SETU Researchers Secure €1.1m in Enterprise Ireland Funding for Housing and Food Sustainability Solutions

South East Technological University (SETU), with the support of Enterprise Ireland, is advancing two major research commercialisation projects worth over €1.1 million, showcasing how Irish research is being translated into real-world solutions with global impact.

The first project, led by Dr Patrick Lynch, Director of the RIKON Research Centre in SETU’s Faculty of Business, is developing a digital platform that streamlines housing compliance. The tool digitises inspections, using artificial intelligence (AI) to assess regulations, and generates real-time reports for landlords and local authorities. Known as HAL, the system acts as a compliance passport, helping housing providers deliver safer and more sustainable homes.

The second project, Eye-Q, is led by Dr Ultan McCarthy, Dr Anastasia Ktenioudaki, and Dr Yuanyuan Pu in SETU’s Department of Land Sciences. Eye-Q is an AI-powered solution designed to reduce food waste across the agrifood supply chain, from farm to fork. By enabling smarter monitoring and decision-making, the technology helps businesses, retailers, and consumers cut waste, enhance food security, and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Left to Right – Carol Faughnan, Commercialisation Case Officer, SETU, Richard O’Sullivan, Christie’s PMP, Use Case Partner, HAL, Brid O’Sullivan, Commercialisation Lead & Industry Specialist, HAL, Dr. Thomas O’Toole, Dean of Faculty Of Business, SETU, Nakul Wali, Snr. Commercialisation Specialist, Enterprise Ireland, Lorna Bailey SETU/HAL, Dr. Patrick Lynch, Director of the RIKON Research Centre, SETU’s Faculty of Business, HAL Mary Clare Curran, SETU/HAL, James O Sullivan Head of Innovation and Commercialisation SETU TTO, Tom Curran, SETU/HAL, Greg Doyle, SETU / HAL.

“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. “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 also emphasised the importance of these investments. Nakul Wali, Senior Commercialisation Specialist, commented, “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 highlight SETU’s growing impact as a driver of research-led innovation and enterprise. With a combined project value of more than €1.1 million, these projects underline Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to supporting breakthrough solutions with global relevance.