On 29 May 2020, the NRDI Office, with the policy support of the ITM, announced the SME START INNOVATION call for proposals with a total budget of HUF 12 billion, financed from the NRDI Fund. The call aims to stimulate and improve the innovation potential and activity of micro and small businesses by supporting their market-oriented projects.

Dr. Zoltán Birkner, President of the NRDI Office pointed out: “The SME START INNOVATION call is a completely new funding scheme in Hungary. It encourages the innovation activity of micro and small enterprises that were previously not open or ready for this due to the lack of resources and knowledge. In the first stage, which was closed on 19 June 2020, altogether 386 SMEs requested over HUF 6 billion funding in total.

The SME START INNOVATION call is announced in three stages, and the second stage was opened immediately after closing the first one on 19 June 2020 at 12:00 noon. In the second stage the deadline for applications for endorsing RDI policy opinions is 20 July 2020, the final deadline for funding requests is 28 September 2020.

The call offers a funding opportunity to businesses that are open to launch innovation processes, engage in adaptive innovation activities, or develop commercially viable prototypes, products, technologies or services that are considered a novelty in their industry.

“As another novel element, the SME START INNOVATION call enables domestic small and medium enterprises to apply for innovation funding with up to 60% funding intensity in a simplified application procedure that requires minimal administration,” Dr. Zoltán Birkner, President of the NRDI Office underlined.

Applicants who already have an endorsing RDI policy opinion can submit their funding requests at www.palyazat.gov.hu. The online application form can be completed after logging in at the Participant Portal (Pályázati e-ügyintézés). Further information: KKV START INNOVÁCIÓ (2020-1.1.1-KKV START).

Budapest, 24 June 2020