South East Technological University launched four new rural innovation hubs across the South East region in 2025.
These hubs, in partnership with regional local authorities and Local Enterprise Offices, provide a practical place to start, and grow your business.
The hubs are strategically located in:
- 'The Station House', Hacketstown, Co. Carlow.
- 'Exit4', Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny.
- Dungarvan Enterprise Centre, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
- The Bank, Rosslare, Co. Wexford.
TU RISE rural innovation hubs are designed to help people and enterprises across the south-east turn ideas into action. They provide accessible local spaces where communities, entrepreneurs, SMEs and the wider innovation ecosystem can connect with South East Technological University (SETU) and with each other to explore opportunities, build capability, and progress projects that support sustainable regional growth.
The rural innovation hubs provide a supported pathway from early-stage ideas through to proof-of-concept and adoption, with practical supports tailored to regional needs.
You can access:
- Collaboration and problem-solving support to define challenges and identify workable solutions,
- Connections to SETU expertise across research, innovation and knowledge transfer,
- Innovation guidance on routes to market, intellectual property awareness, and commercialisation supports,
- Skills and capability development through targeted workshops, clinics and events,
- Student and graduate engagement opportunities to bring fresh perspectives to live challenges,
- Access to facilities and specialist equipment (where relevant) through SETU networks and partner sites,
- Introductions to regional and national supports including enterprise agencies, funding pathways and innovation programmes,
- Local Enterprise Office supports and programmes such as HubSTART and HubGROW.
Who the hubs are for
The rural innovation hubs are open to a wide range of users who want to develop an idea, including:
- SMEs and micro-enterprises looking to innovate, diversify or improve productivity,
- Entrepreneurs and start-ups developing new products, services or business models,
- Community groups and social enterprises addressing local challenges through practical innovation,
- Public and civic organisations seeking evidence-informed approaches to service improvement,
- Farm, food and bioeconomy stakeholders exploring sustainable practices and new value chains,
- Tourism, marine and creative industries building distinctive place-based offerings.
If you are unsure whether the hubs are the right fit, we will help you identify the best route into SETU supports.
TU RISE is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021–27.
