The cooperation agreement between VIKI and HUN-REN also supports the development of the Hungarian defence industry

The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) and the Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at facilitating the independent research network's participation in domestic and international defence industry research, development, and innovation programs. This collaboration also contributes to the advancement of the Hungarian defence sector. The cooperation agreement was signed during an event on 14 December 2023 by Brigadier General Imre Porkoláb, CEO of VIKI, and Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN.

During the event, President Balázs Gulyás stated, “HUN-REN's primary mission is to establish a live connection between science and society, bridging the gap between researchers and the taxpayer citizens who support our work. This means that scientific and innovation results need to be integrated into the value chain, ensuring their social, economic, and intellectual impact is fully realised. As a flagship participant in the Neumann János Programme, HUN-REN is dedicated to contributing to the program's objectives, where, alongside areas of focus such as digitisation, healthy living, and the circular economy, security and defence play a significant role.”