Grant Details
Who can apply?
Semmelweis University associated innovation projects can apply where at least the project manager is in contractual relationship with the University.
The project needs to be at TRL level 1 or 2 and should not have received previous PoC funding.
What activities does the PoC Fund support?
Prototyping, business and technology validation activities with the aim of growing the project at least 1 TRL level.
How can I spend from the PoC Fund?
Projects can request funding up to 25 million HUF - however we expect that the average funding per project will be around 15 million HUF.
The awarded funds can be
How many milestones should I plan?
You can plan for up to 5 milestones for each project.
You can request advance payments up to 5 million HUF for each milestones. For each milestone to be accepted and the next advance payment to be issued you need to prove that the resources so far have been spent according to the agreed upon budget and that your project is progressing as planned.
What is the professional program?
The professional program consists of 8 in-person 2-hour-long workshops and at least monthly consultation with our portfolio managers. Participation on at least 75% of the professional program is required.
Topics covered in the professional program: Business Planning, IP Protection, Regulatory Paths, Financials - Grants & VCs, Term Sheets, Go-to-market Strategy, Pitching, Negotiation and Networking.
What is a Term Sheet and Grant Agreement?
Term Sheet
The Term Sheet outlines what the PoC Fund requests in return for the financial and professional support provided.
In the case of a spin-off company, we ask for 0.5% equity per 5 million HUF in funding received. The Term Sheet also includes additional conditions designed to protect our minority stake in the spin-off, such as rights related to future funding rounds, exit events, and information access.
Grant Agreement
The Grant Agreement is a formal contract signed between the Technology Transfer Center (TTC), the University, and the Project Members.
It sets out the rights and obligations of each party, including funding milestones, reporting duties, and participation in the support program.What are the most important dates to keep in mind?
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Pre-application until 10th of October
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In-person Consultation until 31st of October
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Final Application until 07th of November
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Selection Process and Criteria
Eligibility Check - November 07-12.
During the eligibility check, we will verify whether all required documents, application forms, and attachments have been submitted, and confirm that the applicant meets the basic eligibility criteria set by the program.
If any documents are missing, applicants will be notified and given 48 hours to submit the missing materials.
Only complete and formally compliant applications will proceed to the evaluation phase.
Jury Scoring - November 14-30.
In the first round, a jury of 6 experts will receive the submitted application materials along with an internal evaluation from the Technology Transfer Center (TTC).
Each jury member will score the project on 8 evaluation criteria, using a 1–5 scale for each.
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Projects can receive a maximum of 250 points (40 each and the TTC representative can award an additional 10 points).
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Only those scoring at least 150 points will advance to the next round.
Verbal Evaluation - December 01-12.
Shortlisted teams will be invited to an online verbal pitch and discussion round, conducted with at least 3 jury members present.
This round allows the jury to ask questions, clarify details, and assess the team’s readiness and commitment.
Based on the jury’s input, a final preference list will be created. Adjusting for individual project funding needs, the top-ranking proposals will be selected, with the goal of maximizing use of the total available fund.
Application Process
September 15 -
October 10.
Pre-application Form
Start by submitting a short pre-application form that captures basic information about your project and team.
This step is not evaluated—its purpose is to help us prepare for a meaningful conversation with you.
September 22 -
October 31.
In-Person Consultation
After submitting the pre-application form, you’ll receive a link to book an in-person consultation with our expert team.
This session allows us to:
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Learn more about your project
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Give personalized feedback on how to strengthen your application
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Help you align with the program’s focus areas and requirements
November 07.
Application Deadline
Only teams who have completed both the pre-application and consultation will be eligible to submit a full application.
This ensures that all applicants are well-informed and have had the chance to refine their project with expert input.
Proof of Concept Fund
The Proof of Concept (PoC) Fund supports early-stage innovation projects in the very first phases of development. Our goal is to help project teams take the next step toward real-world application, moving at least one TRL level forward with a focus on commercialization potential.
We are particularly interested in projects that may lead to the creation of a spin-off company or a licensing agreement, ultimately translating academic or clinical research into real impact.
Goal
We fund projects around TRL 2, helping them reach at least TRL 3 or beyond. Our focus is on innovations that have clear market potential—either as future spin-off companies or through technology licensing.
Financial Support
Applicants can request up to 25 million HUF in total funding. Most selected projects typically receive between 5–15 million HUF. Milestone-based funding: Funds are disbursed based on pre-agreed project milestones. Each milestone can receive a maximum of 5 million HUF in funding. This structure ensures measurable progress and encourages project teams to deliver on key technical and commercialization objectives.
Professional Support
In addition teams receive tailored professional support, including: Workshops and expert-led sessions on: Business planning Regulatory pathways Intellectual property protection Future funding opportunities Individual consultations with business and commercialization experts Our support is designed to equip teams with the necessary tools to develop a solid strategy for market entry and long-term success.
Requirements
To access the PoC Fund’s financial and professional support, project teams must commit to the following: Participation: Attend at least 75% of all workshops and individual consultations provided during the program. Equity requirement: In the case of forming a spin-off company, the fund will receive equity linked to the funding amount (e.g., 5 million HUF = 0.5% equity). Investment rights: The PoC Fund reserves the right to invest in the spin-off’s first priced investment round, ensuring continued alignment and long-term support for the venture’s growth. These conditions help ensure that support is targeted toward dedicated teams and that successful outcomes generate lasting impact.
We Invest in
Your Future
The Proof of Concept Fund managed by the Semmelweis Tech Transfer Center aims to provide support for early stage deep tech projects with business potential from Semmelweis University both financially and with professional services both regarding business and regulatory challenges.
