South East Technological University (SETU) and Kinetic Labs have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver a comprehensive ecosystem for laboratory-based and life sciences companies across the South East.
SETU and Kinetic Labs have an established track record of collaboration, having formed the delivery partnership for the INCUPHARM project under the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund 2017–2020. Located in workLAB Waterford, the project provides bespoke laboratory space at the IDA Business Park to support life sciences start-ups.
The MoU builds on that successful partnership, creating an integrated innovation ecosystem to support research, entrepreneurship, and business growth in the region.
This new agreement brings together SETU, Kinetic Labs, Xcelerate, Glassworks, and the Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC) as a coherent, mutually reinforcing ecosystem rather than standalone initiatives.
Each partner contributes a distinct strength. Kinetic Labs drives applied innovation through specialist laboratory incubation, Xcelerate enables venture acceleration and commercialisation, Glassworks fosters creativity, collaboration, and business engagement, while PMBRC provides internationally recognised bioscience research expertise. Together they will support SETU’s One Health vision.
Speaking at the signing, Dr James O’Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU said, “This MoU reflects SETU’s commitment to creating an environment where research, enterprise, and entrepreneurship work together to deliver meaningful impact. By bringing together the expertise of Kinetic Labs, Xcelerate, Glassworks, and PMBRC under our One Health vision, we are strengthening the supports available to life sciences innovators at every stage of their journey, from discovery and incubation through to commercialisation and growth.
This collaboration will help transform promising ideas into practical solutions that address challenges in human, animal, and environmental health, while also supporting sustainable economic growth across the South East. I would like to thank Kinetic Labs directors Patsy Carney and Seamus Kilgannon for their continued partnership.
Dr James O'Sullivan Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU
Patsy Carney said, “Our collaboration with SETU has already shown what can be achieved when scientific expertise, academia and industry-focused support are closely connected. Building on the success of INCUPHARM, this agreement creates stronger links between researchers, entrepreneurs, and emerging companies, helping life sciences ventures access the resources they need to develop and grow. It is an important step in positioning the South East as a destination for innovation-driven enterprise and investment in the life sciences sector.”
Seamus Kilgannon continued by saying the value of this partnership extends well beyond access to specialist facilities.
It provides a network of expertise, mentorship, and practical support that can help businesses overcome challenges, accelerate development, and reach new markets more effectively. By connecting talent, research capability, and commercial know-how, we are creating the conditions for companies to scale with confidence.
Seamus Kilgannon Director of Kinetics Lab
Dr Karl Haslam, Manager at SETU Xcelerate Centre added, “This partnership creates a seamless and connected journey for founders, ensuring they can access the commercial knowledge, industry networks, and investment readiness support needed to compete on a global stage. Through this MoU we are enabling life sciences companies to start, scale and remain in the South East, delivering economic impact while addressing global health and sustainability challenges.”