Full eligibility criteria and application details are available here
Creative enterprises and innovation-focused businesses across the West and Northwest invited to apply for a place in the Landing Studio’s second year
The Western Development Commission (WDC) the State agency responsible for promoting economic and social development across the West and Northwest, has opened applications for the second year of the Landing Studio at CREW Galway, inviting creative enterprises and innovation-focused start-ups and SMEs from across the West and Northwest to access dedicated workspace, expert guidance and opportunities to collaborate.
As the pilot year draws to a close, the Landing Studio continues to provide a platform for regionally based businesses to experiment with new technologies, explore creative possibilities and develop new products and services in a collaborative innovation environment. The initiative aims to strengthen the creative economy by connecting businesses with expertise, networks and resources to support their development and growth.
Based at CREW, Galway’s creative enterprise and innovation hub, the Landing Studio brings together businesses working across creative industries, technology and design-led innovation. The initiative builds on the WDC’s ongoing collaboration with CREW to support the development of the creative industries across the region and create stronger connections between creative businesses and emerging technologies.
Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission, said:
“The first year of the Landing Studio has established a valuable platform for creative and innovation-focused businesses to connect, experiment and explore new opportunities. As we open applications for year two, we want to encourage more businesses from across the West and Northwest to take advantage of the expertise, networks and collaborative environment available through the Studio.
“WDC’s ambition is to build on the region’s existing strengths in creativity, technology and innovation, helping businesses develop new capabilities, grow their operations and contribute to a stronger, more connected regional creative economy.”
Selected businesses will receive dedicated workspace at the Landing Studio, alongside access to tailored supports and opportunities to collaborate with other companies and innovation partners. AIM, the AI and Innovation Centre based in Sligo, is an anchor tenant at the Studio, bringing expertise in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Through AIM and CREW, participating businesses can access guidance on integrating AI and digital processes into their operations, explore new approaches to product and service development, and connect with wider networks across the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Supports available through the Landing Studio include:
- Dedicated workspace: Desk space at the Landing Studio for selected businesses.
- Tailored business support: Access to CREW’s and AIM’s partners, programmes and resources.
- Technology and AI advisory: Strategic guidance from AIM on artificial intelligence and emerging technology projects.
- Collaboration opportunities: Connections with businesses working across technology, design and the creative industries.
- Networking and connections: Opportunities to build relationships with peers, potential clients and the wider regional enterprise ecosystem.
Niamh Costello, CEO of CREW, said:
“The Landing Studio reflects CREW’s strategy, ‘Where Creativity Means Business’, and our focus on helping digital creative businesses start, grow, innovate and scale. Being based at CREW gives participating businesses access to our mentors, programmes such as CLIMB and wider industry networks, alongside opportunities to share ideas and collaborate with each other. Our partnership with WDC and AIM builds on this support, with AIM helping businesses adopt AI in practical ways to innovate and remain competitive.
“We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of businesses and building on the experience of the pilot year to further strengthen connections between creativity, technology and enterprise across the region.”
One of this year’s Landing Studio businesses Nova Digital run by Fiadh McHugh said “Being part of the Landing Studio has been a really valuable experience for Nova Digital. Having access to a collaborative workspace, expert support and a network of businesses working across creativity and technology has created opportunities to exchange ideas, explore new approaches and consider how emerging technologies can support our work. The connections made through the Studio have been particularly beneficial, and we would encourage other creative and innovative businesses across the region to take advantage of the opportunity.”
Applications are invited from eligible creative enterprises and innovation-focused start-ups and SMEs based in Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare. Closing date for applications is the 20th November.
Businesses working in areas including digital design, animation, film, visual arts, music, immersive technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and other emerging technologies are encouraged to apply. The opportunity is also open to businesses using design and technology to develop innovative solutions across different sectors.
Full eligibility criteria and application details are available here
