The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation have renewed their cooperation through an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement confirms that Hungary will join the EIT Regional Innovation Booster pilot from 2026, reinforcing the country’s commitment to strengthening its innovation ecosystem.
Targeted Growth Support for Start-ups and Scaleups
The EIT Regional Innovation Booster is a new initiative aimed at boosting start-up and scaleup growth in modest and moderate innovator countries. Its objective is to help young companies enter new markets, secure investment and develop high-impact solutions faster.
The model was previously piloted in Poland, Malta and most recently Hungary, contributing to efforts to reduce regional innovation gaps across the EU.
High-Level Commitment to Innovation Excellence
Balázs Hankó, Hungary’s Minister of Culture and Innovation, underlined the strategic value of the renewed cooperation:
“Science and innovation play a major role in supporting competitive growth. It is important for us to renew the cooperation agreement signed in 2019, because this serves both European and Hungarian competitiveness. The government is committed to ensuring that by 2030 Hungary becomes one of Europe’s ten most innovative countries.”
Martin Kern, Director of the EIT, highlighted the benefits for Hungary’s start-up community:
“With this agreement, we open the opportunity for Hungarian startups to join the EIT Regional Innovation Booster. This initiative will identify startups in Hungary with high innovation potential. These ventures will then be supported jointly by national programmes and the EIT Community to accelerate their growth. Hungary has many entrepreneurial talents – we will help them realise their potential.”
Building on Strong Innovation Foundations
Hungary has hosted the EIT headquarters since 2010 and is home to an EIT Community Hub that provides access to its Knowledge and Innovation Communities.
Between 2021 and 2024:
- 183 Hungarian start-ups received EIT support
- These companies attracted at least €24 million in investment
- 23 new innovations reached the market
The rollout of the EIT Regional Innovation Booster will further strengthen support for Hungarian start-ups, researchers and students, enhancing their integration into Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem.
A Success Story: Turbine AI
A leading example of a Hungarian start-up supported by the EIT is Turbine AI, which uses machine-learning simulations to predict how cancer cells respond to treatment.
Its profile is available here: https://eit.dealroom.co/companies/turbine_ai
Selected for EIT Health’s Gold Track programme, Turbine AI benefited from tailored coaching on value creation, growth planning and financial strategy. This support contributed to its recognition as a high-potential European health-tech innovator.
A Platform for Long-Term Impact
The renewed MoU establishes a stable framework for Hungary’s deeper participation in Europe’s innovation networks. It is expected to deliver long-term economic and societal benefits for Hungary and contribute to a more competitive and innovative Europe.