Science/Economics paper by Gémes, Tamás
Calasantius Training Program, Budapest

Budapest Startups - A new tech hub after Silicon Valley and Silicon Roundabout?

Type of Abstract (select):

Abstract (max. 250 words):
During the last 6 to 8 years, several successful Hungarian tech companies have sprung up in Budapest. Exactly what is spurring this growth? Why is there a hustling and bustling startup scene emerging in Budapest despite of the economic crisis?
This presentation will highlight parallel phenomena in the development of the Silicon Valley in the US, the Silicon Roundabout in the UK and the Budapest startup scene. It will showcase some of the most prominent companies of this new generation: Prezi, LogMeIn, UStream, Antavo. We are going to examine the links that tie these companies and places together.
Finally we will try to connect the dots and answer the question: Could Budapest be the newest tech hub in Europe or in the world?



Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Tamás Gémes is a project manager and lead programmer in Information Technology at Catholic Health System, Buffalo, NY.
He graduated from Obuda University in Computer Engineering and Budapest Corvinus University in Entrepreneurship, and later finished his Master of Business Administration (MBA) studies at Niagara University, NY in 2011. He has worked for Nokia Siemens Networks, a telecommunication backbone supplier, where he developed the newest 4th generation mobile networks as a Software Engineer.
He is also a long time volunteer in the CTP Youth Business Program that teaches entrepreneurship, business and presentation skills to high school students around the Carpathian basin.
His main interests are Hungarian and international high-growth high-tech companies, their opportunities and challenges.