The National Ploughing Association’s Innovation Arena Awards, in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Farmers Journal, was opened for applications.

Irish agri companies are invited to showcase their innovations at the Ploughing in Tullamore. Award winners will be announced across a range of categories, with prizes of up to €15,000. This year, for the first time, applications are encouraged from international entrants competing globally for a specific category award.

Last year’s competition attracted 170 entries and 54 were shortlisted.

CEO of Enterprise Ireland Julie Sinnamon said: “The agri sector is of huge importance to the Irish economy and the innovation arena is a key event for Enterprise Ireland, where we showcase the top Irish agri innovations.

“Each year, the innovation arena has gone from strength to strength. Last year, the number of entries doubled and we expect an equally strong response this year.”

Managing director of the National Ploughing Championships Anna May McHugh said: “The NPA is delighted to join forces again with Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Farmers Journal for this year’s innovation arena.

“The innovation arena provides entrepreneurs and innovators with an excellent platform to showcase their businesses to those who attend the National Ploughing Championships every year.”

Irish Farmers Journal editor and CEO Justin McCarthy said that innovation is the key to success for all companies and individuals in any sector.

Justin also commented that the Irish Farmers Journal is “delighted along with our partners to offer the opportunity for innovation to take centre stage at the Ploughing this year”.

Award results from 2015

Cross Agri Engineering - Agri Engineering Award winner in established company category.

Malone Engineering - Agri Engineering Special Merit Award winner in established company category.

Acres Machinery - Agri Engineering Award winner in start-up company category.

Reproinfo - Animal Health Award winner in established company category.

Hydrasure - Animal Health Award winner in start-up company category.

Remoquip - Safety Award winner in established company category.

Inspect 4 Hoof Trimming - Safety Award winner in start-up company category.

Dairymaster – Software Award winner in established company category.

DIT Hothouse – Software Award Special Merit winner in established company category.

True North Technologies - Software Award winner in start-up company category.

AgManor - Software Award Special Merit winner in start-up company category.

Newrock – European Award in the established company category.

Ian Bolger – Special Merit award for Innovation and winner of the Young Innovator.

Last year, the innovation arena hosted many novel products from Irish machinery manufacturers, both established and young start-up companies.

Many of the products have gone on further since then and the award started a path for them and their products. The next big Irish success story could start at the Ploughing in 2016.

To enter this year’s innovation arena awards and for more information, visit www.innovationarena.ie.

The closing date for entries is Monday 4 April at 3pm.