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Youth from across Europe converged in Donegal for Ireland’s first-ever International Creative Jam on the Blue Economy
Young innovators, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers from across the Atlantic region gathered in Donegal, Ireland this week for the ATLIC International Creative Jam 2026, a pioneering event that marked the first time an international youth creative and entrepreneurship jam of its kind was held in Ireland — focused on developing youth‑led solutions to strengthen the Blue Economy. The Creative Jam was hosted by Donegal Youth Service as part of the EU-funded Atlantic InnoBlue Communities (ATLIC) project, co‑financed through the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme.
The event took place across two key locations in County Donegal: the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Killybegs Campus and the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town. Participants aged 16–30 worked collaboratively with mentors, industry experts and stakeholders to develop entrepreneurial concepts, prototype innovative solutions and present ideas addressing real-world challenges facing coastal and marine communities.
The International Creative Jam was officially opened by Her Excellency Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland, who delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of youth-led innovation in sustainable economic development and the crucial role young people have in shaping the future of the Atlantic Blue Economy. The President’s presence underscored the national significance of the event and Ireland’s commitment to empowering the next generation of creative and entrepreneurial leaders.
“This Creative Jam presents a unique platform for young people to explore entrepreneurial paths, experiment with new ideas, and work collaboratively on solutions that can drive positive change in the way we use and care for our oceans and coastal regions,” said Lorraine Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Youth Service. “Bringing this event to Ireland for the first time recognises the talent in our youth that exists here and across the Atlantic communities who share the vision of a more sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy.”
Throughout the three-day programme, participants engaged in ideation sessions, skills‑building workshops, peer-to-peer collaboration and pitch presentations, all designed to nurture innovation, strengthen entrepreneurial capacity and build transnational networks. The Creative Jam format encouraged creative problem‑solving and teamwork, with a focus on translating ideas into tangible opportunities that could lead to new ventures, services or partnerships.
The Blue Economy — encompassing sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, renewable ocean energy and coastal conservation — represents a growing frontier for sustainable economic growth. The ATLIC project has been active in Donegal since its launch in 2023, building capacity and knowledge connections across youth, academics, small businesses and community stakeholders.
“I am delighted that the ATLIC International Creative Jam will be hosted in Donegal, bringing international young talent to our region,” said an ATU representative. “ATU Killybegs is uniquely placed at the heart of Ireland’s marine and coastal economy, making it an ideal setting for this event, and we look forward to supporting participants as they explore innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities.”
Dr Orla Flynn added:
“The ATLIC International Creative Jam represents an important moment for the northwest, bringing young people from across Europe to a region with a long and proud connection to the Atlantic. We are delighted to welcome the President Catherine Connolly to ATU’s Killybegs campus to launch this programme. ATU continues to support initiatives like ATLIC that strengthen coastal communities, encourage innovation, and highlight the opportunities that exist across the Atlantic seaboard. We look forward to welcoming participants as they explore new approaches that can contribute to the future of the wider region.”
The event culminated in pitch presentations and a closing celebration at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town, where participants showcased their ideas to a panel of judges, community partners and invited guests. Prizes, further incubation support and networking opportunities through the ATLIC labs programme were made available to support participants in further developing their proposals.
For more information on the ATLIC International Creative Jam 2026, including how to participate, sponsor or support this initiative, please contact Donegal Youth Service or visit the ATLIC project website.
Contact Information
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Atlantic Technological University
086 086 6913
aidan.haughey@atu.ie
