The new Fast Track scheme is primarily open to companies that plan to commercialise research results from higher education institutions or public research institutes and undertake further significant R&D activities to bring them to market. In line with the focus areas defined in the John von Neumann Programme, priority will be given to projects that provide marketable, innovative solutions for preventive, curative and care systems for healthy living, circular processes for greening the economy, or digital transformation. The government will provide non-reimbursable funding of up to HUF 300 million for the development of a product, technology or service with scientific or technical novelty content. The expectation is that the funded project will result in a new patent that can generate revenue or attract additional market investment or funding to further develop the business. Applicants are also expected to offer solutions to social challenges relevant to the Hungarian community.

The Fast Track programme strengthens the entrepreneurial mindset in universities and research institutions, but it also gives a new impetus to internationally successful businesses that work with them. This not only strengthens the competitiveness of the Hungarian economy, but can also contribute to tackling global social or economic challenges, said Balázs Hankó, State Secretary for Innovation and Higher Education. He added that companies that turn research results into market success can greatly contribute to the government’s goal of making Hungary one of Europe’s top 10 innovators by the end of the decade and one of the world’s top 10 by 2040.

More details about the programme are available on the website of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office.

Budapest, 23 November 2023
Ministry of Culture and Innovation