SETU and Enterprise Ireland Launch €1.1 Million Sustainability Projects

On October 7, 2025, South East Technological University (SETU) announced the advancement of two significant research commercialisation projects with the backing of Enterprise Ireland. These initiatives, valued at over €1.1 million, aim to transform Irish research into practical solutions that have global implications.

Innovative Housing Compliance Solution

The first project, named HAL, is spearheaded by Dr. Patrick Lynch, director of the RIKON Research Centre in SETU’s Faculty of Business. HAL is a digital platform designed to streamline housing compliance processes. By digitising inspections and employing artificial intelligence, the system assesses regulatory requirements and generates real-time reports for landlords and local authorities. This tool serves as a compliance passport, assisting housing providers in delivering safer and more sustainable homes.

Reducing Food Waste with AI

The second initiative, Eye-Q, is being developed by a team comprising Dr. Ultan McCarthy, Dr. Anastasia Ktenioudaki, and Dr. Yuanyuan Pu from SETU’s Department of Land Sciences. Eye-Q is an AI-powered solution aimed at minimising food waste throughout the agrifood supply chain, from farm to fork. By facilitating smarter monitoring and decision-making, the technology empowers businesses, retailers, and consumers to reduce waste, enhance food security, and contribute to the achievement of global sustainability goals.

“These awards reflect SETU’s strength in mobilising interdisciplinary teams across business, technology, and the sciences,” noted Dr. James O’Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU. He added that with the support of Enterprise Ireland, the university is advancing innovations that tackle urgent societal challenges while generating commercial opportunities, spinouts, and high-value jobs.

Enterprise Ireland also underscored the significance of these investments. Nakul Wali, Senior Commercialisation Specialist, remarked, “HAL and Eye-Q demonstrate how innovation can deliver both economic growth and societal impact, positioning Ireland at the forefront of housing technology and sustainable food systems.”

Together, HAL and Eye-Q exemplify SETU’s expanding influence as a catalyst for research-led innovation and enterprise. With a combined project value exceeding €1.1 million, these initiatives highlight Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to supporting transformative solutions with global relevance.