is on experimental development – which must account for at least 50% of eligible project costs. In addition, other activities may also be supported, such as:
- applied industrial research
- project coordination activities
- public procurement activities
- market entry support
- communication and dissemination
- intellectual property protection
What amount of funding is available?
- between 200 and 600 million HUF in non-refundable support can be applied for
- an advance of up to 40% is available, and at least 20% is withheld until project completion
The project duration must be between 24 and 48 months, and between 21 and 65 projects are expected to be funded.
What areas can be developed?
The call supports several priority technological areas, including (but not limited to):
- innovative renewable energy production (e.g. solar, wind – excluding geothermal and biogas)
- non-chemical energy storage solutions
- waste heat recovery
- environmentally friendly reuse of batteries
- building energy digitalization (e.g. HEM systems)
Important: only one target area can be selected per application!
Commitments and Scoring
To ensure project success, applicants must commit to:
- increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of their solution
- optionally: filing a patent or generating revenue growth based on the development
During evaluation, additional points are awarded to applicants who commit to patenting or forecast revenue growth by the end of the maintenance period.
Why should you apply?
This form of support enables complex and long-term development projects. It not only provides financial resources, but also fosters collaboration and enhances the international competitiveness of Hungarian technologies. According to the current draft, the application deadline is August 15, 2025.
For more information or consultation, please fill out our contact form.