AI Summit Budapest 2025: Hungary Steps Into the Future of Artificial Intelligence
Budapest became the epicenter of innovation this September as the AI Summit Budapest 2025 brought together leading international and Hungarian experts to outline the future of artificial intelligence. The region’s largest AI-focused event concluded with record-breaking attendance, cutting-edge insights, and strategic announcements that could shape Europe’s role in the global AI race.
A record-breaking gathering in the heart of Budapest
Hosted across three iconic venues—the House of Hungarian Music, the Ethnographic Museum, and RTL Liget—the two-day summit attracted more than 3,500 participants. Visitors had access to an extremely rich program during the two-day event (September 8-9).:
- 50 roundtables
- 15 panel discussions
- 20 workshops and demonstrations
- Over 125 presentations
- 10 exhibition stands and 3 digital exhibitions
From AI-powered education tools to industrial automation, the summit provided a platform for all stakeholders, ensuring every participant could engage with topics relevant to their field.
The event opened with a striking AI-generated video introduction by Inda Play, visually symbolizing the innovation and creativity that defined the entire conference.
Hungary’s strategy: closing the gap with the U.S. and China
Márton Nagy, Hungary’s Minister for National Economy, underscored a central challenge: while AI is rapidly entering daily life, Europe still trails the U.S. and China in infrastructure, innovation, and investment.
To address this, Hungary announced:
- Two new capital programs to fund AI research and startups
- An updated AI strategy built around society, technology, and business pillars
These measures aim to strengthen Hungary’s competitiveness and establish a secure, future-ready AI ecosystem at both national and European levels.
Education and research in focus
University leaders from Corvinus, Óbuda, BME, and Szeged highlighted AI’s profound impact on higher education. They stressed the importance of:
- Integrating AI tools into teaching and student services
- Supporting translation and research with supercomputing collaborations
- Preserving the university mission of critical thinking and ethical standards
The consensus was clear: AI should enhance academic productivity, but never replace human creativity or responsibility.
A major announcement: Hungary’s AI research centre
One of the summit’s most exciting revelations was the government’s plan to launch a dedicated AI Research Centre in 2026. This new institution will:
- Drive AI innovation and research
- Support Hungarian startups
- Build international partnerships
The centre is expected to play a key role in making Hungary a regional AI hub, while contributing to Europe’s broader technological competitiveness.
Global and domestic experts share the stage
The AI Summit also featured an impressive roster of speakers:
- Zsófia Bánhegyi, Vice President, Hungarian Marketing Association
- Arthur Keleti, cyber-future researcher
- Dr. István Peták, Gábor Dénes Award-winning medical researcher
- Dr. Annamária Tari, clinical psychologist
International voices enriched the program, including Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt, Google’s former Chief Innovation Evangelist, Bryony Cole, sextech expert, and György Tilesch, founder of the PHI Institute. Their contributions placed Hungary’s AI development firmly within the global conversation.
Why It Matters
From generative language models to healthcare breakthroughs, from smart cities to space exploration, AI is redefining how societies function. The AI Summit Budapest 2025 demonstrated Hungary’s determination to not just follow but actively shape this transformation.
With its record participation, diverse programming, and bold announcements, the summit set a new milestone for AI events in Central Europe. It confirmed that artificial intelligence is not only a technological driver, but also a crucial factor in economic and social development.
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