On 5 March 2025, South East Technological University (SETU) welcomed delegates from the European Commission and key funding bodies to showcase the impact of the TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU RISE) programme. SETU’s TU RISE team hosted Stephanie Gantzer-Houzel and Elena Panteva from the European Commission, along with Enda Hogan, Assistant Director of the Southern Regional Assembly, and his team. Also in attendance were Neil McDermott from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Cassandra Hinchy from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, welcomed the delegation, emphasising the University's commitment to strengthening research and industry collaboration through TU RISE. Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President Research, Innovation, and Impact at SETU, opened the presentations by highlighting the strategic role of TU RISE in enhancing SETU’s research capacity and fostering partnerships with enterprise.
Speaking after the event, Professor Campbell said:
"TU RISE funding has facilitated the creation of new opportunities for research and innovation at SETU, ensuring our academic expertise translates into impact for the region. This visit allowed us to demonstrate the progress we have made in fostering collaboration between SETU and industry, and we look forward to continuing to build on this momentum to ultimately transform the south east from a region of socio-economic disadvantage to one of innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact”.
Dr James O'Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU, provided an update on TU RISE’s progress to date, and gave the delegates more detail on the project milestones reached so far.
Attendees also heard from researchers actively involved in TU RISE-supported projects. Dr James Cullen, TU RISE postdoctoral candidate, spoke about his research project collaboration with Kerry group, while Dr Joe O’Mahony, TU RISE project investigator, and PhD candidate Ahmad Morwat presented their research, showcasing how TU RISE funding enabled them to collaborate with Analog Devices on an industry-focused project.
SETU’s TU RISE Academic Industry Liaisons, Dr Dean Callaghan (Engineering and Technology), Dr Bróna Kehoe (Health), and Professor Helen Hughes (Eco-innovation), spoke about their work in building partnerships that connect SETU researchers with industry.
Lastly, Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at SETU, provided an overview of the Rural Innovation Hubs, which will support rural enterprises in accessing research, innovation, and knowledge transfer opportunities. A joint-initiative with Carlow County Council, Carlow Local Enterprise Office and Carlow Community Enterprise Centres, the first Rural Innovation Hub has been launched in the refurbished Station House in Hacketstown in Co. Carlow, with further hubs planned across the south east region.
The meeting also facilitated an informal, collegial discussion between delegates, where SETU TU RISE staff had an opportunity to showcase the programme further.
Enda Hogan, Assistant Director, Southern Regional Assembly, said "TU RISE is empowering Ireland’s Technological Universities to drive regional innovation and economic growth. By expanding research capacity, strengthening industry collaboration, and supporting knowledge transfer, TU RISE ensures that cutting-edge discoveries translate into real-world applications. Aligned with the EU’s goal of a more competitive and smarter Europe, this investment in research excellence fuels a smarter, more competitive economy, equipping businesses and communities with the tools to thrive in an innovation-driven future."
For more information on TU RISE and SETU’s research and innovation activities, visit https://www.setu.ie/research-innovation/tu-rise
