The first Hybrid Pitch Day was held on 10 September at the headquarters of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BKIK), organised by the BKIK Innovation College, the BKIK International College and the Ilex Innovation Marketplace. The event’s highlighted partner was the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) from Texas.
The event was opened by Dr Viktória Bódi, Secretary General of BKIK. Around 40 participating Hungarian companies were welcomed by Dr Mariann Ritter, Chair of the BKIK Innovation College, and András Rév, Chair of the BKIK International College. The event was also attended by Neil Pickett, Commercial Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, who emphasised that Frisco, Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and a highly important partner for innovative Hungarian companies.
During the programme, moderated by Péter Keszthelyi, Vice-Chair of the BKIK International College, 25 Hungarian innovators presented the projects with which they are preparing to enter the U.S. market. The short pitches were followed by questions and feedback from FEDC executives joining online. The pitches highlighted developments in the health industry as well as applications of artificial intelligence. The event was also attended by Hungary’s Foreign Trade Counsellor based in Houston, further strengthening links with the U.S. market.
The aim of the meeting was not only to present Hungarian innovations, but also to prepare for the November delegation to Frisco and to pave the way for the U.S. business trip planned for 2026.
The leaders of FEDC highly appreciated the professional preparedness and innovation achievements of the Hungarian companies and indicated that they will soon return with concrete proposals in response to the projects presented. The forum will be followed by an in-person meeting in Budapest on 7 November, when the FEDC delegation will include a short visit to the Hungarian capital on their trip between Barcelona and Lisbon.
Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC)
Frisco, located in the State of Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, known as a centre for technological, health-industry and sports-economy developments. The mission of FEDC is to strengthen the city’s economic appeal, facilitate international cooperation and promote investment.
