HUN-REN Expands Technology Transfer and Research Collaboration in Hungary

Efforts to strengthen technology transfer and research valorisation in Central and Eastern Europe have increased, with new institutional frameworks and funding agreements supporting these developments.

HUN-REN, the Hungarian Research Network, established HUNRENTECH Ltd in 2025 to help researchers translate scientific findings into practical solutions. The company’s creation forms part of broader measures to enhance the impact of research in Hungary and the region.

On December 15, 2025, HUN-REN signed a 25-year framework agreement with the Hungarian government. This agreement provides funding and operational predictability for HUN-REN through 2050, supporting its long-term research and innovation activities.

Under the 2026-2031 public task financing contract, HUN-REN is set to receive 523 billion forints. Annual funding will increase from 76.8 billion forints in 2026 to 89.3 billion forints from 2027, with half of the funds allocated based on performance criteria.

What the numbers show

• 523 billion forints allocated to HUN-REN for 2026-2031
• HUN-REN aims for 140 patents and at least 20 spin-off companies each year
• 3,500 high school students and 600 PhD students to be engaged annually

HUN-REN’s annual targets include producing 140 patents, creating at least 20 spin-off companies, generating 10 billion forints in external revenue, and involving thousands of students in research activities each year. These objectives are part of the performance-based funding structure outlined in the agreement.

Following a legal transformation in October 2025, HUN-REN’s research institutes became independent legal entities, enabling them to apply for participation in EU research programmes. On February 3, 2026, the European Commission authorised HUN-REN institutes to begin administrative steps to obtain Participant Identification Codes, ensuring continued involvement in EU research and innovation initiatives.

HUN-REN’s Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI) leads the HunAIFA consortium, which secured around €10 million from the EuroHPC AI Factory Antenna programme. This funding supports the development of artificial intelligence ecosystems linked to European supercomputing infrastructure.

Recent years have seen additional initiatives in the region, such as the launch of the WiderAdvance Facility in January 2025, which provides training and support to researchers in Widening countries. Agencies like Rise in Croatia also contribute by implementing knowledge valorisation guidelines and supporting intellectual property management.

Industry reaction

Panelists at a Science|Business conference on February 5, 2026, including representatives from HUN-REN and other organisations, stated that Central and Eastern European countries have historically lacked established infrastructure for technology transfer. They noted that recent developments indicate growing momentum to address these gaps.

According to Science|Business, the establishment of HUNRENTECH and the long-term funding agreement reflect broader efforts in the region to advance technology transfer and research valorisation.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.