The aim of the Artificial Intelligence Flagship Programme is for ELTE to become a multidisciplinary AI knowledge hub by 2030, while ensuring a responsible, ethical, and competitive approach to the challenges of technological transformation.

The extraordinary acceleration of digital transformation in the 2020s has resulted in the creation of vast amounts of digital data, so now we can talk about European data treasury and data economy that visibly influences national wealth. Among the new technologies, artificial intelligence has become widely known, especially due to the boom of language models and generative AI capable of direct human communication (e.g., ChatGPT). The European Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Act) of 2024, the social discourse of recent years, and the unstoppable proliferation of AI have brought to light broad effects that demand urgent and effective responses.

As a comprehensive strategic initiative, ELTE's Artificial Intelligence Flagship Programme integrates AI across the full spectrum of education, research, and institutional operations. The program's goal is for ELTE to become a multidisciplinary AI knowledge hub by 2030 and to respond responsibly, ethically, and competitively to the challenges posed by technological change. 

ELTE aims not only to follow but to shape the transformation driven by AI. As a multidisciplinary university, it is capable to face the challenge of a complex approach to disruptive technologies and able to provide answers to the current and anticipated social, economic, technological, and labor market challenges of the 21st century. The program is integrated into the university’s quality improvement plan running until 2030. 

ELTE leads numerous national and international programs in the field (Digital Heritage National Laboratory, AI EDIH Hungary, Jean Monnet Chair) and is a key member (Artificial Intelligence National Laboratory). The institution operates a Department of Artificial Intelligence, and a master's program in AI is also available. Scientific research and IT developments are ongoing, with all faculties responding to new technological challenges.

The program focuses on several key areas: establishing the framework for university-wide AI governance, supporting the use of AI in education and student life, promoting interdisciplinary research, strengthening science communication and knowledge transfer, and improving institutional efficiency. Special attention is also paid to addressing legal, ethical, and social questions.

A major goal of the Artificial Intelligence Flagship Programme is to create a shared platform where university members and decision-makers can discuss dilemmas and experiences relating to AI. The first result of this is the rector’s decree regulating and supporting student AI use, which entered into force in October 2025: rector's decree.