A particularly interesting opportunity is emerging for domestic digital innovation under the DIMOP Plusz-5.1.2/B-26 call, which targets corporate digital research and development projects. The essence of the scheme is not simply to support a new IT development, but to generate software-based results with genuine technical or scientific novelty that could be marketable at least at EU level. The call specifically focuses on the development of STEP-related critical digital technologies, meaning those areas that are of strategic importance for the EU’s competitiveness and technological autonomy.
What amount of funding is available?
According to the draft, the grant amount may range from HUF 50 million to HUF 250 million in the form of non-repayable support, and projects may have up to 24 months for implementation. Implementation is possible throughout the entire territory of Hungary.
An advance payment of up to 50% may also be requested under the scheme.
What types of projects can be supported?
The focus of the call is clear: priority is given to digital R&D projects aimed at creating new software results and linked to STEP-relevant critical digital technologies. Eligible developments may fall within software publishing, ICT services, data processing, and telecommunications, while at least 80% of R&D costs must be directly allocated to software R&D tasks related to such critical digital technologies. The logic of the call is therefore not to support general digitalisation investments, but rather marketable, high value-added digital developments.
Who can apply?
Small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as large companies, may apply, provided they have at least one closed full financial year, a minimum average statistical headcount of 5 employees, and, as a general rule, at least HUF 50 million in revenue.
Consortium applications are also possible, with up to two members, which may be a particularly advantageous structure for certain companies. The call is therefore primarily intended for already operating businesses with meaningful development capacity.
What should applicants pay attention to?
What truly distinguishes this call from other schemes is its strict professional and market-oriented set of expectations. The project must start from at least TRL 4, reach TRL 7 by the end of implementation, and then attain TRL 9 within 24 months after the physical completion of the project, meaning a level suitable for actual market exploitation.
In addition, the preparation of a market entry business plan is mandatory, revenue must be generated from the supported result during the maintenance period, and an application for an EU trademark or design protection is also expected.
All this clearly shows that the scheme is not merely about supporting development ideas, but about preparing digital products and services that can also be commercially viable.
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