Galway Entrepreneur Showcase and Expo Celebrates 17 Groundbreaking Entrepreneurs in Creative Tech
The Entrepreneur Showcase and Expo, held in Galway recently, shone a spotlight on two pioneering pilot programmes: the Creative Enterprise West (CREW) Explorer Programme and the Wild Galway Games Incubator, managed by Ardán.
These initiatives are fostering the next wave of creative technology in the region and the event rounded off an amazing year of creative innovation.
The Explorer Programme
The Explorer Programme by CREW supports entrepreneurs and creatives with setting up ventures in the digital creative industries. The programme provides mentorship, masterclasses, and a network of industry experts. Attendees of the expo witnessed firsthand the businesses that have emerged from this initiative, ranging from immersive media technologies to AI-driven creative solutions.
CREW is a collaborative initiative that aims to build a sustainable future for the creative sector.
Wild Galway Games
The Wild Galway Games Incubator is Ireland’s first dedicated incubator programme supporting independent game developers from concept to market launch. It builds on Ardán’s successful Wild Galway Games Initiative that ran from 2022-2023. Ardán has been fostering talent in film, TV, games, and animation since 1989.
Art and Technology
Galway is ideal for creative entrepreneurs. Speakers at the event emphasised the city’s blend of artistic heritage and technological innovation, making it the perfect incubator for forward-thinking initiatives like Explorer and Wild Galway Games. In attendance were Deputy Mayor of Galway, Cllr Niall McNelis, Brian Barrett, Head of Economic Development and Culture, Galway City Council, and IMIRT board chair, Dr. Maria O’Brien.
The Importance of Collaboration
“This success story would not be possible without the robust collaboration among programme partners, including CREW, Ardán, Galway City Council, Galway Local Enterprise Office, Creative Ireland, IMIRT and Screen Ireland,” said Niamh Costello, CREW CEO.
“Their joint efforts have not only provided the financial resources but also the mentorship critical for the success of these programmes. These partnerships exemplify what can be achieved when stakeholders unite behind a shared vision of innovation.”
The Growth of Galway Game Development
For Alan Duggan, Ardán CEO, the Galway Game Development community has been on an incredible journey over the last few years.
“Through support from our local and national partners, we have been very happy to see this local community grow and flourish,” he said.
“To be able to run this programme this year in collaboration with CREW at the new Hub has allowed this initiative to go from strength to strength. We are delighted to see the progress our Wild Galway Games Incubator participants have made this year, and we are excited to see where the coming years take them.”
