Green Industry Innovation

Programme Summary

Why is the programme needed? Hungary's eco-innovation performance is, despite improvements in recent years, still below the EU average. To achieve sustainable economic growth the Hungarian economy needs to reduce its environmental impact and improve resource efficiency, with a particular need identified in the field of  waste management, water and air quality.  Therefore support for development and implementation of more environmentally friendly solutions are needed to make the Hungarian economy greener and more competitive.  What will the programme achieve? The programme will seek to increase green business opportunities by providing grant support to companies focusing on green innovative technologies, products and processes for internal use or to be sold on the market. This will help companies to become cleaner and more competitive thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth of the Hungarian economy. How will it be achieved? In total €22.4 million will be made available through one open call planned for launch in the spring of 2013 with a project support in the range of €170,000 – €1,600,000. Support can be provided for innovative projects aimed at:

• Improving water quality
• Improving waste management
• Improving air quality
• Implementation of innovative green technologies in general

The programme is operated by the Szent István University who have long traditions in the field of research and innovation. Innovation Norway is involved in the programme as a partner to facilitate the establishment of partnership with Norwegian entities.How will bilateral relations be strengthened? It is expected that that enterprises from both countries will benefit from the cooperation through exchange of expertise and knowledge.What are the partnership opportunities? Partnerships with Norwegian entities are encouraged in the programme and will be awarded additional points as part of the project appraisal. Innovation Norway will act as a contact point for Donor state entities wishing to participate as partners in projects. A matchmaking seminar in Hungary is foreseen in connection with the open call  where travel support for participation will be available.Who can apply for funding under this programme? Enterprises registered in Hungary are eligible to apply as project applicants. The main target groups are SMEs where research institutions and public entities can be involved as project partners.