EIT Community RIS Hub in Hungary
Empowering Hungary’s Innovators: Pathway to Global Competitiveness
Hungary’s innovation ecosystem is a key factor in the nation’s development as an economic powerhouse, technical leader, and international competitor. Hungary is positioning itself as a major participant in Europe’s innovation landscape by accelerating the creation of new-wave technologies, goods, and services and creating a strong environment for startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers. By supporting creative thinking and investing in local talent, Hungary draws both global and domestic investment, which boosts the country’s communal cohesion and economic development. The establishment of research facilities and innovation centres contributes to the nation’s readiness to face upcoming obstacles, such as the shift to a more digital and sustainable economy.
Furthermore, Hungary’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), which combines national advantages with EU-wide research and innovation objectives, demonstrates the nation’s emphasis on innovation. Hungary’s universities and research centres, which place a high priority on higher education, collaborate closely with businesses to support the commercialisation of R&D initiatives. The workforce is encouraged to learn continuously and to be resilient in this environment, which guarantees that the human capital of the country is prepared for any future technological changes. In the end, Hungary’s innovation ecosystem—bolstered by programs such as the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) —puts the nation in a position to contribute significantly to the technical and economic landscape of Europe.
The EIT is at the heart of Hungary’s innovation landscape, helping to build the country’s innovative capabilities. EIT connects local innovators to larger European networks, promoting cross-border collaboration and offering vital resources, knowledge, and finance. The EIT Community is a collaborative network comprising the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s long-term partnerships, known as Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). The nine KICs (EIT Digital, EIT Food, EIT Health, EIT Innoenergy, EIT Manufacturing, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Culture and Creativity) are dedicated to driving systemic change in Europe and beyond, focusing on key areas such as climate change, energy, health, food, manufacturing, raw materials, digitalisation, urban mobility, culture and creativity. By harnessing the collective expertise of the KICs, the EIT Community initiatives power innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity in Europe.
About the EIT Community RIS Hub
The EIT Community Hub was opened in 2021 in Budapest demonstrating the EIT’s unique innovation approach, which involves the close collaboration of four Innovation Communities that assist innovators at all phases of their journey.
The EIT Community Hub in Hungary acts as a critical link between the Hungarian innovation ecosystem and the EIT’s enormous resources. The purpose of the Hubs and EIT Community is to increase the EIT’s visibility and guarantee that its presence is felt throughout. Furthermore, the EIT Community Hub is an open space to foster collaboration and support cooperation within the EIT Community.
“My goal as Hungary’s EIT Community Officer is to serve as a liaison between the region’s innovators and the KICs. Through promoting cooperation and expediting access to EIT’s resources, we make sure that academics and companies in Hungary are prepared to take advantage of possibilities and overcome obstacles. We aim to expand current partnerships, introduce Hungarian ideas to foreign markets, and match local talent with global prospects. Our goal is to promote and grow Hungary’s innovation ecosystem to grow more competitive, resilient, and a part of Europe through focused projects and training. The mission of the EIT is to guarantee that local talent receives world-class mentoring, education, and worldwide collaborations in addition to financial support.”
ESZTER DREVENYÁK, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER HUNGARY
EIT Funding & Impact
In recent years, Hungary’s innovation ecosystem has seen significant growth, thanks to the active support of the EIT. In 2021-22 alone, the EIT supported 102 Hungarian startups, helping them develop and scale their innovative solutions. Moreover, the EIT has strongly emphasised promoting diversity in entrepreneurship, with 36 Hungarian women entrepreneurs receiving dedicated support during this period.
The impact of EIT-backed ventures is clear, as they attracted an impressive EUR 20.85 million in investment, and nine EIT-supported innovations were successfully launched into the market. Additionally, the EIT plays a crucial role in advancing education, with 43 Hungarian residents graduating from EIT-labelled MSc or PhD programs, and over 3,400 participants from Hungary joining EIT’s non-labelled education and training programs, helping to build a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the country’s innovation-driven economy.
These efforts highlight the EIT’s central role in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and education in Hungary.
About the EIT Community Officer
Mrs. Eszter Drevenyák
EIT Community Officer Hungary
Mrs. Eszter Drevenyák has a dynamic and diverse experience in marketing, communications, and project management. As the EIT Community Officer for Hungary, she plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between local innovators and the EIT’s pan-European network, ensuring that Hungarian entrepreneurs have access to essential resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
With a background in knowledge management, government project coordination, and financial operations, she has a deep understanding of supporting both public and private sector initiatives. Before joining the EIT, Eszter worked on high-priority innovation projects as a strategic project manager in the governmental sector. In her current role, Eszter is committed to enhancing cross-sector collaboration, enabling Hungarian innovators to scale their ideas globally while driving sustainable growth in the national innovation ecosystem.
Contact Details
- Email: hungary@eitcommunity.eu
- Phone: +36 70 374 6298
Upcoming Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest opportunities related to Hungary innovation ecosystem and the activities of the EIT Community RIS Hub.
Budapest Climate Summit
