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The Western Development Commission (WDC) is inviting creative enterprises and innovation-focused startups and SMEs from the West and Northwest to apply for a place in the new Landing Studio at CREW, Galway. Launching in January 2026, the studio will provide dedicated workspace, expert support and a collaborative environment for companies that want to experiment, innovate and scale.

About the Landing Studio

The Landing Studio is a pilot initiative designed to give regionally based creative businesses access to high-quality support infrastructure in a shared innovation space. Located within CREW, Galway’s leading creative enterprise and innovation hub, the studio will enable companies to:

  • Experiment with new technologies
  • Explore creative possibilities
  • Work across sectors to develop new products and services
  • Build connections across the regional creative and innovation ecosystem

By bringing creative and innovation-driven businesses into CREW, the WDC aims to stimulate collaboration, share expertise and strengthen the creative economy across all counties in the WDC region.

Apply Here

What the Landing Studio Offers

Selected companies will receive dedicated workspace in the Landing Studio until the end of 2026, along with access to tailored supports and networks.

Participants will benefit from:

  • Workspace: Dedicated desk space at the Landing Studio until the end of 2026
  • Tailored Support: Access to CREW’s and AIM’s partners, programmes and resources
  • Advisory Services: Strategic guidance from AIM on AI and emerging technology projects
  • Collaboration: Opportunities to work with companies across technology, design and creative industries
  • Networking: Connections with peers, clients and the wider regional ecosystem

AIM as Anchor Tenant

AIM, the AI and Innovation Centre based in Sligo, will join the Landing Studio as anchor tenant, bringing specialist expertise in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. While AIM continues to operate and scale in Sligo, AIM’s presence in the studio will extend its reach and will:

  • Give participating companies access to cutting-edge innovation and expert advice
  • Support the integration of AI and digital processes into both creative and traditional enterprise activities
  • Help companies explore new applications of AI within their products, services and workflows

Who Should Apply

Applications are now open for eight companies from the West and Northwest. The call is aimed at (but not limited to):

  • Creative Enterprises: Digital design, animation, film, visual arts, music, immersive technology and other creative sectors
  • Innovation-Focused Startups and SMEs:  AI, machine learning, blockchain and other emerging technologies
  • Design-Led Innovation: Companies using design and technology to develop solutions across sector

Applications are welcome from creative enterprises and innovation-driven companies across Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway, Clare and Donegal.

Further Information

Full eligibility criteria and application details are available here. Please review before applying.

For queries about the Landing Studio or the application process, please contact: teresahooks@wdc.ie

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through an online application form.

Number of places available: 8
Who can apply: Creative enterprises and innovation-focused startups and SMEs based in Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway, Clare and Donegal
Application deadline: Friday, 19th December at 2 pm

Apply Here