Minister Lawless launches ELEVATE at IADT in major boost for Ireland’s creative economy
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 16 Bealtaine 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless has officially launched ELEVATE, a landmark four-year initiative at the Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT), aimed at building a world-class research and innovation ecosystem for Ireland’s creative industries.
Backed by €3.6 million in funding under the government and EU-supported TU RISE programme, ELEVATE will strengthen IADT’s research capacity, foster deep collaboration with SMEs, and drive regional innovation across key creative sectors including screen, design, policy, and enterprise growth.
Minister Lawless said:
“This initiative is not just about building capacity at IADT—it’s about positioning Ireland at the forefront of creative innovation. ELEVATE reflects the strategic goals of the TU RISE programme—supporting regional enterprise, enhancing research infrastructure, and future-proofing our economy through creative excellence.”
At the core of ELEVATE are four “Creation Bridges” that will support transformative research in areas such as animation, immersive media, UX/UI design, cultural entrepreneurship, and evidence-based policy. A strong focus on sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) ensures the programme aligns with national and EU priorities.
“ELEVATE marks a defining moment for IADT as we pursue our strategic ambition to become Ireland’s university for the creative industries,”
said David Smith, President of IADT.
“This programme energises our research culture, embeds innovation across disciplines, and deepens our engagement with industry to deliver real-world impact.”
The programme includes the development of a cutting-edge Innovation Vision Lab, a new Virtual Production facility, and collaborative initiatives with leading organisations such as Accenture Song, NIBRT, and Beats Medical. It also supports a suite of academic residencies, industry fellowships, structured PhDs, and postdoctoral research—building a pipeline of future-ready talent.
“Creative industries already contribute nearly 9% of national employment and are among the most resilient sectors in Europe,”
said David Smith, President of IADT.
Minister Lawless added:
“Through ELEVATE, IADT is helping to shape the next generation of creative leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will define Ireland’s place on the global stage.”
ELEVATE runs from 2024 to 2027 and is a cornerstone of IADT’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028.
Notes
TU RISE (Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise) is a government and EU-funded initiative under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with a national investment of €83.68 million for the period 2024–2027. The programme is designed to strengthen the research and innovation capacity of Ireland’s Technological Universities (TUs) and Institutes of Technology (IoTs), with a particular focus on building structured, high-impact engagement with regional enterprises—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
TU RISE supports the establishment and expansion of research and innovation offices, fosters collaboration between academia and industry, and invests in researcher development, training, and mobility. The initiative underpins Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, helping to position TUs as vital engines of regional economic growth and innovation.
TU RISE has the objectives to both develop R&I infrastructure and R&I human capital. In the seven participating TUs and IoTs, a number of staff positions have been created to support research capacity building and facilitate stronger engagement with local and regional enterprise. These positions include Research Directors, Research Policy and Ethics Officers and other administrative roles. This is in addition to the more than 225 postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers who are due to be recruited by the seven HEIs under TU RISE as part of the development of R&I human capital.