Innovators and entrepreneurs within the agricultural sector are able to show off their skills and participate in the upcoming Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Competition.
Prizes will be awarded across several categories and short-listed entries will be invited to display their products at this year’s National Ploughing Championship in Ratheniska, Co Laois, from 20 to 22 September, 2022.
Innovation Arena Award Categories 2022
– Established Company ‘Innovator of the Year Award’ 2022
-Start-up Company ‘Innovator of the Year Award’ 2022
-Sustainable Agriculture Award
-Vet technology Award
-Agritech Start-up Award
-Agritech Established Award
Agri-Safety Award
-One to Watch Award
-Young Innovator of the Year
-On Farm Innovation Award – Alfie Cox Founder’s Perpeptual Trophy
– Agri Engineering Award
Partner Awards at the Innovation Arena 2022
– ifac Best Newcomer Award
– AgTechUCD Startup Award
– ACE Agritech Centre of Excellence Award
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Leo Varadkar said that “The Innovation Arena Competition brings together some of the brightest minds in Ireland’s agricultural sector every year. I encourage all agri-innovators to enter and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. Ireland is synonymous with agriculture, and it is our own entrepreneurs who are helping to shape the future of the sector.”
For the last two years the awards took place virtually. Co Kerry’s Brandon Bioscience was the last overall winner for its fertiliser enhancing seaweed-based bio stimulant. The 2021 winners will also air their innovations alongside those short-listed this year.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Enterprise Ireland again this year to see the return of the tremendously successful Innovation Arena,” said Anna May McHugh, the National Ploughing Association head.
“Throughout the years the Innovation Arena at Ploughing has seen some of the most ground-breaking technologies and amazing cutting-edge ideas, with previous winners going on to have serious success in business both in Ireland and on the global stage.”
To participate in the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Competition, see here. The closing date for applications is 1 June, 2022.