The Western Development Commission (WDC) has announced the nine companies selected to participate in the new Landing Studio at CREW Galway, a pilot initiative designed to support creative enterprises and innovation-driven businesses from across the West and Northwest of Ireland.
Launched in February 2026, the Landing Studio provides regionally based companies with access to a high-quality support infrastructure in a collaborative innovation environment at CREW, Galway’s leading creative enterprise hub. The initiative enables participants to experiment with new technologies, develop new products and services, and collaborate across sectors.
The companies selected for the inaugural Landing Studio cohort are:
· Talegate Media & Publishing – Marilyn Fleming, Managing Director (Digital media and consumer entertainment)
· Shuttermaniac™ – Lee Williamson, Creative Producer (Film and visual storytelling)
· Fíbín Films – Robin Chedgey, Digital Transformation Specialist (Film and digital innovation)
· Nova Digital – Fiadh McHugh, Founder & General Manager (Information and communications services)
· Black Hole Studio – David J. Pierce, Owner/Manager (Multimedia production: photography, video, animation, and audio)
· Saorla Health – Shania Taite, Founder & Product Designer (Healthcare innovation and product development)
· Torc Studio – Patrick Brennan – Founder (creating interactive, accessible digital experiences of heritage sites)
· MEKKATO CREATECH STUDIO LTD – Michael Escobar, CEO & Founder (AI-powered creative technology ScriptGuru) · Voxonic Studio– Colm McMonagle, Founder (specializes in enhancing podcast production by leveraging audio)
The cohort reflect a strong and diverse range of regional entrepreneurs. This regional approach is further strengthened by the involvement of AIM – the AI and Innovation Centre in Sligo as an anchor tenant, ensuring that expertise and innovation developed through the Landing Studio and its regional entrepreneurs benefit alongside their communities across the wider WDC region.
Participants will receive dedicated workspace at the Landing Studio until the end of 2026, along with tailored supports including access to CREW’s networks and programmes, collaboration opportunities, and connections to industry partners. AIM will provide specialist guidance in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, helping companies integrate digital innovation into their business models.
Located within CREW, the Landing Studio connects companies with resources, expert guidance, and a collaborative ecosystem designed to support growth and scaling. CREW was established in 2024 by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the WDC, with Enterprise Ireland as a key partner.
Commenting on the announcement, Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission, said:
“The Landing Studio is about creating opportunities for creative and innovation-driven businesses across the West and Northwest to access world-class facilities, collaborate, and experiment with new technologies. It is encouraging to note the studio’s wider geographical reach beyond Galway, with Black Hole Studio and Shuttermaniac™ based in Roscommon, and Torc Studio, along with the anchor tenant AIM, based in Sligo. This support will help companies scale while strengthening a sustainable, region-wide creative economy.”
Niamh Costello, CEO of CREW, added:
“The companies selected for the Landing Studio represent the ambition and innovation that exists across our region. By bringing them into the CREW ecosystem and connecting them with WDC and AIM supports, we are enabling them to access new technologies, partnerships, and markets.”
The Landing Studio forms part of the WDC’s ongoing collaboration with CREW to strengthen the creative industries and expand expertise in areas such as creative technologies, digital storytelling, and design-led innovation across the West and Northwest.
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
