A new business development support program specifically for PhD students is being launched with the aim of transforming results derived from doctoral research into marketable innovations, thereby fostering the creation of new research-based enterprises. Applications for the Pathway to Business program are open until September 15, the Deputy State Secretary for Innovation at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation announced on Saturday at the University of Debrecen.
At a press conference held as part of the 6th DOSZFESZT, László Bódis presented the new opportunity created for PhD students.
The program provides both mentoring and financial support for the implementation of research-based startups, promotes technology transfer and its utilization through the introduction of intellectual property, licensing, product development, and market entry, as well as by examining the social and technical applicability of research results. In addition, during the multi-phase project, applicants can acquire the basics and fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the startup world in English with the help of digital learning materials.
“The call is open to active PhD students enrolled at Hungarian universities who began their doctoral studies after September 1, 2016, have already obtained their pre-degree certificate but have not yet received their degree,” explained László Bódis.
The Deputy State Secretary emphasized: a ready-made business plan is not required; it is sufficient to have an innovative, research-based idea with potential for social or economic utilization.
In the first round, the program allows fifty PhD students to participate. For the first three months, they will receive a monthly stipend of HUF 50,000. Those who maintain their active doctoral student status will later be eligible for HUF 150,000, while students with passive status who already hold a pre-degree certificate and are building their businesses can receive HUF 400,000 per month. In addition, up to HUF 1 million can be requested for project financing.
At the end of the pilot year, in the summer of 2026, the program will conclude with a presentation before investors, where participants will showcase their completed developments.
“The goal is that by acquiring knowledge of the basics of business, innovation, and the startup world, as well as practical experience, participants can reach a level where they are capable of successfully launching a new venture. Overall, Pathway to Business is a bridge between academic research and market application,” said László Bódis.
The right to award doctoral degrees was returned to higher education institutions in 1993. Since 1994, the Hungarian Association of Doctoral Students (DOSZ) has been representing and protecting the interests of PhD students, and over the past more than thirty years it has also shaped the domestic doctoral education system.
“In 2022, DOSZ signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. In this strategic partnership, we set out short- and long-term goals for improving doctoral education. Over the past year, we have worked intensively to create a more attractive and supportive system for young researchers, one that benefits higher education, doctoral students’ everyday lives, and the world of science. One result of this joint work is the program now being launched, which I believe will be attractive to all PhD students interested in the world of business,” said Dániel Molnár, President of DOSZ.
At the press conference, Zoltán Bács, Chancellor of the University of Debrecen, emphasized that researchers are needed who are not only familiar with their own field but also with its potential economic applications and with the translation of scientific and innovation results into economic practice.
“This is not only important for those who want to become entrepreneurs but also for those who wish to work in institutions. That is why we want to make use of the scientific and innovation results produced by doctoral students at the university as well. I believe that alongside academic and business doctoral training, this complementary program coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation will be valuable for the future,” added Zoltán Bács.
Applications for the Pathway to Business program are open until September 15, 2025.
More information about the program can be found on the website of the National Innovation Agency: https://www.niu.hu/service/pathway-to-business-program
(unideb.hu)
