Hungary’s space endeavors are marked by a blend of governmental support, innovative programs, and active industry clusters. Hungary has been actively enhancing its space capabilities through various programs and the establishment of supportive institutions.
KEY ORGANIZATIONS
1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
KEY ACTIVITIES: HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) programme. Within the framework of the HUNOR programme, the Hungarian research astronaut will carry out experiments of domestic relevance, scientific initiatives of Hungarian universities, research groups and companies in space. The ministry is responsible for the operation of the whole program.
• More Information: space.kormany.hu
2. Hungarian Space Office (HSO)
The Hungarian Space Office (HSO) manages, coordinates and represents the Hungarian space activities. The office helps disseminating information about space related tenders, events and news.
• More Information: A magyar űrkutatás hírei
3. Hungarian Space Industry Cluster
Hunspace is a hub for scientific exploration, technological advancement, and economic development in the space industry. They are committed to fostering an inclusive, vibrant community and transforming Hungary’s space ambitions into pioneering realities.
• More Information: HUNSPACE – Hungarian Space Industry Cluster – Hunspace is your hub for scientific exploration, technological advancement, and economic development in the space industry.
4. Hungarian Research Network
HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network operates under the mandate of the National Assembly of Hungary as an independent entity. HUN-REN encompasses 11 research centres, 8 research institutes, and 116 supported research groups conducting basic and applied research across all scientific disciplines, including SHAPE, STEM and life sciences. HUN-REN is a key element of Hungary’s research and innovation ecosystem and serves as the main driving force behind it, collaborating closely with government bodies involved in science policy, universities and major industrial stakeholders.
• More Information: Home | HUN-REN
5. Design Terminal – Space Terminal
Space Terminal is the hub of Design Terminal’s space-related activities. All programs have one goal in common: to strengthen the Hungarian space industry and build a strong community with diverse stakeholders. Space Terminal is the Hungarian partner of the European Space Agency (ESA).
KEY ACTIVITIES:
ESA BIC – Partner for the European Space Agency’s incubation activity for space industry startups in Hungary. ESA Business Incubation Centre Hungary helps entrepreneurs with professional guidance, networking possibilities and a funding of €50.000.
• More Information: Space Terminal
6. ESA Technology Broker
The aim of the European Space Agency’s Technology Broker program is to bridge the gap between space technology and market needs by supporting the transfer of space solutions to traditional industries. If a company is facing a challenge that can be solved by a space innovation, the Technology Broker connects it with the right space startup. The successful transfer is supported by the Spark Funding opportunity, which provides financial support to the companies that are looking to develop their business with space technology.
• More Information: https://esatechbroker.designterminal.org/
7. ESA ESERO
The project uses space related themes and the genuine fascination felt by young people for space to enhance school pupils’ literacy and competence in STEM-related subjects. The ESERO project also highlights the associated applications from space and raises awareness of the large range of career prospects in the space domain.
• More Information: https://eserohu.hu/
SPACE RELATED-VC FUNDS in HUNGARY
1. Herius Capital
Herius Capital is one of the first Space Tech specialized venture capital firms in Europe. Investing exclusively in early-stage Space Tech companies globally with a focus on Europe and with exclusive access to the CEE and SEE markets.
• More Information: Herius Capital
The presented article was prepared as part of the pilot project “Space for V4,” within the ecosystem mapping segment conducted in each V4 country. The project aims to create a platform for fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in the space industry, research, and business across the V4 region.
TEXT: Lórinc Pava, Anna Čaplovičová
FOTO: pixabay.com
The project is co-financed by the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia through Visegrad grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to promote the ideas of sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe. visegradfund.org.