South East Technological University (SETU) is celebrating a year of transformative progress in research, innovation, and enterprise engagement, with the Urlingford hub in Co. Kilkenny emerging as a flagship for rural innovation. Part of the TU RISE – TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise – initiative, the Urlingford hub provides modern workspace, training, and pathways for entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and community groups to collaborate directly with SETU researchers.
The hub is helping rural communities access the same opportunities available in urban centres, supporting idea development, prototype testing, and connections with the wider regional innovation ecosystem. By working closely with local town teams, the Local Enterprise Office network, and local authorities, the Urlingford hub is fostering long-term economic growth and innovation in the region.
The Urlingford hub is one of four rural innovation hubs launched by SETU in 2025, alongside Hacketstown, Dungarvan, and Rosslare. Each hub, part-funded through TU RISE, is strategically designed to enable collaboration between researchers and enterprises while strengthening innovation outside urban centres.
In addition to the hub network, SETU launched ten postdoctoral research projects in partnership with industry, addressing challenges in advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, sustainability, health technologies, and the bioeconomy. Ten sabbaticals for senior researchers facilitated deeper engagement with enterprise partners, supporting exploratory research, prototype development, and early-stage innovation that is now developing into longer-term collaborations.
More than ten regional enterprises also participated in the TU RISE PhD Scholarships Scheme, embedding doctoral researchers within industry for 12 months to tackle real-world challenges. Beyond these individual projects, TU RISE is enhancing SETU’s overall research environment through strategic investments in equipment, training, and systems aligned with the University’s seven strategic research themes.
Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said, “The Urlingford hub demonstrates how regional investment in research and innovation can transform local communities. TU RISE is helping enterprises, researchers, and communities thrive across the south east, and Urlingford is a shining example of what is possible.”
Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact, added, “Hubs like Urlingford show the power of collaboration between universities and enterprise. They are enabling the south east to innovate, adapt, and build resilience, creating opportunities that will continue to grow in the years ahead.”
Looking ahead to 2026, SETU plans to further expand TU RISE, deepen enterprise engagement, and support research with meaningful regional impact, with the Urlingford hub leading the way as a centre of rural innovation and collaboration.
