The CREW Creative Enterprise & Innovation Hub newly opened in Galway

The Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary, TD, has today officially opened the CREW Creative Enterprise and Innovation Hub, marking a significant milestone for creative entrepreneurs and innovators in the west of Ireland.

Funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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 centre 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."

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.

Alan Duggan, CEO of Ardán, said “The establishment of CREW as a creative enterprise and innovation hub in the West of Ireland has been long-awaited, and within this space’s brief time being open we have already witnessed its key role in fostering community, facilitating connections, and supporting innovation. It’s significance in promoting Galway and the West as a leading location for creative technologies business development cannot be underestimated. As a platform for talent working in film, TV, games, and animation – Ardán looks forward to working closely with CREW, entrepreneurs, and other enterprises from the screen industry to drive economic growth and sustainable job creation in the region.”

CREW is also supported by Community Finance Ireland and sponsors, Siro Vodafone, TG4, Local Enterprise Office Galway and Údarás na Gaeltachta, all whose contributions have helped make the creative industries startup innovation hub possible.

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