DEEPSEA Hungary:
International Ecosystem-Building Program Launched in Hungary
World-Class Ecosystem Building in Hungary
The Hungarian innovation environment receives significant strengthening with the launch of the DEEPSEA Hungary program, implemented within the DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator framework. This world-leading growth program has already helped raise funds for ecosystems in more than 30 countries, with total support value exceeding 8 million euros.
Based on the program’s international successes, it’s clear that it arrives in Hungary with methodology and experience that has proven effective in developing startup and innovation ecosystems. This is particularly important for the Hungarian economy, which is increasingly moving toward knowledge-based and innovation-driven growth.
Implementation in professional partnership with the National Innovation Agency ensures that international best practices are applied in harmony with Hungarian specificities and needs. This approach maximizes the program’s effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Eight Ambitious Moonshot Projects
Over the next two years, the program will launch 8 ambitious moonshot projects for the Hungarian ecosystem. These projects address fundamental challenges whose solutions could significantly impact the entire Hungarian innovation environment.
University technology transfer is one of the key areas where Hungary has significant potential, but practical implementation often encounters obstacles. The DEEPSEA program aims to bridge the gap between research results and market application, enabling more efficient utilization of university research.
Connecting with the global diaspora is also a strategically important area. The network of Hungarian professionals and entrepreneurs living worldwide holds enormous potential that has not been fully exploited so far. The program aims to strengthen these connections and create mutually beneficial collaborations.
Attracting growth capital is the third highlighted area, particularly important for the Hungarian startup ecosystem’s development. Domestic businesses often struggle to obtain capital needed for scaling, limiting their growth potential.
International Methodology, Local Application
DEEPSEA is a two-year international ecosystem-building program that works with proven methodology. The program’s strength lies in not simply copying solutions applied in other countries but adapting them to local conditions and needs.
International experience shows that ecosystem building is a long-term process requiring persistence and consistency. The two-year timeframe allows projects to be developed with sufficient depth and produce sustainable results.
The program’s methodology applies a holistic approach that focuses not only on individual businesses but on developing the entire ecosystem. This includes improving the financing environment, building mentoring networks, strengthening international connections, and developing supporting infrastructure.
Role of the National Innovation Agency
Implementation in professional partnership with the National Innovation Agency ensures that the program closely aligns with Hungarian innovation policy goals and strategies. The agency’s experience and network of connections are crucial to the program’s success.
The National Innovation Agency was created to directly help Hungarian innovative businesses, providing an ideal foundation for implementing the DEEPSEA program. The agency’s knowledge of local challenges and opportunities ensures that the program is truly relevant and effective.
Impact on the SME Sector
The expected impacts of the DEEPSEA Hungary program extend far beyond the startup sector and could have significant positive influence on the entire SME ecosystem. Developing the startup ecosystem, improving the innovation environment, supporting technology transfer, and building international connections are all areas that directly or indirectly affect smaller businesses as well.
Improving university research commercialization could create new technological solutions and business opportunities for SMEs. Democratizing access to advanced technologies enables smaller businesses to apply innovative solutions as well.
Strengthening global diaspora connections could open new markets and partnerships for Hungarian businesses. Building international networks is particularly important for export-oriented SMEs, making it easier to access foreign customers and partners.
Improving the Financing Environment
Supporting growth capital attraction is beneficial not only for startups but for the entire business ecosystem. An advanced financing environment improves businesses’ access to capital, facilitating growth and innovation.
The program is expected to contribute to more investors becoming interested in the Hungarian market, increasing available capital. This could be beneficial not only for startups but also for traditional SMEs, as it improves the general financing environment.
Application Opportunities and Next Steps
The program’s application deadline is August 5, 2025, meaning interested businesses and organizations still have the opportunity to join this unique initiative. The application opportunity provides democratic access to the program, regardless of business size or development level.
The program is expected to generate significant interest in the Hungarian innovation community. The combination of international experience and local professional support represents a value proposition that is difficult to replicate by other initiatives.
Long-term Perspectives
The long-term impacts of the DEEPSEA Hungary program are expected to extend beyond the two-year implementation period. Ecosystem building is a process that becomes self-sustaining if proper foundations are laid.
If the program succeeds, Hungary could become a regional innovation center that attracts international investors, talents, and businesses. This could be beneficial not only for the technology sector but for the entire Hungarian economy.
The experiences gained and connections built during moonshot project implementation will be useful long-term. The networks and collaborations thus created could form the basis for further innovation initiatives.
Summary
The launch of the DEEPSEA Hungary program is a significant milestone in the development of the Hungarian innovation ecosystem. The combination of international experience and local expertise creates an opportunity that could fundamentally change the Hungarian startup and SME environment.
The program’s eight moonshot projects target areas crucial for the Hungarian economy’s future. University technology transfer, global connections, and improving the financing environment are all areas that could provide long-term competitive advantages for Hungary.