SETU Secures €1.1 Million for Innovative Housing and Food Projects

South East Technological University (SETU) has launched two significant research commercialisation projects with the backing of Enterprise Ireland. These initiatives, valued at over €1.1 million, aim to translate Irish research into practical solutions that address pressing global challenges in housing and food sustainability.

The first project, led by Dr. Patrick Lynch, director of the RIKON Research Centre at SETU’s Faculty of Business, focuses on the development of a digital platform for housing compliance. This innovative tool, named HAL, leverages artificial intelligence to streamline the inspection process. By digitising inspections and assessing regulatory compliance, HAL generates real-time reports for landlords and local authorities. This system acts as a compliance passport, enabling housing providers to ensure safer and more sustainable homes.

Meanwhile, the second project, known as Eye-Q, is spearheaded by a team consisting of Dr. Ultan McCarthy, Dr. Anastasia Ktenioudaki, and Dr. Yuanyuan Pu from SETU’s Department of Land Sciences. Eye-Q aims to tackle food waste across the agrifood supply chain, from production to consumption. This AI-powered solution enhances monitoring and decision-making, helping businesses, retailers, and consumers reduce waste while contributing to food security and global sustainability objectives.

Dr. James O’Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in these projects. “These awards reflect SETU’s strength in mobilising interdisciplinary teams across business, technology, and the sciences,” he stated. “With Enterprise Ireland’s support, we are advancing innovations that address urgent societal challenges while creating commercial opportunities, spinouts, and high-value jobs.”

The emphasis on these projects extends to Enterprise Ireland, where Senior Commercialisation Specialist Nakul Wali acknowledged the dual benefits of such innovations. “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,” he remarked.

These initiatives not only showcase SETU’s commitment to research-led innovation but also underline the university’s role as a key player in fostering enterprise. The combined project value of over €1.1 million underscores Enterprise Ireland’s dedication to supporting groundbreaking solutions with significant global relevance.

As these projects progress, they are expected to contribute meaningfully to addressing critical societal issues while enhancing Ireland’s reputation as a hub for innovative technology in housing and sustainability. The collaboration between SETU and Enterprise Ireland exemplifies a strong commitment to creating impactful solutions for the future.