World Creativity and Innovation Week

Use this opportunity to spark new ideas for business growth

World Creativity and Innovation Week (WCIW), marked annually from 15 to 21 April, is a worldwide initiative dedicated to celebrating all forms of creativity. It exists to inspire and encourage people to use new ideas, make new decisions, and take steps towards making the world better through creative thinking.

The week itself leads to the World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) on 21 April, a United Nations observance dedicated to encouraging businesses to apply fresh ideas to real-world challenges, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

These goals are considered a blueprint to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

Celebrating creativity and innovation in Northern Ireland

Both WCIW and WCID invite businesses and organisations to join in and mark these occasions with events, workshops or team activities.

You can use the week to spark ideas, build skills and connect with support networks. For example, you can:

• join Belfast Met event on 21 April 2026
• join Southern Regional College event in Newry on 21 Aprill 2026
• join Innovate NI workshop in Newtownards on 28 April 2026
• find other business events and networking opportunities

You can also read guidance on nibusinessinfo.co.uk to discover how to use innovation to start or grow your business and find innovation, research and development grants.

Innovate NI programme is always open to Northern Ireland businesses looking to create value from their innovative ideas. Take this opportunity to find out about what they offer - complete the online assessment to access innovation support from Innovate NI.

Finally, the WCIW website offers toolkits, event registration and ideas like hackathons or creative workshops. Get inspired or register your activity to join celebrations in over 50 countries.

First published 16 April 2026