More than 300 companies at Central Europe’s largest business forum
For the second consecutive year, PwC Hungary hosted one of Eastern Hungary’s most significant business gatherings — the Business Forum 2025 — in Debrecen, attracting over 300 corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. The event served as a platform to showcase the region’s economic achievements, address current challenges, and share insights from top domestic and international business executives. This year’s motto, “Success is Born in Debrecen”, perfectly captured the spirit of the forum.
Two prestigious awards were handed out during the conference: the Excellence in Business Life Award and the Company of the Future Excellence Award. Throughout the day, the stage welcomed influential figures from the local economy, visionary leaders, athletes, and city officials, including Debrecen’s mayor and deputy mayor. Afternoon workshops explored collaboration opportunities between academia and industry and outlined strategic development paths for SMEs.
Debrecen as a model for growth
In his opening remarks, László Radványi, CEO of PwC Hungary, highlighted the region’s impressive economic performance, noting that local companies are setting an example in terms of technology, competitiveness, and education. He emphasized that today’s rapidly changing business environment demands new levels of agility and resilience from leaders. PwC has been actively contributing to Debrecen’s growth over the past two years, supporting the fusion of business and education through its partnership with the University of Debrecen.
Tünde Kis, head of PwC’s Debrecen office, stressed the importance of community cooperation, dialogue, and collective effort in this volatile period. She pointed out that local businesses, educational institutions, and the university all play vital roles in Debrecen’s dynamic growth. Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that while regional business leaders are concerned about talent shortages and climate change, only 5% currently view AI as a useful tool.
Corporate responsibility and community impact
PwC’s Debrecen office continues to foster community engagement by organizing professional forums on strategic, technological, and economic topics. The firm also actively supports local NGOs and has contributed to the milestone TEDx Debrecen event. In partnership with the Hajdú-Bihar County branch of the National Association of Entrepreneurs (VOSZ), PwC promotes the growth of regional SMEs.
Collaboration as the key to sustainable growth
Debrecen’s Mayor, László Papp, emphasized that the city’s long-term success hinges on every sector — from education and culture to business — finding its role within shared goals. “This partnership is what holds us together in difficult times and propels us forward on the path of progress,” he said. He described the Business Forum not merely as an event but as a collaborative platform for strategic thinking and knowledge sharing.
A diverse lineup of leaders, athletes, and innovators
Panel discussions featured top executives from multinational companies like Krones, EVE Energy, Master Good, and Diehl Aviation, who shared insights on the region’s business potential. The sports world was represented by celebrated Olympians Luca Kozák and Krisztián Berki, who spoke about the life-shaping power of overcoming challenges and achieving success in competitive sport.
The Most Inspiring Leader of the Year award was jointly presented to Zoltán Gazsi (Eisberg) and Róbert Keszte (Continental), recognizing their focus on community building, inner stability, and cultivating a culture of trust as foundations for lasting success.
Recognizing innovation in education and technology
The Excellence in Business Life Award was presented to Veronika Fenyves, Dean of the University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Economics, for her outstanding contributions to education. She underlined that the university is not just a transmitter of knowledge but a driving force shaping the city’s economic future in collaboration with students, faculty, and corporate partners.
The Company of the Future Excellence Award went to OptiMonk Zrt., a Debrecen-based tech company providing personalized e-commerce solutions in 140 countries. Founder Csaba Zajdó remarked that the accolade proves it’s possible to build a globally successful business from Debrecen.
Workshops spotlight competitiveness and education
The day concluded with expert workshops, where representatives from AmCham and the German-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DUIHK) examined the connection between education and competitiveness. VOSZ’s local chapter focused on key success factors for family and small businesses, while State Secretary Richárd Szabados outlined Hungary’s enterprise development priorities for 2025.
Once again, PwC’s Business Forum 2025 reinforced the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint progress, underlining Debrecen’s growing role in shaping Hungary’s economic future.
