National event led by CREW brings investors, founders and industry leaders together to drive IP led growth across film, gaming, immersive tech and design.
Galway is preparing to host what organisers describe as Ireland’s first national summit dedicated to the commercial digital creative industries.
Creative Enterprise West (CREW) has outlined plans for EDGE26, a gathering intended to strengthen the country’s creative economy and expand the sector’s international reach.
The event will take place on 21 May 2026 at Dexcom Stadium in Galway, the new home of Connacht Rugby.
“Creative economy companies operate across many different sectors, but they share common challenges, from scaling and skills to IP, finance and market access”
It is designed to convene founders, investors, policymakers and industry leaders from across film and television, animation, gaming, immersive technology, design and music technology. The focus will be on scaling opportunities, intellectual property creation, skills development and the export potential of Ireland’s creative output.
Áine Kerr, the entrepreneur and broadcaster, will act as MC. The summit is the latest step in CREW’s long‑term strategy to build a stronger digital creative cluster in the West and North West, following the publication of its 2025 to 2029 plan last year.
The CREW Enterprise and Innovation Hub, which opened in 2024, is home to a growing community of digital creative startups and scale-ups.
Shared learning for commercial growth
Niamh Costello, CREW’s chief executive, said the summit was created to give creative businesses a national platform for shared learning and commercial growth.
“Creative economy companies operate across many different sectors, but they share common challenges, from scaling and skills to IP, finance and market access. EDGE26 will bring these communities together in a single forum to showcase the innovation already happening across the region and create new opportunities for collaboration and growth,” she said.
The programme will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, lightning talks, a startup zone, an exhibition area and an immersive technology showcase. Organisers say the event will support the development of globally competitive creative enterprises and reinforce Ireland’s position in a rapidly expanding global market.
According to Precedence Research, the digital creative economy is forecast to grow from 313.95 billion dollars in 2026 to about 2,084.57 billion dollars by 2035, highlighting the international momentum behind content and IP‑driven industries.
Melissa Sterry, known for her research at the intersection of science, design and emerging technologies, has been announced as a keynote speaker. She will address global shifts in creative enterprise and the growing strategic importance of creative capability.
“All around the world, creative industries are increasingly recognised as core drivers of economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness. As the value of intellectual property, talent and cultural capital accelerates, this shift is influencing economic policy as governments recognise creative capability alongside technology, infrastructure and skills as a strategic priority,” she said.
EDGE26 is hosted by CREW and co funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021 to 2027. Enterprise Ireland is supporting the initiative, with Atlantic Technological University serving as Lead Patron.
Dr Orla Flynn, president of Atlantic Technological University, said the sector has a vital role in regional development.
“The creative economy has a critical role to play in shaping sustainable regional growth, innovation and future skills. Through CREW, Atlantic Technological University has been proud to co found and support a platform that connects creative talent with industry, research and enterprise across the West and North West of Ireland.
“EDGE reflects a shared ambition to strengthen innovation led growth by aligning education, industry and opportunity, and by supporting graduates to build and sustain creative careers in the region,” she said.
Top image: Niamh Costello, CEO of CREW, Shania Taite of Saorla, Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU and Joachim Davy, Creative Producer, Photo: XPOSURE
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