Mentoring Hungary to Build a Stronger EIC Plug‑in Pathway

Over two days, the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH), responsible for implementing the EIC Plug-in scheme in Hungary, hosted a delegation from Bpifrance, Agência Nacional de Inovação (ANI) from Portugal, and Agenzia per la Promozione della Ricerca Europea (APRE) from Italy. The visit featured a mentoring session focused on delivering recommendations for the scheme’s implementation roadmap and conducting an initial review of its outcomes.

This session was organized under the Access2EIC project, a Coordination and Support Action aimed at strengthening National Contact Points (NCPs) for the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Innovation Ecosystem (EIE) programmes. The collaboration combined online and on-site activities to transfer tools, methodologies, and operational know-how. The shared goal was to help Hungary establish a streamlined, SME-friendly Plug-in process capable of identifying strong national innovators and preparing them effectively for European-level evaluation.

The EIC Plug-in scheme serves as a fast-track gateway connecting nationally funded innovation projects to the EIC Accelerator. Certified national bodies play a key role by identifying and pre-validating companies that align with EIC expectations, enabling them to move directly to Step 2 of the evaluation process.

Since 2022, several countries have adopted Plug-in certification. These mentoring sessions foster mutual learning and collaboration among member states, aiming to develop replicable methodologies, templates, and operational routines that ensure effective candidate selection and smooth transition to European-level evaluation. In 2025, following DG RTD’s validation and in partnership with NKFIH, Access2EIC contributors supported Hungary’s Plug-in implementation through mentoring, tool and template transfer, and hands-on operational coaching, culminating in an on-site mission in November. The objective was to ensure timely, high-quality submissions to the EIC Accelerator while keeping the process SME-friendly and administratively light.

A Collaborative Effort to Streamline SME Access to the EIC Accelerator

The on-site mentoring provided a comprehensive overview of the Plug-in scheme and its certification principles, shared feedback from other national experiences, and defined implementation strategies tailored for Hungary. The process emphasized knowledge transfer by introducing proven methodologies such as filtering criteria based on financial health, exclusion of previously accelerated companies, and prioritization of enterprises not yet evaluated by the Commission. It also focused on tool deployment through candidate databases with TRL indicators and funding timelines to ensure transparent and efficient selection, and on stakeholder coordination to align NKFIH, national innovation actors, and Plug-in scheme requirements for smooth adoption.

The European Innovation Council (EIC), the EU’s flagship programme for breakthrough innovation, allocates €10.1 billion under Horizon Europe to support high-risk, high-impact technologies. It backs innovators from early-stage research to scale-up through a mix of grants, equity investments via the EIC Fund, and tailored business acceleration services, positioning itself as Europe’s primary gateway for transformative technologies.

 

Driving Knowledge Transfer for High‑Quality European Innovation Applications

This initiative aims to improve the overall quality of applications submitted to the EIC Accelerator, while supporting DG RTD and EISMEA in providing clear and detailed assistance to countries or agencies with early experience in the Plug-in scheme, including technical and administrative guidance. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen the European innovation ecosystem by fostering mutual learning and promoting the exchange of best practices in Plug-in implementation among member states.

 

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About Access2EIC

Access2EIC is a collaborative network of 16 dedicated partners working together to support national applicants and enhance the quality of proposals submitted under the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Innovation Ecosystem (EIE) programmes. This initiative represents a 7-year Coordination and Support Action (CSA), building upon the legacy of previous EIC support networks and aligning with the ambitions of the Horizon Europe Framework Programme.

More information on   : https://access2eic.eu/

 

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About Bpifrance

Bpifrance finances companies—at every stage of their development—with loans, guarantees, and equity. Bpifrance supports them in their innovation and international projects. Bpifrance also insures their export activity through a wide range of products. Consulting, university, networking, and acceleration programs for startups, SMEs, and mid-sized companies are also part of the offering for entrepreneurs. Thanks to Bpifrance and its 50 regional offices, entrepreneurs benefit from a local, single point of contact that is effective in helping them meet their challenges.

More information on   : www.bpifrance.fr/presse.bpifrance.fr – Follow us on X : @Bpifrance – @BpifrancePresse and on LinkedIn @Bpifrance

Press contact: Claire Joly – claire.joly@bpifrance.fr +33 6 69 47 14 76 Sophie Santandrea – sophie.santandrea@bpirance.fr + 33 7 88 09 28 17