South East Technological University (SETU) has signed a collaboration agreement with the ARC (Accelerating Research to Commercialisation) Hub for ICT, deepening the university’s role in advancing Ireland’s digital and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation landscape.
This strategic partnership enhances SETU’s ability to support researchers in translating high-potential Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and AI ideas into technologies with real-world commercial and societal impact.
The ARC Hub for ICT has launched a call for Translational Research Projects (TRPs), offering funding of up to €150,000 per project. Eligible costs include salaries, equipment, travel and other project expenses. Applications are encouraged from across the research community, including researchers from underrepresented groups.
Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, the ARC Hub for ICT aims to create a thriving entrepreneurial pathway that accelerates ICT and AI discoveries into market-ready solutions.
Strengthening SETU’s position in ICT and AI research
SETU has a strong and growing reputation in ICT, AI and digital technologies, supported by multidisciplinary research teams and centres including engCORE and the Walton Institute. The collaboration with the ARC Hub reinforces SETU’s commitment to building research capacity in key national priority areas and supports the ambitions of the university’s research strategy, Connecting Research to Impact 2025–2028.
This strategic positioning is further strengthened by the recent appointment of Dr Libin Mathew, formerly of Trinity College Dublin. Dr Mathew is a wireless communication and signal processing researcher with expertise in cognitive radio, spectrum sensing, joint radar-and-communication systems and next-generation communication technologies, including 5G. His experience in advanced digital communications and his established connections with the ARC Hub community enhance SETU’s capacity to support impactful translational projects in ICT and AI.
Dr Mathew said, “The ARC Hub for ICT is creating a national pathway that empowers researchers to transform great ideas into commercial solutions. I am delighted that SETU is now part of this effort and look forward to supporting our researchers as they translate their work into technologies that benefit society.”
Aligned to five national pillar themes
Projects funded through the ARC Hub for ICT must align with one or more of the hub’s five thematic pillars, although projects with less obvious alignment will still be considered:
- Digital Education & Online Communication – advancing digital learning, human–AI collaboration and inclusive online engagement.
- Healthcare & Medical Applications – applying AI and digital technologies to address medical challenges and improve quality of life.
- Digital Infrastructure – improving large-scale systems that support transport, communications and urban environments.
- Sustainable & Environmental Management – using digital tools to advance climate action and environmental protection.
- Data Security, Privacy & Governance – addressing ethics, trust, explainability and reliability in complex digital and AI systems.
Integrated support through SETU’s Technology Transfer Office
A key feature of the ARC Hub model is its partnership approach. The ARC Hub for ICT will work closely with SETU’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) from the beginning of each project. Every TRP will include an Entrepreneurial Mentor from the TTO who will accompany the Translational Researcher and project team throughout the project, providing guidance, commercialisation insight and participation in the hub’s entrepreneurial training programme.
This integrated support ensures that SETU researchers have access to both technical and commercial expertise from the outset, helping them progress their research from concept to commercial opportunity.
Empowering researchers and enabling regional enterprise
SETU’s collaboration with the ARC Hub for ICT aligns strongly with the university’s mission to drive innovation that benefits communities, industry partners and the wider region. It provides researchers with new pathways to develop solutions that address real social and economic challenges, while strengthening the South East’s growing digital and AI ecosystem.
Dr Yvonne Kavanagh, Director of Engineering Research and Innovation, SETU engCORE welcomed the news. She said, "I am pleased to congratulate Dr Mathews on securing ARC Hub for ICT funding. This achievement not only highlights the quality of Dr Mathews’ work but also reinforces the Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment’s commitment to advancing applied innovation and knowledge creation through developing solutions that address real social and economic challenges. We look forward to ongoing collaboration and engagement with ARC Hub initiatives."
Researchers interested in applying for ARC Hub TRP funding are encouraged to contact SETU’s Technology Transfer Office for guidance.
