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ATU to Lead Major European Project Embedding Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation in Higher Education
Atlantic Technological University has been awarded a flagship European project—TRI-CREATES—funded under Strand A of the EIT Higher Education Initiative, which aims on building innovation and entrepreneurship capacity within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been awarded a flagship European project—TRI-CREATES—funded under Strand A of the EIT Higher Education Initiative, which aims on building innovation and entrepreneurship capacity within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
TRI-CREATES, or Triangular Innovation and Creativity for Regional Entrepreneurship integrating Technology towards Excellence and Sustainability in HEI, is a three-year initiative that places creativity, user-driven innovation, and cross-sector collaboration at the heart of entrepreneurial education and research across Europe.
Led by ATU, TRI-CREATES brings together a network of higher education institutions from Ireland, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey, each committed to shaping the future of education through creative innovation.
The project consortium includes:
- Atlantic Technological University (Ireland)
- UNIVERSIDADE DE ÉVORA (Portugal)
- UNIVERSITATEA DE ARTĂ ȘI DESIGN DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (Romania)
- Başkent Üniversitesi (Türkiye)
The project is supported by a group of enterprise and innovation partners with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, start-up and SME development, and commercialisation. These partners will provide the vital industry insight and support needed to help scale innovative ideas and ensure real-world impact:
- CREW – Creative Enterprise West (Ireland)
- Creative Business Network (Copenhagen, Denmark)
- Alinea (Ireland)
Over the three-yar period, TRI_CREATES aims to train 880 students, mentor 130 participants and upskill 340 staff across the partner universities. It will support the creation of 36 start-ups, build 14 new partnerships, and strengthen 14 innovation support structures.
By 2030, TRI-CREATES aims to create or support over 300 additional start-ups, maximising IP outputs, significantly increasing regional economic growth, and positioning partner HEIs strongly as engines for entrepreneurship.
Dr. Orla Flynn, President of ATU, welcomed the announcement:
“TRI-CREATES reflects ATU’s deep commitment to collaborative innovation. Through this ambitious project, we will empower students, staff, and start-ups across Europe to think creatively, act entrepreneurially, and contribute to a more resilient and dynamic future. I’m particularly pleased to see the inclusion of CREW as an enterprise partner, given the importance of the creative digital sector for the Northern and Western region of Ireland.”
TRI-CREATES focuses on creativity and user-led innovation that integrates creativity and cutting-edge digital technologies—such as virtual reality, digital design, and gaming—into entrepreneurship education. The project is focused on addressing regional strengths and enabling higher education institutions to lead in innovation and collaboration.
TRI-CREATES aligns with Smart Specialisation Strategies, Digital Europe, and EIT Culture & Creativity—the newest Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) supporting the cultural and creative sectors across Europe.
TRI-CREATES is a blueprint for systemic innovation—empowering higher education institutions to become entrepreneurial and creative powerhouses with lasting economic and social impact. At its core, the EITs mission of linking academic excellence to impact for society and the economy, which reflects the sentiment and commitment of ATU, as the lead partner and the wider consortium.
Photo Caption: Electronic Engineering Student Conor Cleary, winner of the Overall ATU Student Entrepreneur Awards, who was also shortlisted in the Top 50 of the Enterprise Ireland Awards.
