This could offer a significant opportunity through the DIMOP Plusz-5.1.3/B-26 scheme, which specifically targets the development of critical digital technologies applicable in healthcare.
How much funding is available?
Based on the draft call for proposals, non-refundable funding of HUF 200–300 million may be requested for individually implemented projects, while HUF 400–500 million may be available for projects implemented in consortium form.
Projects may be implemented over a maximum period of 24 months, and grant applications are expected to be submitted between 14 August 2026 and 30 September 2026.
The scheme is available nationwide, meaning that both Budapest-based and non-Budapest project locations may be eligible. However, the available budget is limited, amounting to a total of HUF 3 billion, so it is expected that funding will be awarded to a maximum of 15 professionally well-prepared and commercially well-founded projects.
What can be funded?
This scheme is not intended for general IT developments. It supports digital research and development projects that build on STEP-critical digital technologies, have significant scientific or technical novelty, and create a new software outcome that can be commercially utilised at least at European Union level.
Eligible developments may be related, among others, to software publishing, information technology services, data processing or telecommunications. The focus, however, is clear: the project result must be applicable in the healthcare sector, for example in healthcare delivery, patient pathway management, diagnostics, therapy support or care coordination.
A particularly important condition is that at least 80% of the project’s R&D costs must be directly related to software research and development tasks carried out using STEP-relevant critical digital technologies. In other words, simply upgrading an existing system or implementing a commercially available solution will not be sufficient: the scheme requires genuine R&D content and a new, marketable software result.
Who can apply?
The scheme is primarily aligned with digital R&D projects implemented by profit-oriented micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as large companies. Developments may be implemented either independently or in consortium form. In the latter case, the involvement of research and knowledge-dissemination organisations may also be relevant if it strengthens the professional basis and feasibility of the development.
For companies, the basic eligibility requirements include at least one closed full business year, a minimum average statistical headcount of 5 employees, double-entry bookkeeping, and a project implementation site registered for at least one year.
In the case of a consortium, up to 4 members may participate in the project, while micro-enterprises may only participate as consortium members. Another key requirement is that at least 65% of the funding must be requested by profit-oriented companies, and all consortium members must implement the development in the same regional category.
What should applicants pay particular attention to?
One of the most important professional entry points of the scheme is technology readiness. The development must start from at least an initiated TRL 4 level and from no higher than TRL 6, and by the end of implementation it must reach a completed TRL 7 level. Following project completion, the new software result is also expected to reach TRL 9 within 24 months.
The grant application must also include an R&D project qualification expert opinion issued by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office; without this, the application cannot be submitted. Participation in project implementation mentoring and the preparation of a market entry business plan are also mandatory. In addition, the applicant must undertake one further commitment: a revenue commitment, the filing of an intellectual property protection application, or obtaining ISO 56001:2024 Innovation Management System certification.
Why is this funding opportunity worth considering?
Because it opens funding for one of the most exciting areas of healthcare digitalisation: developments that can create genuine professional and commercial value through artificial intelligence, data-driven operations, cloud-based solutions or other advanced digital technologies.
However, success here requires more than just a good idea. Applicants will need a mature technological concept, well-substantiated R&D content, a realistic budget, a clear healthcare use case and a credible market entry plan. Companies that already have such a development direction should start preparing in good time.
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