SETU marks 'significant progress' in research and engagement

South East Technological University (SETU) has marked what a spokesperson described as "significant progress in research, innovation and enterprise engagement" over the past 12 months.

She said said it reflected the university's commitment to strengthening regional development and supporting industry across the south east. 

In 2025, SETU expanded its collaborative research activity, enhanced support for researchers, and opened new opportunities for communities and companies to work with the University.

The spokesperson said that TU RISE (TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise) is playing a central role in enabling this progress. 

Now in its second full year, the initiative is helping SETU and its partners address shared challenges, stimulate innovation and build long-term capacity for the region.

A major milestone in 2025 was the activation of four rural innovation hubs across the south east, which were part-funded through TU RISE, the hubs offer workspace, training and pathways for entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs and community groups to collaborate with SETU researchers. 

The hubs are strategically located in Dungarvan, in Co Waterford, Rosslare, in Co Wexord, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow and Urlingford in Co. Kilkenny.

"SETU is proud to work with the individual town teams, local authorities and the Local Enterprise Office network in delivering programmes at these four locations," said the spokesperson.

She said the hubs support innovation outside urban centres and ensure that rural communities have access to the same opportunities to develop ideas, test approaches and connect with the regional innovation ecosystem.

Last year, SETU launched ten postdoctoral research projects, each developed in partnership with an enterprise, aimed at addressing challenges in advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, sustainability, health technologies and the bioeconomy.

In addition, ten sabbaticals for senior SETU researchers enabled deeper engagement with industry partners. The sabbaticals supported exploratory work, prototype development and early-stage innovation that is now progressing into longer-term collaborations.

Over 10 regional enterprises also participated in the TU RISE PhD Scholarships Scheme, allowing doctoral researchers to spend 12 months embedded within industry and contribute directly to sector challenges.

"Beyond individual projects, TU RISE is strengthening SETU’s broader research environment," said the spokesperson, adding that investments in equipment, training and research systems were supporting high-quality, collaborative research aligned with the university’s seven strategic research themes.

The initiative is co-financed by the Government 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, said: “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, supports our researchers at every stage of their careers and expands opportunities for communities across the south east."

"The achievements of this year highlight the importance of investment in research capacity and the partnerships that underpin our role as the sole University in Ireland’s south east region," she added.

Meanwhile, Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at SETU, said: “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. We are proud of what has been achieved this year and excited by the opportunities ahead.” 

The university spokesperson said that looking ahead into 2026, the SETU plans to further expand TU RISE, deepen enterprise engagement and support research that delivers meaningful regional impact.