We’re inviting ambitious start-ups and early-stage companies from across the digital creative industries to apply for a place in the EDGE26 Start-up Zone. This is a curated platform designed to spotlight emerging and innovative start-up businesses, connecting you with an influential audience of founders, investors, decision-makers and ecosystem leaders. Selected companies will gain visibility within the official EDGE26 programme, positioning your business at the heart of the conversation.
About EDGE26 – Ireland’s Creative Economy Summit
EDGE26 is Ireland’s Creative Economy Summit, focused on building globally competitive digital creative industries through enterprise, innovation and IP-driven growth. It takes place on 21 May 2026 at Dexcom Stadium, Galway city.
EDGE26 positions the West and North-West of Ireland at the centre of the national and international creative economy conversation, with an emphasis on the digital creative industries including film and TV, animation, games, immersive technology, design, and music technology. The summit convenes creative entrepreneurs, founders, studio leads, technology innovators, investors, policymakers, researchers and enterprise development leaders for a day of insight, connection, and collaboration.
The programme will highlight thought leadership, commercial case studies, and policy perspectives shaping the future of the creative economy in Ireland and globally.
View more information on the programme and speaker details here.
Why should I apply to exhibit at the EDGE26 Start-up Zone?
Exhibiting at the EDGE26 Start-up Zone is a focused opportunity to showcase your business to a high-quality audience of founders, investors, decision-makers and ecosystem leaders.
EDGE26 also offers a forum for:
- Exposure to senior founders, investors and decision-makers
- Engagement with peers across the creative economy
- Insight into scaling, IP, investment, talent, technology adoption and market access
- Building partnerships that support commercial growth and international competitiveness
If selected to participate, you will receive:
- A dedicated display/stand in the Start-up Zone at EDGE26
- An online training session on effective pitching & networking in advance of EDGE26
- Complimentary entry for up to two (2) people from your company, worth €240
- Visibility across EDGE26 channels, including:
- Conference programme listing
- Feature on the conference website
- Promotion across social media
Who should apply?
This call is suitable for companies that:
- Operate within the digital creative industries (e.g., film & television, animation, games, design, immersive technologies, and music technology)
- Have been trading for less than five (5) years
- Have a clear proposition and ambition to grow markets, scale operations, or build commercial partnerships
- Are interested in connecting with stakeholders including:
- Creative founders and scale-up leaders Investors, funders and advisors
- Enterprise and innovation ecosystem leaders
- Universities and research organisations
- International speakers and partners
How to apply
To apply to exhibit in the Start-up Zone, please click on the link below to fill out an application form. The application takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
You will need to provide details of the following:
- Company and exhibitor name
- A short overview of your company and product/service
- What you hope to achieve by exhibiting (e.g., partnerships, investment readiness, sales leads, market access)
- Website and relevant links (demo, trailer, portfolio, etc.)
- Acceptance of terms and conditions
The deadline for application is Friday 27 March 2026. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 10 April 2026.
APPLY NOW: EDGE26 START-UP ZONE APPLICATION FORM
Terms and Conditions
If selected to exhibit in the EDGE26 Start-up Zone, exhibitors agree to:
- Provide accurate business information for funding and reporting purposes, including length of time trading, number of employees, and CRO/PPS number (as applicable).
- Comply with the late cancellation policy, which applies to any cancellation made within two weeks of the event.
- Be featured in the EDGE26 programme and website.
- Grant permission for any images shared with the EDGE26 team to be used across EDGE26 and CREW marketing and social media channels.
