PorterShed has this week announced the launch of an ambitious new programme, Galway–Estonia: Europe in Our Daily Lives (Innovation, Culture and Connection ), as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
PorterShed, one of Ireland's leading innovation hubs, was selected as one of the organisations in the ‘Communicating Europe’ Programme, for projects intended to deepen public awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives, as recently announced by the Government.
Over the past decade, PorterShed has established itself as a central pillar of the West of Ireland’s innovation ecosystem, supporting startups, scaling companies, and entrepreneurs through world-class programmes, collaborative space, and a strong network of partners across Ireland, Europe, and globally.
With a growing focus on artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and regional development, PorterShed has developed extensive EU and international relationships, which it aims to further strengthen and expand during Ireland’s EU Presidency.
“Ireland’s EU Presidency presents a unique opportunity to connect communities with Europe in a meaningful and lasting way," said Mary Rodgers, CEO of Portershed. "Through this programme, we are proud to partner with Estonia to showcase how innovation, culture, and collaboration can strengthen our shared European future. PorterShed has built strong relationships across Europe and globally, and this initiative allows us to deepen those connections while highlighting the critical role that regions like Galway play in driving innovation across the EU.”
The initiative forms part of the national County Pairings Programme, which links Galway with Estonia, one of Europe’s most advanced digital societies. The programme will deliver a dynamic series of events and activities from July to December 2026, designed to bring the European Union closer to citizens and highlight its impact on everyday life.
Bringing together innovation, community engagement, culture, and education, the programme will explore key European themes including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and regional development.
“As Honorary Consul for Estonia, I am proud to support a programme that reflects the strong and growing relationship between Galway and Estonia, particularly in the technology sector," said Capt Brian Sheridan, acting CEO of the Port of Galway and Honorary Consul for Estonia. "Partnering with PorterShed on this initiative demonstrates how international collaboration can foster innovation, strengthen communities, and create meaningful opportunities for people and businesses alike.”
The Galway–Estonia programme will include Europe in Our Daily Lives, a series of engaging public discussions exploring how EU policies shape innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunity; workshops and talks aimed at young people, including insights into careers in the EU and opportunities for education, mobility, and innovation; practical, accessible EU in Action community workshops supporting communities, SMEs, and organisations to better understand EU funding, policy, and supports; a flagship European Innovation and Society Showcase highlighting startups and innovators from Galway and across Europe, with a particular focus on AI and emerging technologies; a creative cultural and storytelling programme exploring shared European values and connections between Galway and Estonia through storytelling and digital content; and a strong digital engagement strategy including social media storytelling, policy explainers, and a December video series exploring EU themes in a local context.
In addition to events, the programme will deliver a series of policy insights and whitepapers examining topics such as EU impact in the West of Ireland, AI, sustainability, developing, growing and nurturing eco-systems, innovation, and regional development.
Monthly European funding office hours will also run in PorterShed during Ireland’s Presidency, and these will be free sessions to support organisations and startups in accessing EU opportunities.
Applications for this opened on July 1, in line with the start of the EU Presidency.
The initiative will further position Galway as a leading regional voice in Europe, while strengthening connections between Ireland and Europe through innovation, culture, and shared values.
For more information, including event dates, times and registration details for events connected to Ireland’s EU Presidency, visit portershed.com/events
