Entries open for Innovation Arena Awards 

This year’s NPC returns to Ratheniska, Co. Laois, from September 17-19. The event attracts international visitors and buyers, offering Irish businesses the opportunity to engage with potential new customers from overseas. James Maloney, senior development adviser and Innovation Arena project manager, Enterprise Ireland, provides some background to this year’s Innovation Arena Awards, and why Irish companies should enter.
“This year’s Innovation Arena will focus on Innovations for Future Generations, which includes solutions that address issues across animal science and technology, agri-engineering, digital technologies, animal health and nutrition, sustainability and climate action, and farm health and safety,” he said.
“Applications for this year’s competition are now being accepted. It is open to Irish-owned companies, researchers and academics who are delivering forward-thinking solutions to help futureproof the industry.”
There will be a number of awards in this year’s competition, with an emphasis on applications from start-up companies under five years old and established companies that are focused on scaling and innovation. There will be an overall start-up award winner, who will receive a €10,000 prize, as well as mentoring supports from specialist Enterprise Ireland advisors. 
James continued: “Those who are successful in their submission will automatically be offered an exhibition spot within the popular ‘AgTech Hub’ at the Innovation Arena.  And, Enterprise Ireland will host a workshop for exhibitors to provide advice and help prepare for the competition. This will assist applicants in maximising their opportunity in the Innovation Arena and at the National Ploughing Championships for 2024.”
Last year, NovaUCD-based Proveye won the Start-Up Innovator of the Year prize. It focuses on helping users make better decisions to solve challenges like maximising yield and crop management.
“Irish agri-tech innovators are truly shaping the future, and it is estimated that the industry exports more than €1bn worth of innovative solutions to 43 countries across the globe. 
“While the UK and Europe remain our largest agri-tech markets, exports to other more diverse markets like Pakistan, Bangladesh and North Africa are on the rise, opening up fresh opportunities for Irish innovators who want to explore new international opportunities” James said.
The closing date to enter the Innovation Arena Awards is June 7. To find out more, visit Enterprise Ireland’s website.