SETU Announces Major Advances in Research and Innovation Impact

UPDATE: South East Technological University (SETU) has just announced a remarkable year of achievements in research, innovation, and enterprise impact through its TU RISE programme. As of now, SETU is actively enhancing regional development and industry support across Ireland’s South-East, marking 2025 as a pivotal year of growth.

In a bold move, SETU has expanded its collaborative research activities and launched four rural innovation hubs to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. These hubs, located in Hacketstown, Carlow; Urlingford, Kilkenny; Dungarvan, Waterford; and Rosslare, Wexford, are now operational and providing essential resources for start-ups, SMEs, and community groups to connect with university researchers.

The activation of these hubs is a significant milestone under the TU RISE initiative, which focuses on addressing shared challenges and stimulating innovation. Each hub is equipped with workspace, training, and collaboration pathways, ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in the drive for innovation.

As part of its ambitious goals, SETU has also launched ten postdoctoral research projects this year, partnering with various enterprises to tackle pressing issues in advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, sustainability, health technologies, and the bioeconomy. Additionally, the university has facilitated ten sabbaticals for senior researchers, allowing deeper industry engagement and fostering early-stage innovations that are set to evolve into long-term partnerships.

The TU RISE PhD Scholarships Scheme has also seen participation from over ten regional enterprises, providing doctoral researchers with invaluable industry experience over a 12-month period. This initiative not only supports academic growth but also directly addresses sector challenges, reinforcing SETU’s commitment to regional collaboration.

These developments are backed by significant investments in research infrastructure and training, enhancing the overall research environment at SETU. The initiative is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021–27.

Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, stated, “TU RISE is a critical enabler of SETU’s mission to serve the region through impactful research and innovation. The programme strengthens our connections with enterprise and expands opportunities for communities across the south east.”

Echoing her sentiments, Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact, emphasized the collaboration’s success: “2025 has shown what is possible when universities and enterprises work together with a shared purpose. TU RISE is supporting the south east to innovate, adapt and build resilience.”

As SETU gears up for 2026, plans are already in motion to further expand the TU RISE programme, deepen enterprise engagement, and support research that delivers meaningful impacts for the region. The groundwork laid in 2025 promises exciting new collaborations and opportunities for researchers and industries alike.

This is a developing story with important implications for regional innovation and industry partnerships in South-East Ireland. Stay tuned for more updates as SETU continues to lead the way in research excellence and community engagement.