Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been awarded a flagship European project—TRI-Creates—under Strand A of the EIT Higher Education Initiative, call for proposals 2024 which focuses on building innovation and entrepreneurship capacity within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
TRI-Creates, or Triangular Innovation and Creativity for Regional Entrepreneurship integrating Technology towards Excellence and Sustainability in HEI, is a transformative three-year initiative that places creativity, user-driven innovation, and cross-sector collaboration at the heart of entrepreneurial education and research across Europe.
Led by ATU, TRI-Creates brings together a dynamic network of higher education institutions from Ireland, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey, each committed to shaping the future of education through creative innovation. The project consortium includes:
- Atlantic Technological University (Ireland)
- UNIVERSIDADE DE ÉVORA (Portugal)
- UNIVERSITATEA DE ARTĂ ȘI DESIGN DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (Romania)
- Başkent Üniversitesi (Turkiye)
The project is strengthened by a group of enterprise and innovation partners with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, start-up and SME development, and commercialisation. These partners will provide the vital industry insight and support needed to help scale innovative ideas and ensure real-world impact:
- CREW – Creative Enterprise West (Ireland)
- Creative Business Network (Copenhagen, Denmark)
- Alinea (Northern Ireland)
Over its duration (2025–2027), TRI-Creates will deliver significant Europe-wide impact:
- Train 880 students and mentor 130 participants
- Equip 180 academic and 160 non-academic staff with entrepreneurial and innovation skills
- Support the creation of 36 start-ups
- Establish 14 new partnerships
- Strengthen 14 innovation support structures
TRI-Creates is grounded in a user-centric, inclusive approach that integrates creativity and cutting-edge digital technologies—such as virtual reality, digital design, and gaming—into entrepreneurship education. The project is focused on addressing regional strengths and enabling higher education institutions to lead in innovation and collaboration.
TRI-Creates aligns with Smart Specialisation Strategies, Digital Europe, and EIT Culture & Creativity—the newest Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) supporting the cultural and creative sectors across Europe.
By 2030, TRI-Creates aims to create or support over 300 additional start-ups, maximising IP outputs, significantly increasing regional economic growth, and positioning partner HEIs strongly as engines for entrepreneurship. The project delivers inclusive, scalable solutions that support Europe’s digital and creative transformation. TRI-Creates is a blueprint for systemic innovation—empowering institutions to become entrepreneurial and creative powerhouses with lasting economic and social impact.
Dr. Orla Flynn, President of ATU, welcomed the announcement:
“TRI-Creates reflects ATU’s deep commitment to collaborative innovation. Through this ambitious project, we will empower students, staff, and start-ups across Europe to think creatively, act entrepreneurially, and contribute to a more resilient and dynamic future.”