Our rich agricultural heritage, coupled with our thriving tech and enterprise ecosystem, has resulted in Ireland emerging as a global agritech hub, with Irish companies establishing a reputation internationally for being leaders in their field.
From farm management apps to the latest in sensor technology, Irish-owned companies are harnessing technological developments to deliver solutions to global challenges and are helping make farming more efficient, economical and sustainable.
The Ploughing returns to Ratheniska, Co Laois, from September 17 to 19
Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships (NPC) is an annual exhibition platform, providing Irish companies and innovators the opportunity to showcase their products and services to over 250,000 visitors at one of Europe’s largest outdoor events.
The Ploughing returns to Ratheniska, Co Laois, from September 17 to 19, and will feature many international visitors and buyers, offering Irish businesses the opportunity to engage with potential new customers from overseas.
This year’s Innovation Arena focuses 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.
Applications for this year’s competition are now being accepted from Irish-owned companies, researchers and academics who are delivering solutions to help futureproof the industry.
There will a number of awards this year, with a focus on start-up companies under five years old, and established companies looking to scale. There will be an overall start-up award winner, who will receive a €10,000 prize as well as mentoring supports from Enterprise Ireland advisors.
Those who are successful in their submission will automatically be offered an exhibition spot within the popular ‘AgTech Hub’ at the Innovation Arena.
Enterprise Ireland will host a workshop for exhibitors to gain advice and prepare for the competition. This will help applicants maximise their opportunity and impact at the Ploughing.
NovaUCD-based Proveye won the Start-Up Innovator of the Year prize last year. Proveye focuses on helping users make better decisions in things such as maximising yield and crop management.
Irish agritech innovators are shaping the future. The UK and Europe remain our largest agritech markets, but exports to markets such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and North Africa are on the rise – opening up fresh opportunities for Irish innovators who want to explore new opportunities.
In a sector where the landscape is facing greater challenges, new ideas and products have never been in greater demand. Working with our colleagues in the National Ploughing Association, Enterprise Ireland’s innovation arena provides an important platform for Irish companies in this sector to showcase their capabilities and engage with new audiences.
(Closing date for entries, June 7. More info at enterprise-ireland.com/en/innovation-arena).
James Maloney is senior development adviser and Innovation Arena manager for Enterprise Ireland