Eureka – From Research to Reality: Financing Innovation
Turning Research into Real-World Impact
We are delighted to invite you to the “Eureka – From Research to Reality: Financing Innovation” conference, which will focus on the financing opportunities of research, development, and innovation. The conference will bring together decision-makers, policymakers, financial experts, and industry leaders to explore how organizations can identify their R&D activities and connect them with practical funding solutions.
Highlights of the programme include:
- High-level insights on the global and national role of R&D
- How to compile a strong R&D qualification
- A Hungarian innovation success story
- Practical guidance on financing opportunities – both domestic and EU-level
- A roundtable discussion on building competitive R&D teams in Hungary
- An interactive workshop with pre-selected topics and real-world case studies
Date: 20 November, 2025
Venue: Radisson Budapest BudaPart (1117 Dombóvári út 25. A. ép.), Aster meeting room
PROGRAMME:
8:30 – 9:00 | Registration
Arrival and networking opportunity with fellow participants.
9:00 – 9:10 | Opening remarks
Zoltán Gerendy, CEO, BDO
9:10 – 9:20 | Keynote: The role of R&D investments
Speaker: To be confirmed – A high-level perspective on why research and development matter for global competitiveness.
9:20 – 9:40 | Policy insights: The role of R&D in Hungary’s industrial strategy
Dr. Ádám Nagy – Ministry for National Economy
The role of R&D in Hungary’s industrial strategy.
9:40 – 10:00 | R&D qualification in practice
Dr. Judit Berencsi, Head of Department, National Research, Development and Innovation Office
Defining R&D – What makes a strong application for R&D qualification and evolving trends
10:00 – 10:20 | Hungarian success story
Gergely Vida, CEO, Lightware Visual Engineering Zrt.
How to become a global player in AV industry from a 34 sqm apartment?
10:20 – 10:45 | Coffee break
10:45 – 11:15 | Practical pathways: Financing opportunities in R&D
Marcell Tatai-Szabó, Partner, BDO FDI
Exploring real-world options for funding innovative projects.
11:15 – 11:45 | European perspectives: Opportunities in R&D financing from direct EU grants
Eva Martischnig and Nina Giuliana Londer, BDO Austria
Navigating the landscape of EU-level funding and grant opportunities with case studies.
11:45 – 12:30 | Roundtable discussion: Building a competitive R&D team in Hungary today
The discussion will explore how Hungarian R&D teams can be built to remain competitive on the international stage. Panelists will consider the role of credits and incentives, and whether they truly deliver practical advantages. Drawing on real-world experiences, the session will highlight lessons learned and future development points for strengthening R&D ecosystems.
Moderator: Gyöngyi Szabó-Varga, Director, BDO FDI
Panelists:
- Rozália Miklós – Managing Director, MSCI
- Dr. Enikő Rausch – Vice-President R&D Center, Ceva-Phylaxia
- Zoltán Szabó – R&D Senior Manager, Infineon Technologies Cegléd Kft.
- Gábor Gajdátsy – Head of R&D, Budapest, Lightware Visual Engineering Zrt
12:30 – 13:30 | Business Lunch
13:30 – 15:30 | Interactive workshop around R&D financing: practical insights and case studies
Ahead of the conference, participants will be invited to complete a short questionnaire about their R&D activities. The workshop will present the aggregated results and include selected case studies, providing concrete examples to the discussion. Participants will then engage in an open exchange on the most relevant professional challenges identified, ensuring the session addresses real issues that matter to them.
Registration & Participation
This invitation is primarily intended for CEOs, CFOs, and R&D leaders. Participation is free of charge; however, seating capacity is limited. To ensure broad representation, a maximum of one participant per company may attend.
Register here
Please register no later than 1st November 2025. Your registration will only be confirmed once you receive written confirmation from the organizers. Kindly note that in case of cancellation or no-show, a fee of EUR 100 + VAT per person will be charged.
