CREW Unveils 2024 Impact Report, Highlighting Strong Growth in Demand for Its Programmes and Support for Start-ups in the Digital Creative Sector
January 2025 – CREW (Creative Enterprise West) has launched its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting a year of growth in initiatives and activities supporting entrepreneurship in the digital creative sector. The report highlights CREW’s continued momentum in 2024, including the official opening of its Creative Enterprise & Innovation Hub in Galway on April 5, 2024.
Empowering Start-ups and Entrepreneurs
In 2024, CREW delivered four incubation programmes tailored to early-stage start-ups in the digital creative sector, supporting 31 emerging digital creative entrepreneurs.
These capacity-building programs included two ground breaking pilot initiatives designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the digital games sector and broader digital creative industries.
In addition to these intensive incubation programmes, CREW delivered a regional initiative in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta. In total, 406 participants from nine counties engaged in CREW’s programmes and initiatives, with 53% based in Gaeltacht regions.
A Hub of Collaboration and Community
Since opening in April 2024, CREW’s Hub has become a vibrant ecosystem, hosting 53 events with 1,277 attendees. Over 950 visitors have been welcomed, including international delegations and special interest groups. Currently, the Hub supports 27 enterprises, sustaining 75 jobs and benefiting from corporate partnerships that provide critical support to startups.
Richard Naughton, a game developer and CREW member, spoke about the impact of CREW’s ecosystem on his journey:
“Without CREW acting as a lightning rod for connections and events, it would have been a lonely experience, and progress would have been much slower.”
A cornerstone of CREW’s impact in 2024 was its strategic partnerships—36 regional, national, and international partners collaborating across 24 projects and initiatives, forging connections in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, the UK, the USA, and Japan.
Commenting on the report, CREW CEO Niamh Costello said:
“Partnerships are foundational to our mission at CREW. By strengthening collaborative opportunities with regional, national, and international partners, we are driving innovation, fostering connections, and opening new opportunities for startups.”
In December 2024, CREW’s Enterprise & Innovation Hub was named one of RTÉ’s Top 5 Architectural Projects of 2024—a recognition that reflects the creativity and vision of CREW’s voluntary board, founding partners, and design team, all instrumental in bringing CREW to this exciting stage.
Opportunities for Growth in the West and Northwest
Looking ahead, CREW sees immense potential to further develop the digital creative industries in the West and Northwest of Ireland. The region is uniquely positioned to capitalise on its rich cultural heritage, skilled workforce, and emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.
CREW also emphasized the importance of the Digital Creative Industries Roadmap action plan and Screen Ireland’s Strategic Plan 2025-2029, both of which outline meaningful priorities to accelerate growth and position Ireland as a global leader in the digital creative space.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With a solid foundation laid in 2024, CREW is poised for even greater impact in 2025, with offering expanded programmes, enhanced support for digital creative startups, and deepening international collaborations.
“Together, the staff and Board of CREW share a strong vision and ambition for the growth of the Irish Digital Creative Sector. Our goal for 2025 is to enable even more creative entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth potential, ensuring that the digital creative sector in the West and Northwest continues to thrive internationally,” said Niamh Costello.
Acknowledging Key Supporters
CREW extended its gratitude to Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), and the Western Development Commission for their invaluable investment and ongoing support.
A heartfelt thank you was also extended to those who participated in CREW’s programmes, projects, and activities, as well as to all members and partners who collaborated with CREW in bringing these initiatives to life.
Download a copy below