UIIN recognition award for industry led cluster ‘Engineering the South East’

South East Technological University (SETU) has announced that its flagship industry-led initiative, Engineering the South East, has been recognised as a leading example of regional collaboration and innovation at the University–Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) Conference 2025, held in Amsterdam from 10–12 June.

The 2025 conference was dedicated to advancing how universities connect with industry and enterprise for maximum impact. The UIIN conference award recognises the approach taken by the Engineering the South East. The industry led cluster has been a successful enabler for SETU regional engagement and has demonstrated how investment in clustering by the government and Enterprise Ireland can have real impact.

Now in its 12th year, the UIIN Conference brings together global leaders in higher education, industry, and innovation to share best practices in university–industry engagement. SETU’s cluster was highlighted for its role in shaping regional talent development, driving innovation, and enabling impactful partnerships across the South East of Ireland.

Frances Hardiman, Head (Carlow), of the Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, South East Technological University, said

“Engineering the South East has become a successful enabler for SETU’s regional engagement strategy. It connects our academic expertise with the real needs of industry—supporting workforce development, research collaboration, and innovation in the engineering sector”

Launched in 2020 with support from Enterprise Ireland’s Technological University Cluster Fund, Engineering the South East serves as a dynamic platform linking over 50 regional engineering firms with academia, policy, and training bodies. Through its initiatives—including talent scholarships, bespoke CPD offerings, and collaborative R&D—it addresses skills shortages and strengthens the competitiveness of the South East engineering sector.

The UIIN Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in areas such as entrepreneurship, research valorisation, and collaborative partnerships. SETU’s inclusion in this year’s programme reflects growing international recognition for the university’s leadership in applied research, talent development, and ecosystem building.

For more information about Engineering the South East, visit: https://engineeringthesoutheast.com/

For details on the UIIN Conference, see: www.uiin.org/conference