The common logic of the draft calls for proposals recently published for public consultation is clear: these schemes do not support traditional IT developments, simple software implementation projects or general digitalisation investments. Instead, they are aimed at research and development projects focused on creating new software-based results with significant technical or scientific novelty. In each case, the focus is on STEP-relevant critical digital technologies, meaning developments that may also be of strategic importance for European competitiveness and technological sovereignty.
The four schemes are designed for projects of different sizes and objectives. Some are tailored to individual corporate developments, some require consortium-based cooperation, while others specifically target defence, space industry or healthcare applications. However, the common denominator is the same in all cases: the creation of a marketable, high value-added software-based R&D result that is not only technologically novel, but also commercially exploitable.
| Scheme | Focus | Grant amount | Application form |
| DIMOP Plusz-5.1.2/B-26 | corporate digital R&D | HUF 50–250 million | individually or in a consortium of up to 2 members |
| DIMOP Plusz-5.1.2/C-26 | complex, multi-stakeholder digital R&D | HUF 75–500 million | exclusively in a consortium of up to 4 members |
| DIMOP Plusz-5.1.3/A-26 | defence and space industry digital R&D | HUF 200–300 million individually, HUF 400–500 million in consortium | individually or in a consortium of up to 3 members |
| DIMOP Plusz-5.1.3/B-26 | healthcare digital R&D | HUF 200–300 million individually, HUF 400–500 million in consortium | individually or in a consortium of up to 4 members |
The smaller 5.1.2/B scheme may be particularly relevant for already operating companies that wish to develop a new digital product or service either independently or in a narrower form of cooperation. Under this scheme, non-refundable funding between HUF 50 million and HUF 250 million is available, with a maximum implementation period of 24 months. The scheme focuses on developments related to software publishing, ICT services, data processing and telecommunications, but only where they contain genuine R&D content.
The 5.1.2/C call is intended for larger-scale, more complex projects. Applications may be submitted exclusively in consortium form, and the grant amount may reach up to HUF 500 million. This scheme may be especially relevant for applicants who wish to create a digital R&D result that can also be utilised at EU level by combining the expertise of several stakeholders within a strategic partnership. An important requirement is that a significant share of the funding must be utilised by profit-oriented companies, and the combined revenues of the participating companies must also demonstrate adequate development capacity.
The 5.1.3/A scheme focuses on digital developments with defence and space industry applications. This is a more specialised funding opportunity: a technologically promising software idea alone is not enough; the project must also fit defence, space industry or national security needs. The grant amount may be HUF 200–300 million for individual projects and HUF 400–500 million for consortium projects, with a planned total budget of HUF 5 billion. The scheme sets a particularly high entry threshold, as in addition to the generally required R&D project qualification, applicants are also expected to obtain a licence for defence-related activities and prepare a market entry business plan.
The 5.1.3/B call opens up funding for the more advanced, innovation-oriented segment of healthcare digitalisation. Eligible developments may include solutions supporting diagnostics, patient pathway management, therapeutic decision support or healthcare service organisation. The funding limits are similar to those of the defence-related scheme: HUF 200–300 million may be requested for individual projects, while HUF 400–500 million is available for consortium projects. However, the overall budget is limited to HUF 3 billion, meaning that only well-prepared projects with a strong professional and market rationale are expected to secure funding.
One of the most important common professional requirements of the calls is that all four schemes require an R&D project qualification expert opinion, as well as an appropriate level of technological maturity. This is particularly important because the calls do not support general IT investments or the customisation of existing solutions, but projects with verifiable research and development content and clear novelty value. The project qualification must confirm that the development includes genuine R&D activity, while the TRL requirements show that the schemes are not looking for ideas at concept stage. Projects are generally expected to start from at least TRL 4, reach TRL 7 by the end of implementation, and then progress to TRL 9 — meaning actual market readiness — within 24 months after physical completion. On this basis, developments with a solid technological concept, clear R&D logic, a business plan and real exploitation potential are likely to be competitive.
Overall, the new DIMOP Plusz digital R&D schemes may represent a significant opportunity for companies that do not simply want to digitalise, but aim to develop a new, marketable software-based solution. However, a good idea alone will not be enough for success: applicants will need appropriate technological maturity, substantiated R&D content, a realistic budget, a clear market entry plan and — in several schemes — a well-structured consortium partnership. For this reason, companies considering such developments should begin the professional and grant-related preparation of their project ideas in good time.
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