The call for proposals titled Proof of Concept (code 2024-2.1.3-POC), announced under the management of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (hereinafter: NRDI Office) by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, was published on 19 December 2024. The aim of the call is to bridge the most high-risk phase between basic research and commercial exploitation. Another objective of the programme is to strengthen the domestic deep tech ecosystem and to increase the number and value of deep tech companies. The programme primarily, but not exclusively, supports developments that promote the commercialisation of research results originating from previously funded and implemented research projects.

By the submission deadline of 10 April 2025, a total of 15 eligible project proposals were submitted, requesting HUF 4,524,360,735 in funding. The proposals were evaluated based on the criteria set out in the call, with the involvement of reviewers appointed by the NRDI Office. Given the higher-than-expected number of applicants, the total funding demand exceeding the original budget and the outstanding quality of the proposals, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation decided to increase the budget by nearly HUF 450 million compared to the original call. The funding decision was made on 23 June 2025 by the Deputy State Secretary for Innovation, acting under the designation of the minister responsible for science policy coordination. Under this decision, 15 proposals will receive a total of HUF 3,446,829,990 in non-refundable support from the NRDI Fund.

FUNDED PROJECTS

Funding organisation: Ministry of Culture and Innovation
Source: NRDI Fund
Date of decision: 23 June 2025