Applications open for Innovation Arena at Ploughing Championships

Tue, 26 Mar, 2019 - 17:46

Stephen Cadogan

Applications for the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena and Awards at the National Ploughing Championships, in conjunction with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) are now being accepted.

Irish agri firms are invited to apply to showcase their products and innovations at the Innovation Arena from the 17th - 19th September at the National Ploughing Championships in Ballintrane, Feenagh, Co. Carlow.

The Innovation Arena is open to Irish businesses and entrepreneurs within the agri-sector, giving them the chance to showcase pioneering innovations to over 100,000 visitors the National Ploughing Championships attracts each year.

Judging for the awards will take place at the arena throughout the three-day event, featuring categories such as best agri-technology start-up, best agri-engineering established company, young innovator of the year and best agri-environmental enterprise. The over-all exhibiting winner of the Arena will be eligible to win up to €15,000 and be presented with the prize at a formal awards ceremony during the National Ploughing Championships.

Last year’s competition attracted over 100 entries: 60 were shortlisted as 2018 finalists and invited to exhibit in the Innovation Arena Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD said: “I am delighted to launch the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships.

"The government through Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting regionally based companies and entrepreneurs and our focus through the Future Jobs framework is to ensure Irish Companies are resilient in the face of new challenges and embrace new opportunities and technologies. The Innovation Arena is clear proof that Ireland is leading the way for innovation in the agri-engineering and agri-technology sector and I encourage all budding entrepreneurs and established enterprises in the field to enter what is a fantastic showcase platform at this prime three-day event.”

Mark Christal, manager, regions and entrepreneurship, Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting companies and entrepreneurs with global ambition where innovation is at the core of their business offering - the Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships is a key platform for promoting the Irish Advantage where the top innovations are showcased to both a captive domestic and international audience.