EIT Community RIS Hub in Hungary
Empowering Hungary’s Innovators: Pathway to Global Competitiveness
Hungary’s innovation ecosystem is a key driver in the nation’s development as an economic powerhouse, technological leader, and international competitor. By accelerating the creation of next-generation technologies, products, and services, and by fostering a strong environment for startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers, Hungary is positioning itself as a significant player in Europe’s innovation landscape. Supporting creative thinking and investing in local talent attracts both global and domestic investment, which enhances the country’s social cohesion and economic growth. The establishment of research facilities and innovation centres ensures the nation is well-prepared to face future challenges, including the transition to a more digital and sustainable economy.
Furthermore, Hungary’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), which aligns national strengths with EU-wide research and innovation goals, highlights the country’s commitment to innovation. Hungary’s universities and research centres, with their strong emphasis on higher education, collaborate closely with businesses to support the commercialisation of R&D initiatives. This environment encourages continuous learning and resilience within the workforce, ensuring that Hungary’s human capital is prepared for any technological changes ahead. Ultimately, Hungary’s innovation ecosystem, supported by programmes like the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), positions the nation to contribute significantly to Europe’s technological and economic landscape.
The EIT is at the heart of Hungary’s innovation landscape, helping to build the country’s innovative capabilities. EIT connects local innovators to broader European networks, promoting cross-border collaboration and providing essential resources, knowledge, and funding. The EIT Community is a collaborative network made up of 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 & Creativity) focus on driving systemic change in Europe and beyond, tackling 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 powers innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity across Europe.
About the EIT Community RIS Hub
The EIT Community Hub opened in Budapest in 2021, showcasing the EIT’s unique approach to innovation, which involves close collaboration across four Innovation Communities that support innovators at all stages of their journey.
The EIT Community Hub in Hungary acts as a critical link between the Hungarian innovation ecosystem and the extensive resources of the EIT. The purpose of the Hubs and the EIT Community is to increase the visibility of the EIT and ensure its presence is felt across the region. Furthermore, the EIT Community Hub serves as an open space fostering collaboration and 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
Hungary’s innovation ecosystem has seen significant growth in recent years, 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 placed a strong emphasis on promoting diversity in entrepreneurship, with 36 Hungarian women entrepreneurs receiving dedicated support during this period.
The impact of EIT-backed ventures is clear, with an impressive EUR 20.85 million in investment attracted, and nine EIT-supported innovations successfully launched to market. Additionally, the EIT has played a crucial role in advancing education, with 43 Hungarian residents graduating from EIT-labelled MSc or PhD programmes, and over 3,400 participants from Hungary joining EIT’s non-labelled education and training programmes, helping to build a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the country’s innovation-driven economy.
These efforts underline 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 brings 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 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 government 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.
