Posted By: Scott Fetters
Partnership signed during Galway–Chicago Sister Cities delegation visit aims to create new international pathways for creative entrepreneurs.
Chicago, IL – August 19, 2025 — 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 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 start-ups 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 start-ups 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 start-ups 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.
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