The University of Szeged’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK) is launching the SZTE VIRTUS Research Career Program, inviting researchers who are driven to explore the market potential of their creative ideas while pursuing their scientific research and teaching careers. This new challenge offers participants the chance to gain insight into corporate and investor perspectives, while also experiencing the fulfilment that comes from innovation rooted in real societal needs.
The VIRTUS Research Career Program is a university-level innovation support scheme, established by the Directorate-General for Strategy and Development and implemented within the University of Szeged’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK). Admission to the program is based on the decision of the IKIKK Governing Board, following a proposal submitted by the management of the relevant cluster within IKIKK.
The program is designed to guide research-driven ideas from the earliest stages of basic research through to market utilization – strengthening the University of Szeged’s innovation ecosystem, expanding industrial and investor partnerships, and ensuring the effective use of the university’s intellectual assets.
The SZTE Virtus Startup Catalyst Program was launched in 2019 as an internal service, offering guidance and support through consultancy, mentoring, assistance with the preparation of so‑called one-pagers, market analysis, business planning, novelty research, and financial planning – all designed to support interested students and researchers.
Entering an advanced phase in 2025, the SZTE VIRTUS (2025) program’s main strength lies in its comprehensive support for researchers throughout the intricate process from idea to implementation. The science and innovation management team provides modular, step-by-step guidance tailored to the specific development stage of each project:
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Professional and financial support: Each project is supported by assigned mentors, business development specialists, and funding opportunities available at every stage.
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Program modules aligned with TRL levels: Every project receives support tailored to its specific stage of technological maturity.
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Intellectual property protection and inventor incentives: Following a patent application filed by the University of Szeged, inventors receive substantial financial rewards.
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Access to real market opportunities: Participants gain access to industry partnerships, investors, spin-off company formation, and licensing options.
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Access to university innovation channels and infrastructure: Access is provided through the clusters and services of the University of Szeged’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK).
The Four Core Components of the VIRTUS Program
1. VIRTUS Take-Off
This entry phase of the program offers researchers the opportunity to validate their ideas and assess industrial applicability within a structured framework, using a clearly defined methodology.
During the Take-Off phase, the objective is to prepare promising concepts for the next stage – Incubation or Proof of Concept. Key priorities include establishing a foundation for intellectual property (IP) protection and encouraging early-stage market-oriented thinking.
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Eligibility criteria: Active affiliation with the University of Szeged, at least TRL 2, and a research project with at least 50% of the research activity linked to SZTE
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Support: Free business development and intellectual property (IP) advisory services
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Outcome: A validated one-pager, a Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA), and an initial cost and timeline estimate
2. VIRTUS Incubation
The incubation phase is ideal for researchers who already have an innovative idea but are not yet sure how to transform it into a market-ready product or service.
At this stage, researchers work with expert support to refine their project concept, define a clear value proposition, explore potential pathways for commercialization, and prepare for the next step: the Proof of Concept (PoC) phase. Particular emphasis is placed on developing a sound intellectual property (IP) strategy.
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Eligibility criteria: Minimum TRL 2, active affiliation with the University of Szeged, a research project with at least 50% of its activity linked to SZTE, and a defined research and budget plan
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Support: Up to HUF 10 million per project
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Outcome: IP filing, PoC registration materials, a project roadmap, and a one-pager
3. VIRTUS Proof of Concept
This phase focuses on evaluating the actual feasibility of developing a product or service. Participants create a prototype, conduct target group research, and prepare detailed financial plans.
The goal is to demonstrate that the given technology is viable both commercially and technically, has market potential, and is protectable. The work carried out in this phase lays the foundation for future spin-off creation or licensing agreements.
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Eligibility criteria: Minimum TRL 2, active affiliation with the University of Szeged, at least 50% of the research activity linked to SZTE, prior VIRTUS program materials, and a relevant research and cost plan
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Support: Up to HUF 12 million per project
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Outcome: Business case documentation, IP evaluation, validation results, and pitching materials
4. VIRTUS Accelerator
The VIRTUS Accelerator is the program’s peak stage, with a clear focus on industrial or investor-driven commercialization.
Support at this phase is designed to assist participants in launching spin-off companies, transferring licenses, and executing technology transfer processes. Participants receive a comprehensive service package that includes tailored business development, investor readiness training, participation in industry exhibitions, and support for the implementation of IP strategies.
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Eligibility criteria: Minimum TRL 3, a team of at least two members, active affiliation with the University of Szeged, an external partner, and a defined research and business plan
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Support: Up to HUF 50 million per project
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Outcome: Spin-off formation, licensing agreements, market entry, or syndicate agreement
IP Incentive Program
To encourage the protection and commercialization of intellectual property, the University of Szeged offers the following financial incentives to researchers:
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Patent application: HUF 500,000
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Granted patent: HUF 1,000,000
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First revenue from commercialization: The first HUF 1,000,000 in revenue is awarded in full to the inventor.
SUMMARY:
The VIRTUS Program is the University of Szeged’s comprehensive, structured response to the challenges of innovation. Its four-phase support system provides researchers with a clear framework in which ideas can be transformed into real, market-ready solutions – all while ensuring continuous university support, access to funding, and strong industry connections throughout the entire process.
More than just a funding opportunity or development scheme, VIRTUS is a holistic career framework that ensures the long-term visibility and sustainability of the University of Szeged’s intellectual capital.
We look forward to hearing from you through the cluster associated with your faculty:
Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture –eloklaszter@szte.hu
Faculty of Science and Informatics, Faculty of Engineering –elettelenklaszter@szte.hu
Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Bartók Béla Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Juhász Gyula Faculty of Education –humanklaszter@szte.hu
Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center –egeszsegklaszter@szte.hu
The Executive Board
of the University of Szeged’s
Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation
Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kónya and Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka
