The Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary, TD, has officially opened the CREW Creative Enterprise and Innovation Hub, marking a significant milestone for creative entrepreneurs and innovators in the west of Ireland.
Funded through Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) initiative, CREW represents the first innovation hub in the West dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurs in the creative industries.
With over €3.2 million in funding, this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in the region’s creative industries sector.
The CREW Creative Enterprise and Innovation Hub is poised to become the epicentre for CreaTech entrepreneurship, providing a dynamic environment for startups to innovate, collaborate, and grow.
Equipped with collaborative workspaces, podcast studio, meeting rooms, and boardroom, CREW offers a comprehensive suite of amenities tailored to the needs of creative entrepreneurs.
On behalf of CREW, Niamh Costello, CEO, stated, “We are thrilled to officially open CREW, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs in the creative industries to start, innovate, and grow.”
“Through community, educational opportunities, and access to mentors, advisors, and investors via our partners, CREW is fostering a dynamic environment for the development and acceleration of its members.”
“We are grateful for the support of Enterprise Ireland, who have been pivotal partners and funders of CREW.”
Minister Calleary, congratulated the team and remarked, “Today is an important day for Galway which further enhances the West of Ireland’s reputation for creativity coupled with innovation.”
He added that the creative industries account for 8.9% of all employment in the country, the second highest level in Europe.
“This will continue to grow as CreaTech and the the convergence of art, design, and technology is opening new possibilities for businesses and contributing to economic growth.
The CREW Creative Enterprise and Innovation Hub is a collaborative effort between Atlantic Technological University (ATU), the Western Development Commission (WDC), and Ardán, highlighting the power of partnerships in driving economic development and fostering innovation.
CREW is also supported by Community Finance Ireland and sponsors, Siro Vodafone, TG4, Local Enterprise Office Galway and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Dr. Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University said, “ATU is committed to supporting the growth and development of the creative industries, which play a vital role in driving innovation and economic growth across the Western and Northwestern region.”
“The CREW project aligns perfectly with developments in ATU’s creative programmes in Film & Documentary, Design, Animation & Game Design, and Creative Media.”
“ATU recognizes the potential of these industries and is delighted to see the emergence of the CREW facility as a supportive environment for startups, enabling them to thrive and contribute to the growth and dynamism of the sector.”
