XPAND program
Program
In person
One of the key objectives of the Hungarian Innovation Agency (NIÜ) is to support the international expansion of innovative projects and companies and to transfer the world-class knowledge that underpins them.
WHY IS INTERNATIONAL MARKET ACCESS IMPORTANT?
Given the size of the domestic market, in most industries, significant investment and rapid growth can only be achieved through international market entry. By expanding globally, companies are able to exploit the unique opportunities and resources offered by different markets, such as lower labour costs or new technological innovations. At the level of the national economy, the investments attracted by start-ups can also be significant, in particular because they are almost entirely in knowledge-based activities, in particular research and development (R&D). Their spillover effect can also be dynamic for the whole innovation ecosystem, as is the case in Estonia, Israel and increasingly in Central Europe.
HOW DOES THE XPAND PROGRAMME HELP INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES?
Start-ups (scaleups) and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit enormously from shortening the time and cost of their international market entry. The NIÜ's Foreign Market Preparation Programme provides a multi-level framework for this, as well as facilitating exposure at innovation trade events abroad, and developing tailored programmes and mentoring with target market support organisations to help match target market specialities and get first customers. Through its XPAND programme, the NIÜ focuses on helping innovative Hungarian companies to enter international markets through tailored training and strategic initiatives. The primary goal is to help innovative Hungarian companies successfully enter foreign markets and increase their visibility and competitiveness. This will include providing comprehensive support and resources, including coaching, networking opportunities and assistance in partner search and meetings.
STRUCTURE OF THE XPAND PROGRAM
Companies and their employees who apply for the programme go through a rigorous selection process. Before starting, participants receive practical training tailored to their level of readiness, including interactive training for Ready, Steady and Go. The first two parts will build on the interactive training of prominent national innovation and external market experts, while the third part will be conducted with the help of experts in the target market. The coaching, individualised consultation and mentoring throughout the process will ensure that companies are equipped with the right expectations, strategy, knowledge and tools to maximise their success in their first steps in international markets.
Ready, i.e. the initial training, aims at assessing the current export maturity level of the company and the entrepreneur, as well as basic knowledge of international markets: introduction to the international innovation ecosystem, steps that can be taken without a foreign presence and with a low budget (correct international market research methods, tools, analysis of primary and secondary sources, value chain analysis, competitor research, (online) customer/consumer needs assessment, etc.). It also includes communication tools to increase the international attractiveness and visibility of the company and accelerate its development.
The advanced Steady training, building on Ready, aims at identifying the timeliness of market entry, preparing for it and demonstrating the market entry process. Participants will learn about a range of market entry strategies through 20 concrete examples. By exploring further methods, software and entry points, each business can choose and apply the most appropriate one. The topics will also cover the phases of international market entry, presenting different platforms and improving networking skills.
Once candidates have successfully completed our beginner and advanced preparation programmes, they are ready to equip themselves with everything they need to effectively enter the market in the target country. During our target market Go trainings, participants will gain insights into the specific characteristics of the business world of the target countries in this year's NIÜ plans - USA, UK, China, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Germany. They will learn what and how to succeed in these usually competitive markets with different cultures. As an introduction, they will be informed about the region and the economic and legal structure of the destination country.
The programme, prepared by our local experts, will provide detailed guidance on the steps to take to network effectively and to connect with investors and business partners. We will help you to develop a more effective toolkit for market entry, according to the customs and business culture of the market. They can learn about industry trends in their target market, so they can find out whether there is demand for their product in their target market and what is needed to make it happen. Through the Alumni Group, which is made up of companies that have participated in the training, we aim to strengthen the transfer of further first-hand experience to innovative companies interested in foreign markets. Longer-term contact with participants will provide an opportunity to measure results and to continuously improve.
Once the preparation process is complete, companies that meet the strict criteria will have the opportunity to participate in events, business meetings and other professional programmes in their preferred target markets, with the support and assistance of the National Innovation Agency. The most prepared and internationally mature innovative companies will also be given the opportunity to participate in longer programmes of incubators and launchpads in the target markets. These providers will be competitively selected by the EIT on the basis of their past performance and references. The programmes will include activities to stimulate market demand for Hungarian technology solutions and to support the establishment of effective business relationships. The NIÜ will fund a variable share of the cost of the programmes, but in all cases applicants will be required to make a contribution.
Workshops
Ready - XPAND introduction to export workshop
The Ready workshop will help you to assess your international market entry opportunities and understand what you will need to successfully leapfrog to the next level.
Steady - XPAND advanced export workshop
At the Steady workshop you will have the opportunity to learn about practical examples of international market entry and take away a comprehensive toolkit to help you prepare for a successful entry into the international market.
Go! - XPAND target market workshop / China
In this workshop within the framework of the GO! external market programme, you will gain insights into the specificities of the business world in China.
Expos/Exhibitions
China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) - 2024
The China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) is a key event for companies looking to expand their global presence, attract investment and strengthen bilateral trade relations with China and other participating countries.
Pujiang Innovation Forum 2024 - Shanghai
The event is one of the most important innovation forums in China, bringing together all the key players in the Chinese ecosystem. Exhibitions, conferences and seminars will take place during the event. China and Hungary are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations this year, and China has invited Hungary to be the Guest of Honour.
Agri-Food Tech Expo 2024 - Singapore
The National Innovation Agency (NIA) aims to increase the potential of the Hungarian innovation ecosystem by supporting the market expansion of innovative projects and companies and promoting an innovation-driven culture at the Agri-Food Tech Expo 2024 in Singapore.
Bits&Pretzels Founders Festival 2024
One of Europe's largest technology and startup festivals, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for Hungarian businesses to showcase their innovations and attract the attention of international players. Bits & Pretzels will host 5,000 founders, investors and industry leaders over three days packed with learning, networking and business opportunities during Munich Oktoberfest.
Program
In person
Agenda:
Workshopok
Ready – XPAND bevezetés az exportba workshop
A Ready workshop segít felmérni a nemzetközi piacra lépési lehetőségeidet és megérteni, mire lesz szükséged ahhoz, hogy sikeresen megugord a következő szintet.
Steady – XPAND haladó export workshop
A Steady workshopon lehetőséget kapsz arra, hogy megismerd a nemzetközi piacra lépéshez kapcsolódó gyakorlati példákat, és magaddal vihess egy átfogó eszköztárat, amely elősegíti a nemzetközi piacra való sikeres belépés előkészítését.
Go! - XPAND célpiaci workshop / Kína
A GO! külpiaci program keretein belül ezen a workshopon Kína üzleti világára jellemző sajátosságokba nyerhetsz betekintést.
Go! - XPAND célpiaci workshop / Németország
A GO! külpiaci program keretein belül ezen a workshopon Németország üzleti világára jellemző sajátosságokba nyerhetsz betekintést.
Expok/Kiállítások
Agri-Food Tech Expo 2024 - Szingapúr
A Nemzeti Innovációs Ügynökség (NIÜ) célja, hogy az innovatív projektek és cégek piaci terjeszkedésének támogatásával és az innováció-központú kultúra népszerűsítésével növelje a magyar innovációs ökoszisztéma potenciálját Szingapúrban, az Agri-Food Tech Expo 2024-en.
Bits&Pretzels Founders Festival 2024
Európa egyik legnagyobb technológiai és startup fesztiválja, páratlan lehetőséget kínál a magyar vállalkozásoknak, hogy bemutassák innovációikat, és felhívják magukra a nemzetközi szereplők figyelmét. A Bits & Pretzels 5000 alapítót, befektetőt és iparági vezetőt fogad három napon keresztül, amely tele van tanulási, kapcsolatépítési és üzleti lehetőségekkel a müncheni Oktoberfest ideje alatt.