Digital Futures in the Built Environment: ARISE Hosts Industry Event at TU Dublin Blanchardstown

ARISE welcomed industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to TU Dublin Blanchardstown for a focused event on digital construction, infrastructure, and innovation in the built environment.

The session explored how digitalisation, ICT solutions, and applied research are improving productivity, sustainability, and efficiency across the construction sector.

Key Themes

• Digital Construction Productivity
• IoT and Smart Buildings
• Infrastructure Innovation
• Cybersecurity for Enterprises

Opening Session

Sudeepth Nair (Business Development Manager, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering), Brian Walsh (Business Development Manager, ICT and Financial Services), and Marek Rebow (Faculty Head of Research & Innovation) opened the event, highlighting the importance of industry-academic collaboration to solve real-world challenges.

Industry Collaboration in Action

Speakers shared practical examples of collaborative innovation:

• Ali Abbass and Ankur Mitra (BERIC) presented (A)I-COMPLI, an AI-driven construction compliance solution
• Samuel Ngotho discussed smarter grids for a more sustainable energy future
• Dr Houssem Jerbi provided industry insights on digital transformation challenges

These case studies demonstrated how Irish businesses can benefit from working with TU Dublin on funded research and innovation projects.

Working with TU Dublin

Jack McDonnell introduced The Collaboratory at TU Dublin, outlining how SMEs can access research expertise, innovation supports, and collaborative funding opportunities. The importance of cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes was also highlighted.

Panel Discussion: Digital Construction

A panel discussion, moderated by Dr Barry McAuley, featured:

• Ali Abbass (BERIC)
• Dr Houssem Jerbi (Smart PMO)

The discussion focused on barriers to digital adoption, R&D opportunities, and how collaboration can support innovation in construction.

Robotics and Innovation

Attendees experienced a live Boston Dynamics robot demonstration delivered by Paul Stacey, showcasing emerging technologies in construction. A guided tour of The Collaboratory provided further insight into TU Dublin’s research facilities.

Networking and Next Steps

The event concluded with networking, enabling attendees to connect, share ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities.

ARISE continues to support SMEs in the Eastern and Midlands Region by connecting them with TU Dublin’s research expertise and innovation ecosystem.

Interested in collaborating? Contact the ARISE team to explore funding opportunities and research partnerships.

For the latest ARISE updates, follow us on LinkedIn.

Tá ARISE arna chomhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag an Aontas Eorpach trí Chlár Réigiúnach an Deiscirt, an Oirthir agus Lár na Tíre 2021-27 de chuid 
TU Dublin ARISE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27