Innovation Arena opens for entries for Ploughing 2024
Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland; Anna May McHugh, NPA Managing Director; and James Maloney, Senior Development Adviser, Enterprise Ireland launching this year's Innovation Arena Awards. Picture: John Ohle for Coalesce.
Entries are now open for Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the 2024 National Ploughing Championships The event is an annual exhibition platform showcasing cutting-edge solutions from Irish agri-tech companies and innovators. The closing date for entries is 5pm on June 7.
Entries are being invited from Irish-owned companies, research, and academia, who have pioneering innovations with the potential to deliver solutions for the agriculture sector that could help to optimise and futureproof the industry.
Those who are successful in their submission will automatically be offered an exhibition spot within the Innovation Arena at the September 17-19 championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois.
There will be a focus on applications from start-up companies under five years old, and established companies that are focused on scaling and innovation.
There will also be an opportunity for previous participants to apply for a space in the popular ‘Agri-tech Hub’.
This is an important exhibition space which gives Irish-owned agri-tech companies the opportunity to return to the ploughing championships and display their progress to a varied audience, including domestic and international visitors and buyers.
Enterprise Ireland chief executive Leo Clancy said Irish agri-tech innovators are shaping the future.
“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,” he said.
Mr Clancy said Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena, working with the National Ploughing Association (NPA), provides an important platform for Irish companies in this sector.
“It brings together some of the brightest minds, and I would encourage all entrepreneurs who are interested to consider applying,” he said.
NPA managing director Anna May McHugh said the Innovation Arena proves to be a massive draw at the ploughing championships every year. It puts a spotlight on the Irish changemakers who are making an impact around the world.
“We are delighted to continue this successful partnership with Enterprise Ireland again for this year’s Innovation Arena, as it annually delivers cutting edge ideas and technologies, which shapes the future of agriculture globally,” she said.
James Maloney, Senior Development Adviser, Enterprise Ireland, said the importance of initiatives like the Innovation Arena, in partnership with the NPA, have never been more important in a sector where the landscape is constantly changing.
This year’s competition will reflect the ever-evolving demands placed on the sector with a focus on innovations and solutions.
It will 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.
