Kick off EDGE26 with registration and networking in the CREW Café, startup demos, and interactive showcases in the Creative Tech Zone – where founders, investors, and innovators connect.
Understanding the global shift and Ireland’s opportunity to turn creativity into economic impact.
Why Ireland’s Creative Economy Matters Now.
Official welcome to EDGE26: Ireland’s Creative Economy Summit from Mayor Mike Cubbard, Galway City.
Keynote Address
The Global Creative Shift: How Creative Industries, IP, and Innovation are Reshaping Economies Worldwide
Exploring how creative strength translates into sustainable, scalable business growth.
Insight Talk
Key Findings from CREW x UrbanLab whitepaper exploring regional growth potential and structural gaps.
Insight Talk
Building capability in creative industries; why clustering is key to competitiveness.
Panel Discussion
When building an IP Economy, what must align? A panel discussion on policy, capital & ecosystem alignment for scaling.
Recharge and reconnect: Meet Patrons, and exhibitors in our Start-Up and Immersive Exhibition Zones
Insights, Sectors and Scale. Showcasing how creativity is driving enterprise, innovation adn growth.
Insight Talk
An exploration of how creative businesses create & capture value.
Panel Discussion
Inside Ireland’s IP-generating sectors: Real companies, IP, exports, and growth
Lightening Talks:
Hear insights across the digital creative industries from animation, games, and immersive tech to design, film & TV.
Standing Lunch & Networking. Recharge and reconnect across the Start-up Zone, Immersive Exhibition Zone and CREW Café.
Building the talent, capability, and global connections that enable creative businesses to scale.
Fireside Chat
From Creator to CEO: Building Creative Entrepreneurs Who Scale Globally.
Dr. Orla Flynn in Conversation with Paul Young, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Cartoon Saloon.
Panel Discussion
Creative Intelligence: Talent, R&D & AI – Building Ireland’s Creative Tech Pipeline
Fireside Chat
Success from Chicago: 2112 & Story7 – Building Creative Entrepreneurs to Scale Globally.
Mary Rodgers in conversation with Daniel Crane, Creative Entrepreneur (Story7) Ecosystem Builder (2112 Chicago) & International Touring Musician
Closing EDGE26 with an outward-looking perspective and a forward-facing vision for Ireland’s creative economy.
Panel Discussion
A forward-looking discussion on the opportunities ahead, and the actions that can support Ireland’s creative economy to grow and compete over the next decade.
Vision Talk
From Ambition to Action: Final Reflections and Next Steps
