Ensuring the availability of R&D subsidies remains a priority in Hungary, as technological renewal, innovation, and the creation of high value-added jobs determine the competitiveness of the economy in the long term. Companies can choose from a variety of options: tax incentives, support for the establishment of R&D centers, and schemes supporting research and development projects are available.
The purpose of R&D subsidies is to encourage companies to:
- creating new R&D capacities,
- technological developments and innovations,
- creating high value-added R&D jobs,
- and to utilize the research results in product development, prototype manufacturing, and technological innovation.
What costs can the company finance from R&D subsidies?
Most of the funds support the following activities and costs:
- Wages and social security contributions for employees working in R&D,
- Costs of R&D equipment and development infrastructure,
- material costs of research projects,
- subcontracted research and development activities.
What research and development support programs can be expected in 2026?
1. VIP cash subsidysupport for the creation of new R&D centers
In this case, eligible activities do not include project costs, but rather the establishment or expansion of a new research and development center, research laboratories, technical facilities, the purchase of special R&D tools and equipment, software, intangible assets, licenses, or the costs of employing new R&D staff for the first 24 months.
This scheme primarily supports the development of R&D capacity and job creation. Details are available here: Support for the creation of new R&D centers – IBSH
2. EKD support for R&D projects
EKD support for research and development projects is available to companies that wish to launch complex, technology-focused developments. The scheme is particularly advantageous if the company is preparing a project with significant professional content covering several scientific fields, or is researching new technologies that require state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Details are available here: Support for research and development EKD – IBSH
3. GINOP Plus 2.1.1-24 – Support for innovation projects in focus areas
The aim of the GINOP Plus 2.1.1-24 call is to enable companies to implement research and development projects that result in the creation of new products, technologies, or services. The eligible costs of the grant are specifically related to R&D activities, so the program effectively supports the entire development cycle. The scheme is particularly beneficial for companies that would create genuine technical innovations and have significant professional and technological capacity to do so.
Details are available here: GINOP Plus 2.1.1-24 R&D support – IBSH
How much R&D funding is available?
The amount of support depends on the composition of the research and development project, the size of the company, the structure of the application, and the location of the research and development project.
With regard to R&D subsidies, the available subsidy intensity generally ranges between 25% and 75%.
Under what conditions can R&D grants be applied for?
Whether it is a tax credit, grant, or EKD subsidy, all R&D subsidies require the company to meet the following conditions:
- must be engaged in certified R&D activities,
- the project results must contain technical or scientific novelty,
- have adequate financial and professional capacity,
- You must manage costs separately and transparently.
If you would like to assess your funding opportunities in 2026, please feel free to contact our colleagues.
