Researchers and innovation specialists from South East Technological University (SETU) played a prominent role at Synergy Days 2026, contributing to discussions on the future of European agriculture, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship and regional innovation.
The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and innovation leaders to explore how collaboration, emerging technologies and knowledge exchange can help address challenges facing Europe's agrifood sector.
SETU was represented across a wide range of panel discussions, presentations and exhibitions, highlighting the University's expertise in translating research into practical solutions for businesses, communities and industry.
Shaping the future of European agrifood innovation
Kieran Sullivan of SETU's Walton Institute contributed to the panel discussion From Research to Land: How EU Innovation Will Boost European Agriculture and Farmers, exploring how European research and innovation can deliver tangible benefits for the agricultural sector.
The importance of people, skills and entrepreneurship in digital transformation was highlighted by Brian Ogilvie, SETU's Head of Entrepreneurship, Research Services and Regional Impact, who participated in the panel People at the Heart of Digital Agrifood: Skills, Inclusion and Entrepreneurship.
Dr Ultan McCarthy contributed to Where Data Meets the Factory Floor: Scaling Digital Food Processing in Europe, examining opportunities to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies in European food production and processing.
Meanwhile, Stephen Barnes of Walton Institute delivered a session exploring how Europe can strengthen pathways for AI adoption and innovation across the agrifood sector, highlighting an increasingly important area of technological development.
Connecting research and enterprise through TU RISE
SETU's commitment to supporting regional businesses was also showcased by Brian Ogilvie, who delivered a pitch presentation highlighting the University's TU RISE Rural Innovation Hubs and the wider supports available to enterprises.
The hubs are designed to make SETU's research, expertise and innovation resources more accessible to businesses across the South East, supporting collaboration, knowledge transfer and enterprise development.
Through TU RISE, SETU is strengthening connections between academia and industry, helping businesses identify opportunities to innovate, address challenges and build capacity for future growth.
Supporting Europe's digital innovation ecosystem
SETU's involvement in European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) was another important feature of the conference.
Hazel Peavoy, Principal Investigator for ENTIRE, a European Digital Innovation Hub, and a member of the Synergy Days organising team, delivered the conference welcome address.
Together with SETU colleagues Lisa Bodden and Aileen Drohan, she represented the EDIHs at the event, highlighting their role in supporting digital transformation and helping enterprises access expertise, technologies and innovation opportunities.
Their involvement reflects SETU's contribution to European networks working to strengthen digital capabilities and support business competitiveness.
Showcasing European research partnerships and new learning pathways
Alongside its contributions to the conference programme, SETU showcased several research and innovation initiatives.
Professor Helen Hughes, Dr Anastasia Ktenoudaki and Dr Ultan McCarthy highlighted the BECEE project, demonstrating SETU's involvement in collaborative European research and innovation.
Dr Brian Casey was also present to discuss SETU's development of a Professional Doctorate in Design, an emerging educational pathway designed to connect advanced research with professional practice.
Emeritus Professor Bill O'Gorman exhibited the Dungarvan Enterprise Centre, drawing attention to the importance of locally accessible enterprise infrastructure and supports in fostering regional innovation.
Strengthening SETU's European connections
SETU's extensive involvement in Synergy Days 2026 reflects the University's commitment to building meaningful partnerships across Europe while ensuring that research and innovation deliver benefits for businesses and communities.
From AI and digital agrifood technologies to enterprise development, doctoral education and European innovation networks, SETU's contributions demonstrated the breadth of expertise available across the University.
The conference also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with European partners, share knowledge and identify further opportunities for collaboration in areas of strategic importance to the South East and beyond.