SETU Advances €1.1 Million in Housing and Food Sustainability Projects

The South East Technological University (SETU) has secured backing from Enterprise Ireland to advance two significant research commercialisation projects valued at over €1.1 million. These initiatives aim to transform Irish research into practical solutions that address pressing global challenges in housing and food sustainability.

The first project, named HAL, is led by Dr. Patrick Lynch, director of the RIKON Research Centre within SETU’s Faculty of Business. HAL is a digital platform designed to enhance housing compliance by digitising inspections and utilising artificial intelligence to assess regulations. The platform generates real-time reports for landlords and local authorities, effectively acting as a compliance passport. This innovative tool aims to support housing providers in delivering safer and more sustainable homes.

In parallel, the second initiative, known as Eye-Q, is spearheaded by Dr. Ultan McCarthy, Dr. Anastasia Ktenioudaki, and Dr. Yuanyuan Pu from SETU’s Department of Land Sciences. Eye-Q leverages artificial intelligence to mitigate food waste throughout the agrifood supply chain, from production to consumption. By facilitating smarter monitoring and decision-making, this technology empowers businesses, retailers, and consumers to reduce waste, bolster food security, and contribute to overarching sustainability goals.

Advancing Interdisciplinary Innovation

Dr. James O’Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU, expressed pride in the university’s ability to mobilise interdisciplinary teams across business, technology, and the sciences. He stated, “These awards reflect SETU’s strength in mobilising interdisciplinary teams across business, technology, and the sciences. With Enterprise Ireland’s support, we are advancing innovations that address urgent societal challenges while creating commercial opportunities, spinouts, and high value jobs.”

Enterprise Ireland has also underscored the significance of these projects. Nakul Wali, Senior Commercialisation Specialist, remarked that HAL and Eye-Q exemplify how innovation can drive both economic growth and societal impact, positioning Ireland as a leader in housing technology and sustainable food systems.

Commitment to Global Relevance

Together, HAL and Eye-Q represent a growing commitment by SETU to foster research-led innovation and enterprise. With a combined project value exceeding €1.1 million, these efforts reflect Enterprise Ireland’s dedication to supporting breakthrough solutions with global significance.

As these projects progress, they are expected to not only enhance compliance and reduce waste but also to set a benchmark for future developments in housing technology and food sustainability. The collaboration between SETU and Enterprise Ireland highlights the vital role of academic institutions in addressing critical societal issues through innovative research and commercialisation.