South East Technological University (SETU), with the support of Enterprise Ireland, is advancing two key research commercialisation projects worth more than €1.1m, showcasing how Irish research is being translated into real world solutions with global impact.
Streamlines housing compliance
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.
L-R: Dr Patrick Lynch, director of the RIKON Research Centre, SETU’s Faculty of Business; Dr Yuanyuan Pu, SETU/Eye-Q; Dr Ultan McCarthy, SETU/Eye-Q; Nakul Wali, senior commercialisation specialist, Enterprise Ireland; Dr Nadav BenHaim, commercialisation case manager, SETU TTO; Dr Anastasia Ktenioudaki, SETU / Eye-Q; Dr James O Sullivan, head of innovation and commercialisation, SETU TTO.
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.
“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, spin-outs, and high-value jobs.”
Enterprise Ireland also emphasised the importance of these investments. Nakul Wali, senior commercialisation specialist, said: “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.”
L-R: 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, senior 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.
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 €1.1m, these projects underline Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to supporting breakthrough solutions with global relevance.