We’re pleased to share the summary programme for EDGE26, Ireland’s Creative Economy Summit, taking place in Galway this May.
Hosted by CREW, and supported by Enterprise Ireland through the SMART Regions initiative, EDGE26 will bring together industry, enterprise, policy and talent from across the creative sector for a focused programme of discussions, insights and collaboration.
The summit takes place at a time of continued growth and transformation across the global creative economy, driven by advances in technology and increasing demand for creative content and experiences. Explore the programme: https://crewdigital.ie/edge26/schedule/
A Platform for Industry, Enterprise and Policy
EDGE26 is designed as a space to connect those working across the digital creative industries, including film, animation, games, immersive, music and design, with those supporting the sector’s growth.
Hosted by CREW, the summit reflects a continued commitment to supporting the development of the creative industries through collaboration, enterprise support and ecosystem building.
The programme focuses on practical discussion and shared insight, with contributions from industry leaders, enterprise agencies and policymakers.
At its core, EDGE26 creates an opportunity to engage with a key question:
How can Ireland continue to support and grow a strong, internationally competitive creative industries sector?
Programme Themes
The EDGE26 programme brings together keynotes, panels and industry-led sessions across a number of core themes:
Creativity and Technology
Exploring the impact of AI and emerging technologies on creative practice, production and business models.
Business Growth and Scaling
Looking at how creative companies can develop sustainable business models, access new markets and scale internationally.
Talent and Skills
Examining current and future skills needs across the sector, and how talent can be developed and supported.
Regional Ecosystems
Highlighting the role of regional hubs and networks in supporting enterprise development and industry growth.
Collaboration and Alignment
Bringing together perspectives from across industry and policy to explore how continued collaboration can support the sector.
Programme Features
In addition to the main stage programme, EDGE26 will include dedicated spaces designed to support engagement and connection across the sector.
This includes Startup and Creative Technology Zones, providing opportunities to showcase emerging companies, technologies and talent, and to facilitate interaction between industry, investors and the wider ecosystem.
Speakers and Contributors
EDGE26 will feature a wide range of speakers from across the creative industries, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the sector.
Confirmed contributors include:
· Melissa Steery (Creative Industries Keynote)
· Paul Young (Cartoon Saloon)
· Daniel K. Crane (2112 Chicago)
· Fiona Kilkelly (University of Ulster)
with many more speakers already announced and additional names to be confirmed. The full list of speakers is available on the EDGE26 website.
Who Should Attend
EDGE26 is relevant to a broad range of stakeholders, including:
· Founders and studios across the creative industries
· Creative technologists and practitioners
· Producers and content creators
· Enterprise agencies and support organisations
· Policymakers and ecosystem leaders
· Educators and talent development organisations
A National Conversation, Hosted in Galway
While EDGE26 takes place in Galway, it brings together perspectives from across the country and beyond.
The summit aims to provide a structured space for discussion, connection and knowledge sharing across the creative sector.
Supported by a Strong Network
EDGE26 is delivered with the support of CREW’s patron network, led by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), alongside a range of industry and ecosystem partners.
This network reflects the collaborative approach required to support the continued development of Ireland’s creative industries.
Explore the Programme
This is an initial programme release, with additional speakers and sessions to be announced over the coming weeks. Explore the programme: https://crewdigital.ie/edge26/schedule/
