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Innovation Arena – Irish agri-tech talent with global appeal

More than 50 companies from the agri-sector will showcase their pioneering inventions and creations at this year’s Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships (the Ploughing), where one lucky company will receive the coveted award for best start-up, along with a €10,000 prize fund.
Last year, the best overall start-up award went to Micron Agritech (pictured above), which provides rapid on-site parasite testing for grazing animals. The company’s rapid liver fluke test allows farmers to easily test livestock for liver fluke on-site through its ‘Micron Kit’ app, with results delivered in minutes using AI analysis. Infections in livestock by liver fluke are a major economic problem for farmers, reducing yield and leading to significant treatment costs, as well as representing a serious animal welfare issue, so Micron Agritech’s innovation provides an efficient, reliable solution to this issue.

Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena has become synonymous with the agri-tech industry in Ireland. It is where start-ups highlight new innovations, and where established companies introduce new products to the market that are set for global exports. This year is no different as the Innovation Arena features everything from new machinery, smart farming and automation, as well as sustainable agricultural systems securing the industry for generations to come. Fifty prospective international buyers from 10 countries will visit the arena, giving each exhibitor a useful opportunity to network and pitch their business.

New Agritech Hub

New for 2023 is the chance for previous participants to apply for a space in the Agritech Hub, allowing companies to come back to the Innovation Arena to display their progress.

Judging for the awards will take place at the arena on day one of the event featuring categories such as Best Start-up, the ACE Agri-tech award and the IFAC Best Newcomer award.

CEO, Enterprise Ireland, Leo Clancy described the Innovation Arena as a key platform for promoting Irish agri-technology, and for showcasing capabilities to both a captive domestic and international audience over a busy three-day period.
“The first time, this year’s Innovation Arena will feature an Agritech Hub, allowing previous exhibitors and early-stage companies to demonstrate the journey they have been on and the successes achieved, to date. It will provide budding entrepreneurs in the agri-tech space with a chance to network and engage directly with these companies on the steps taken to grow their business”, he continued.
National Ploughing Association managing director, Anna May McHugh, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Enterprise Ireland to host the Innovation Arena for the eighth year. It is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for anyone who has a good business idea, product or service to showcase at Europe’s largest outdoor event.”

View other Ploughing 2023 news