Top accelerators and startup programs in Hungary

Hungary’s startup ecosystem has continued to evolve steadily, showing resilience despite global funding slowdowns. In 2024, total investments reached €54M. The country now counts 283 early-stage startups, according to the latest report by Startup Hungary in 2024, but currently lacks active late-stage scaleups.

While long-term growth has been moderate compared to other CEE markets, Hungary is laying important foundations for scale-up success, and the next section of the article will explore the most active accelerators and startup programs that continue to drive this evolution.

BnL Start Partners

‍BnL Start Partners is Hungary’s first B2B- and FinTech-focused startup incubator, launched in January 2017 by BnL Growth Partners and headquartered in Miskolc. It targets early-stage startups, especially teams and startups from the North Hungarian region, offering mentoring, coaching, and product validation to help transform ideas into scalable companies ready for international markets.

The program is supported by a dedicated investment fund of €2 million, which it uses to back promising founders with pre-seed or seed-stage investments of up to €250,000.

DEEPSEA Hungary

DEEPSEA Hungary is part of the DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator, a program designed to build and strengthen innovation ecosystems. Over two years, it aims to launch eight high-impact “moonshot” projects tackling key challenges in Hungary’s startup landscape, such as improving university tech transfer, engaging the Hungarian diaspora, and enhancing access to growth capital.

The program kicks off with an Ecosystem Hack in Budapest, where 20–50 ecosystem stakeholders co-design project concepts and prioritize collective objectives. From there, the accelerator delivers a support package, including individual consults, data insights, planning support, and startup-to-partner matchmaking efforts.

Drukka Startup Studio

Drukka Startup Studio is a Budapest-based “one-stop-shop” startup studio and accelerator designed for early-stage ventures. The program offers a blend of investment, mentoring, full-stack software development, and marketing support.

Drukka invites applications and then guides you through a hands-on process, including initial consultation, startup validation, business model development, refining product-market fit, and pitch preparation. Selected startups move on to Pitch Day, where they present to investors. If their idea resonates, Drukka can offer investment of up to 100 million HUF (around €250,000) along with a 3–12 month acceleration program.

ESA BIC Hungary

‍ESA BIC Hungary, also known as the Space Terminal and managed by the innovation agency Design Terminal, is Hungary’s official business incubation centre for space industry startups. It supports entrepreneurs whose ventures involve space technologies, whether that’s using satellite systems such as Earth observation, navigation, or communications, or applying space-based knowledge in innovative ways.

The program is open to individuals or startups based in Hungary, with companies no more than five years old and majority-owned independently. Participants receive an extensive incubation package: up to €50,000 in equity-free funding, office accommodation, technical support, business coaching, as well as legal and IPR advice.

MKB Fintechlab

‍MKB Fintechlab is an accelerator and innovation lab established by MKB Bank to support startups in the financial technology sector. It focuses on solutions that drive digital transformation and improve banking systems.

The program connects fintech startups with the banking industry, providing an environment where innovation can be tested, developed, and scaled.

NAK TechLab

‍NAK TechLab is a long-term agri-innovation incubator jointly operated by the Hungarian National Chamber of Agriculture (NAK) and Design Terminal. It focuses on accelerating the digital modernization of Hungary’s agricultural sector by bridging the gap between ag-tech startups, innovative companies, and traditional agribusinesses.

The initiative includes several structured components, such as hackathons, university idea competitions, and a dedicated three-month enterprise‑startup incubation track, which brings together startups and large agricultural corporations.

OXO Labs

‍OXO Labs is a Budapest-based incubator and accelerator that focuses on helping early-stage startups from Hungary scale into international markets. Its programs combine mentoring, business training, and funding support, with a strong emphasis on lean strategy and rapid market entry. 

Each year, OXO Labs selects a small group of promising startups and provides them with tailored guidance to prepare for global expansion.

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This article is part of a series that presents the top startup incubators and accelerators across Europe. Stay tuned!