SETU Launches €1.1 Million Housing and Food Sustainability Projects

On October 7, 2025, South East Technological University (SETU) announced the launch of two significant research commercialisation projects, supported by Enterprise Ireland, with a combined value exceeding €1.1 million. These initiatives aim to convert Irish research into practical solutions that will have a global impact in housing compliance and food sustainability.

Innovative Housing Compliance Solution

The first project, named HAL, is spearheaded by Dr. Patrick Lynch, the director of the RIKON Research Centre within SETU’s Faculty of Business. HAL is a digital platform designed to enhance housing compliance through the digitisation of inspections. By incorporating artificial intelligence, the tool evaluates regulations and produces real-time reports for landlords and local authorities. Acting as a compliance passport, HAL aims to assist housing providers in delivering safer and more sustainable homes.

AI-Powered Food Waste Reduction

The second initiative, known as Eye-Q, is led by a team that includes Dr. Ultan McCarthy, Dr. Anastasia Ktenioudaki, and Dr. Yuanyuan Pu from SETU’s Department of Land Sciences. Eye-Q focuses on reducing food waste throughout the agrifood supply chain, from production to consumption. This AI-powered solution enables smarter monitoring and decision-making, empowering businesses, retailers, and consumers to decrease waste, improve food security, and contribute to global sustainability objectives.

“These awards reflect SETU’s strength in mobilising interdisciplinary teams across business, technology, and the sciences,” said Dr. James O’Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU. He emphasized that with the backing of Enterprise Ireland, the university is driving innovations that not only address pressing societal challenges but also create commercial opportunities and high-value jobs.

Enterprise Ireland also underscored the significance of these projects. Nakul Wali, Senior Commercialisation Specialist, noted, “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 represent SETU’s expanding role as a catalyst for research-driven innovation and enterprise. With a total project value of more than €1.1 million, these initiatives highlight Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to endorsing breakthrough solutions that resonate globally.