HUMANITARIAN TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION TRANSFER FRAMEWORK - HTITF

Equitable Tech Transfer for Global Resilience.

A structured policy framework bridging the gap between advanced innovation and humanitarian necessity.

ESTABLISHED 2026. THE INTERSECTION OF INNOVATION, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

Mission

Defining the Field

Humanitarian Technology Transfer. Does it exist?

The answer is yes.

But what exactly is it? Who is doing it? And why should anyone invest in it?

To answer these questions, we first need to understand two concepts separately: humanitarian action and technology transfer. Where these two fields intersect, a new opportunity emerges.

Definition

Humanitarian Technology Transfer is the process of transferring technology, knowledge, and innovation with the primary purpose of addressing humanitarian needs, improving societal well-being, and advancing sustainable development—particularly for vulnerable and resource-constrained communities.

This is about far more than donating equipment or funding projects.

It is about adapting technologies to local realities, building long-term capabilities, sharing knowledge, and creating solutions that communities can sustain independently.

Universities

New pathways for research impact.

Companies

Innovation, responsible business, and international partnerships.

Governments

Scalable solutions to complex global challenges.

In other words, Humanitarian Technology Transfer is not simply philanthropy with a CSR label. It represents the intersection of innovation, social responsibility, technology diplomacy, and sustainable development.

We believe this is a field that deserves much greater attention—from researchers, technology transfer offices, businesses, and policymakers alike.

Approach

Project Approach

How can we assess whether a technology is suitable for humanitarian use?

The Dual Readiness Assessment Model (DRAM) provides a structured approach by evaluating every technology along two independent dimensions:

TRL

Technology Readiness Level — technical maturity.

TRL-HA

Technology Readiness Level for Humanitarian Application — readiness for humanitarian deployment.

Rather than replacing the internationally recognized TRL framework, DRAM introduces a parallel, fully compatible assessment axis focused on humanitarian applicability. This enables organizations to integrate humanitarian considerations into existing innovation and technology transfer processes while providing a more comprehensive evaluation of a technology's real-world potential.

Building on this approach, the Humanitarian Technology Transfer Framework proposes a structured methodology for assessing and implementing technologies through seven key stages:

Technology Identification
Humanitarian Needs Assessment
Ethical Assessment
Local Adaptation
Knowledge Transfer
Sustainable Operation
Impact Assessment

This framework helps ensure that promising technologies are not only technically mature but also ethically sound, contextually appropriate, sustainable, and capable of delivering measurable humanitarian impact.

People

Founders & Advisory Board

The individuals shaping HTITF’s mission, governance, and operational strategy.

Szabolcs Szolnoki

Founder

Innovation, technology, and public policy executive with extensive leadership experience across government, diplomacy, academia, and industry. Former Deputy State Secretary for Technology, Space and Defense Industry at Hungary's Ministry for National Economy, leading national initiatives to strengthen technological innovation and industrial competitiveness while representing Hungary at the European Space Agency (ESA), EUSPA, the European AI Board, and ICANN. Throughout his career, he has built innovation ecosystems, advanced technology commercialization, and fostered international partnerships in fields including space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and deep technology.