The purpose of the scheme is to support Hungary-based businesses through equity investments, specifically those built on genuine technological breakthroughs and aiming to bring new products and solutions to market. Based on the full draft programme, it is clear that this funding is not intended for general business development purposes, but is specifically focused on the world of deep tech.
According to the draft, the programme will have a total budget of HUF 55.12 billion, to be deployed through three fund structures with the involvement of at least 30% private capital. This in itself sends an important message: the call is not simply about injecting public money into the market, but about creating an investment environment in which market players also assume meaningful risk. In practice, this usually means that for the selected projects, growth potential, technological novelty, and commercial viability will all be in focus at the same time.
Focus areas
One of the most interesting features of the programme is that it defines very clearly what it considers to be eligible directions. The draft call is not merely looking for innovative companies, but for businesses built on scientific or engineering breakthroughs that are capable of creating new markets or significantly transforming existing industries. The focus areas include exciting fields such as novel artificial intelligence, next-generation computing solutions, robotics, space technology, computational biology and chemistry, next-generation energy technologies, and dual-use developments.
Who is the call aimed at?
The target group of businesses is also defined quite precisely. The scheme is primarily aimed at start-ups, early-stage SMEs, or companies in an early growth phase that have high growth potential, align with the objectives of the S3 strategy, and are able to demonstrate or commit to research, development, or innovation activities. The draft specifically highlights that, in general, innovations above TRL 6 level — that is, those closer to market entry — may qualify as beneficiaries. This suggests that the programme is not intended to finance ideas alone, but rather developments that have already reached a stage that is commercially meaningful.
What level of funding is available?
The scale of financing is also noteworthy. Depending on the outcome of the investment negotiations, companies may receive equity investments ranging from HUF 200 million to HUF 2 billion, potentially in several rounds. The investment will typically take the form of an equity capital increase, although in certain cases quasi-equity or loan-type financing may also appear. The investment horizon may range from 4 to 10 years, which indicates that the scheme is designed for longer-term, meaningful growth stories. Another important aspect is that, according to the draft, the programme would support investments implemented in less developed regions, meaning that investments carried out in Budapest would not be eligible. For many companies, this may already become an important strategic consideration during the preparation phase.
Overall, GINOP Plusz – 2.5.2-26 may target a narrower but particularly exciting group of businesses. It is not intended for everyone, and it is unlikely to be an easily accessible source of funding, but for companies pursuing market-ready, deep tech-based innovation, it could represent a significant opportunity in the coming years.
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