President Catherine Connolly set for Donegal visit for International Creative Jam

Young innovators, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers from across the Atlantic region will gather in Donegal. 

A pioneering event that marks the first time an international youth creative and entrepreneurship jam of its kind will be held in Ireland, focused on developing youth-led solutions to strengthen the Blue Economy. 

The Creative Jam is being 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 International Creative Jam will be officially opened by Her Excellency Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland, 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 event will take 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 will work collaboratively with mentors, industry experts and stakeholders to develop entrepreneurial concepts, prototype innovative solutions, and present ideas that address real-world challenges facing coastal and marine communities. 

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“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. We are honoured to have President Catherine Connolly attend the opening ceremony and her presence underscores the national significance of the event and Ireland’s commitment to empowering the next generation of creative and entrepreneurial leaders.”

Throughout the three-day programme, participants will engage 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 encourages creative problem-solving and teamwork, with a focus on translating ideas into tangible opportunities that could lead to new ventures, services or partnerships.

“We are so happy that our next step towards a more sustainable Atlantic Area will take us to Donegal,” said Alberto Costa, president of the Municipality of Santo Tirso, Portugal, the lead partner of the project. “Our Irish friends have been remarkable throughout the project, and I am certain that the cultural exchange that this event will provide shall inspire young people, stakeholders and others to create new concepts and build fresh solutions for the challenges that we face within the Blue Economy.”

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.  

“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 President Catherine Connolly to ATU's Killybegs campus to launch this event,” said Dr Orla Flynn, President of the Atlantic Technological University. “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 will culminate in pitch presentations and a closing celebration at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town, where participants will showcase their ideas to a panel of judges, community partners and guests. 

Prizes, further incubation support and networking opportunities through the ATLIC labs programme will be available to the participants to develop their proposals further.