Ideas. Connections. Next Steps. – Highlights from the XVIII. INNOMEET
Student ideas, innovative theses, and the practical challenges of launching a venture took centre stage at Obuda University’s XVIII. INNOMEET on 29 October 2026. The evening explored how collaboration can turn an idea into a viable project—and how the university’s innovation community can support that process.
Building on the success of the previous event, the evening once again opened with an “open mic” session. Participants had one minute each to introduce a project they were considering or working on, explain where they needed support, or share a useful experience. These brief introductions helped attendees discover one another’s interests and identify connections with their own ideas.
Initial hesitation gradually gave way to growing participation. The response was so positive that the microphone was opened again at the end of the evening, this time without a time limit. By the close of the event, the vast majority of participants had shared something with the community.
Recognising Excellence and Social Impact
The evening also featured the presentation of the Most Innovative Thesis Competition 2026 awards. The awards were presented by Dr Tamás Haidegger, CEO of Initium Venture Labs Zrt., and László Bacsa, Head of the Innovation Office.
The presenters emphasised that, alongside recognising achievement, the university is committed to actively supporting young people whose research and development work contributes to sustainable and creative solutions for the future.
This year, the competition introduced a new distinction: the Social Innovation Special Award, presented for the first time. The award was inspired by entries that combined academic excellence with a commitment to addressing important societal challenges. It reflects the view that the value of innovation is also measured by its ability to improve people’s quality of life, reduce disadvantages, and make support more accessible.
Read more about the award winners and their projects here.
From the First Idea to Demo Day—and Beyond
The programme continued with a panel discussion on the Hungarian Startup University Program (HSUP), which attracted a record number of applicants at Obuda University this year. The discussion focused on practical questions directly relevant to participating students.
The panel was moderated by Dóra Egri, the university’s HSUP Student Ambassador. David Trayford, representing the Innovation Office, and Gábor Homonnai, representing Initium Venture Labs, answered her questions and shared their experience of mentoring, HSUP, and the wider startup journey.
What is the most important task this semester? How should students approach building a team, and what support is available? What happens before Demo Day, and what opportunities follow? These questions guided a discussion on how participants can prepare for their next steps and make the most of the programme.
Conversations That Lead to Next Steps
The return of the open mic at the end of the evening, followed by informal conversations and networking, gave participants space to develop the ideas raised during the event. Attendees could connect directly with one another, ask the mentors questions, and continue discussing the projects presented.Alongside celebrating achievement and sharing experience, the XVIII. INNOMEET created opportunities for initial introductions to grow into meaningful dialogue and new connections.
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