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Creative Catalyst

Creative Catalyst is a cross-border innovation support programme developed by CREW and supported by InterTradeIreland, designed to address capability gaps facing digital creative SMEs, researchers, and academics across the island of Ireland. 

The programme targets sectors with high potential for scaling, intellectual property creation, and international market engagement, including film, animation, immersive media, games, and digital design. It addresses barriers such as limited innovation infrastructure, fragmented cross-border collaboration, and gaps in commercial readiness.

the initiative

Led by CREW, the initiative aligns directly with InterTradeIreland’s priorities by enhancing innovation activity, supporting export-focused entrepreneurship, and contributing to a more connected, all-island business ecosystem.

Programme Components

The programme comprises: 

  1. Innovation Masterclass Series
    Four online or hybrid masterclasses covering innovation topics critical to creative enterprises, including IP development, technology adoption, and commercialisation.
  2. Structured Mentorship Programmes
    Facilitated mentorship aligned with each masterclass to support peer-to-peer learning, cross-border collaboration, and network development.
  3. Cross-Border Knowledge Exchange Event
    An in-person event in Northern Ireland featuring a keynote speaker, networking, and shared learning opportunities across both jurisdictions.

 

Turning creative ambition into a sustainable business takes more than passion — it takes financial clarity. This module equips you with the tools to assess investment readiness, explore funding options, and build a compelling case for support. Whether you’re seeking grants, investors, or alternative finance, you’ll learn how to fund your vision with confidence.

What you’ll gain

  • A clear framework for evaluating whether your project is investment-ready
  • Insight into funding pathways, from grants and crowdfunding to angels and VC
    The skills to craft a persuasive pitch and business case
  • Practical financial strategies to sustain and scale creative enterprises

Collaborative learning experiences

  • Pitch Polishing Lab: Receive targeted peer feedback to sharpen your investor pitch
  • Funding Strategy Roundtable: Explore diverse financing models and risk management approaches
  • Financial Futures Workshop: Work through real-world financial scenarios faced by creative businesses
Applications not yet Open

Technology is reshaping the creative landscape — and this module helps you stay ahead. You’ll explore how tools like AI, AR/VR, blockchain, and digital platforms can enhance creativity, expand audiences, and unlock new opportunities. The focus is on strategic, practical adoption — not hype.

What you’ll gain

  • The ability to evaluate which emerging technologies matter for your creative sector
  • Practical ways to integrate digital tools into creative workflows and audience engagement
  • A clear roadmap for adopting technology in line with your strategic goals
  • Insight into cross-border digital opportunities and regulatory considerations

Collaborative learning experiences

  • Tech Discovery Sprint: Identify and assess emerging tools for real creative projects
  • Digital Strategy Clinic: Refine your tech adoption plan with peer and mentor feedback
  • Innovation Showcase: Present tech-driven creative concepts and receive constructive critique

 

Applications not yet Open

Creative ideas are valuable — but only if you know how to protect and commercialise them. This masterclass demystifies intellectual property and legal frameworks so you can confidently safeguard your work, unlock new revenue streams, and collaborate across borders. Designed for creative professionals, it turns complex legal concepts into practical tools you can apply immediately.

What you’ll gain

  • A clear understanding of how copyright, trademarks, and patents apply to creative work
  • Practical strategies for protecting IP in international and digital markets
  • Confidence in negotiating licensing deals and creative partnerships
  • The ability to spot legal risks early — and turn them into opportunities

Collaborative learning experiences

  • Real-World IP Case Studies: Analyse high-profile creative disputes and explore smart resolution strategies
  • IP Strategy Studio: Develop a tailored IP protection and commercialisation plan with peer and mentor input
  • Cross-Border Creative Clinic: Tackle the legal realities of international collaborations and global distribution
Applications not yet Open

AI is transforming creative practice — but responsible use is key. This module helps you harness AI thoughtfully, balancing innovation with ethics, legal awareness, and long-term resilience. You’ll learn how to integrate AI into creative workflows in ways that are sustainable, compliant, and aligned with your values.

What you’ll gain

  • A strong grasp of ethical risks and responsibilities when using AI in creative work
  • The ability to evaluate and select AI tools that genuinely add value
  • Practical frameworks for designing responsible and resilient AI-powered processes
  • Awareness of regulatory and cross-border implications of AI adoption

Collaborative learning experiences

  • AI Ethics Studio: Tackle real-world ethical dilemmas facing creative professionals
  • AI Integration Lab: Design and test an AI adoption plan with expert and peer feedback
  • Resilience Mapping Session: Build adaptive strategies to respond to rapid technological and market change

 

Applications not yet Open

Programme Delivery 

Application Deadline: Sept 1st 2025

Shortlist & Interviews: Sept 8-12th 2025

Induction: Sept 19 2025 (In Person)

Programme Delivery:
Online workshops with each module includes 1x  masterclass and 3x peer mentorship sessions.  There are 4 modules in total, and participants can register for any number of modules.

Programme Objectives

  • Build innovation capacity in digital creative sectors across the island. 
  • Promote structured collaboration between SMEs, researchers, and academics. 
  • Enhance commercialisation and export readiness. 
  • Encourage responsible and sustainable innovation practices.

Eligible applicants are: 

  • SME, sole trader, researcher, or academic operating in the digital creative sector. 
  • Active in one or more of: film, animation, games, immersive/XR media, digital design. 
  • Based in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. 
  • Able to participate in online programme activities including masterclasses and mentorship sessions. 
  • Willing to engage in cross-border collaboration.

SME and Individual Requirements 

  • CRO number (ROI) / Companies House number (NI) where applicable.
  • PPS number for sole traders or individual applicants.

Ineligible Applicants

  • Large enterprises. 
  • Organisations outside the island of Ireland. 
  • Entities operating outside the digital creative sector. 
  • Applicants unable to comply with State Aid / GBER requirements.

 

Application details to be announced
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