A new international collaboration between two leading innovation hubs for the creative industries — 2112, Chicago, and CREW, Galway — was formally launched today with the signing of a Partnership Agreement at 2112’s headquarters in Chicago. The agreement was signed during an official visit by a delegation from Galway City, led by the Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard.
The signing took place as part of the Chicago–Galway Sister Cities delegation visit, which brings together representatives from local government, industry, and education. The purpose of the visit is to build upon decades of positive political, cultural, educational, and economic exchange between the two cities and to explore new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Both 2112 and CREW are purpose-built to support startups in music, film, gaming, immersive media, design, and other digital creative sectors. The agreement establishes a strategic partnership to connect these ecosystems through knowledge exchange, mentorship, and soft-landing opportunities for companies seeking to scale internationally.
It also deepens collaboration in areas such as graduate entrepreneurship, creative technologies, and academic–industry partnerships. The agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between CREW and 2112, with Scott Fetters, CEO of 2112, advising and sharing knowledge with the CREW team since its early development.
Creative Industries startups are born global, developing products, audiences, and partnerships that cross borders from day one. This partnership recognises the need to create meaningful, accessible pathways for early-stage companies to explore new markets. Chicago, as a major U.S. hub for creative technology companies, is an ideal location for this collaboration and a natural landing point for Irish startups looking to test and enter the U.S. market.
Likewise, Galway offers a thriving hub for entrepreneurs, creative pioneers, and cultural innovators, with a growing creative industries cluster, access to top talent, and seamless market entry into the EU and wider European region. The West of Ireland also has a long-standing history of business, cultural, and educational links with the U.S., making it a strategic and trusted partner for transatlantic collaboration.
Scott Fetters, CEO of 2112, said:
“I’m proud of the relationship we’ve built with CREW over the past few years, and excited to see it formalised through this partnership. 2112 has always believed in building meaningful, global connections to support the growth of creative industries. This partnership is a natural extension of that vision, empowering entrepreneurs, connecting ecosystems, and creating real opportunities for creative startups on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Niamh Costello, CEO of CREW, said:
“This partnership with 2112 is a clear example of CREW delivering on our strategy to drive industry growth and internationalisation. By creating direct market pathways between Galway and Chicago, we are enabling Irish creative startups to access new opportunities, connect with international partners, and position Ireland’s digital creative sector on the global stage. Collaborations like this also strengthen the data and insights we need to shape future industry actions and inform policy, ensuring that our sector continues to grow, innovate, and compete internationally.”
Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, said:
“I warmly congratulate CREW and 2112 on this exciting international partnership. It’s fantastic to see two innovation hubs come together to support creative startups and foster global collaboration. As Galway and Chicago share a strong Sister Cities connection, it’s especially meaningful to witness initiatives like this that build on our cultural and economic ties, forging lasting connections and shaping a shared future for our innovative, creative industries startups.”
Phil Clement, President & CEO, World Business Chicago, said:
“World Business Chicago is proud to welcome Mayor Cubbard and the Galway delegation, a visit that underscores the deep and lasting ties between our cities. We value our longstanding Sister City relationship with Galway, a city with a rich history, global influence, and a role as a gateway to Europe. This new partnership between CREW and 2112 builds on that foundation — opening international pathways for creative entrepreneurs and showing how Sister City relationships translate into tangible economic growth and collaboration.”
As part of the partnership, CREW and 2112 will facilitate access to coworking and incubation resources for selected startups in each city, providing a soft landing to help entrepreneurs explore new markets, build networks, and develop international partnerships. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to reducing barriers for creative founders and enabling global growth through connected, supportive ecosystems with boundless possibilities for innovation and partnership.