Innovation arena – who will take it all this year?
Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena, hosted in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA), returns to the National Ploughing Championships (the Ploughing) this year. With ‘Innovations for Future Generations’ as its theme, the arena will showcase some of our finest cutting-edge agri-tech companies and innovators.
Fifty-five companies will share their solutions to help improve efficiencies in animal science and technology, agri-engineering, digital technologies, animal health and nutrition, sustainability and climate action, and farm health and safety.
There will be three award categories this year, including a new competition whereby three finalists will be asked to pitch their innovation to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. The winner will be named Start-Up Innovator of the Year and will receive a €10,000 prize.
The Innovation Arena Champion 2024 prize will be for established companies with a focus on scaling and innovation, while the new Green Impact Award 2024 will honour a company whose innovation is focused on sustaining the development of food and farming for future generations to come.
At this year’s Innovation Arena, there will also be an opportunity for previous participants to apply for a space in the popular Agritech Hub. This exhibition space gives Irish-owned agri-tech companies the opportunity to return to the Ploughing and display their progress to a varied audience, which also includes domestic and international visitors and buyers.
Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Irish agri-tech innovators are shaping the future, and new ideas and cutting-edge products have never been in greater demand to deliver solutions to global challenges, with a particular focus on sustainability as we strive to work together to protect our planet and futureproof this sector.
“Working with the NPA, Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena provides an important platform for Irish companies in this sector, bringing together some of the brightest minds.”
James Maloney, senior development advisor, Enterprise Ireland, said: “In a sector where the landscape is constantly changing, initiatives like the Innovation Arena have never been more important.
“Reflecting the ever-evolving demands placed on the sector, in this year’s competition there will be a focus on ‘Innovations for Future Generations’. We are particularly interested in learning more about pioneering innovations and solutions which address issues across animal science and technology, agri-engineering, digital technologies, animal health and nutrition, sustainability and climate action, and farm health and safety.”