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Hungary’s first incubator focused specifically on green tech and artificial intelligence called Incubator Zero has officially launched its operations.
The company was founded in 2023 with support from the National Research Development and Innovation Office (NKFI) with the aim of opening a new chapter in the Hungarian startup ecosystem. Its mission is to guide innovative businesses in the fields of AI (artificial intelligence), Big Data (complex technological environments), clean tech, and green tech toward international success.
The program uniquely combines state support with professional capital investment, creating a solid foundation for startup growth.
In November 2023, Incubator Zero applied to a call for proposals by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation aimed at supporting startups. A total of 11 incubators received funding from the NKFI fund, amounting to 5.2 billion forints (12 million euros). Incubator Zero’s “Startup Factory: Serving IT and Green Innovations” program received 900 million forints (2.2 million euros) in funding. Using this and its own capital, it plans to make at least eight investments totaling over 1 billion forints (2.5 million euros).
As part of the 2023 Startup Factory program,
the incubator plans to make investments of up to 130 million forints (317,893 euros) in early-stage startups that were founded within the past five years and demonstrate innovation and high growth potential.
Applications for incubation are open until April 30.
Startups in the Incubator Zero portfolio receive not only funding, but also become part of an active professional community. This includes mentoring, workshops, networking events, and access to international networks.
Their goal is to equip every startup with the tools and knowledge needed to enter the international market.
The incubator has signed three cooperation agreements with Hungarian universities: Széchenyi István University, the University of Pécs, and the University of Szeged. Through these partnerships, Incubator Zero works closely with university technology transfer departments and continuously monitors potential spin-off projects.
Via MTI; Featured picture: Pexels