Irish agri-companies are invited to apply to showcase their products and innovations at the arena from September 19-21 when The Ploughing takes place in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
The Innovation Arena is a must-see exhibition platform, providing more than 50 companies from the agri-sector with the opportunity to showcase their pioneering innovations to over 250,000 visitors to The Ploughing.
This year, start-up companies that are under five years old as well as established companies that are focused on innovation, are invited to submit their applications. New for 2023 is the chance for previous participants to apply for a space in the new Agri-tech Hub within the arena, which will give companies the opportunity to return to the Innovation Arena to showcase their progress and growth since first exhibiting.
Judging for the awards will take place
at the arena on day one of the event, featuring categories such as best start-up.
Other categories include the ACE Agri-tech award and the IFAC best newcomer award. The best start-up winner at the arena will receive €10,000 and will be presented with the prize at a formal awards ceremony during The Ploughing.
CEO, Enterprise Ireland, Leo Clancy, said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting companies and entrepreneurs where innovation is at the core of their business offering. The Innovation Arena is a key platform for promoting Irish agri-technology, showcasing capabilities to both a captive domestic and international audience over a busy three-day period.
“In addition and for the first time, this year’s arena will feature an Agri-tech 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. The Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships 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. Located at the core of the activity, the Innovation Arena will attract tens of thousands of visitors over the three days where an exhibitor is guaranteed prime positioning in front of a targeted stakeholder audience.”