Despite the cancellation of the National Ploughing Championships due to COVID-19, the 2020 Innovation Arena will go ahead with the competition now open for applications. This year’s Innovation Arena will move online with all entries judged via video link.

Agri-tech and agribusiness companies, be they new startups or established businesses, are invited to submit applications for this year’s Innovation Arena, with a €10,000 cash prize fund for this year’s winners.

Run by Enterprise Ireland in association with the NPA, the Innovation Arena celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, which is a marker of its popularity with agri-tech and agribusiness companies over the years.

The competition was first established by the NPA and Alfie Cox, the founder of Tanco Engineering. Enterprise Ireland has backed the event for the last seven years.

Agri-tech and agribusiness companies, be they new startups or established businesses, are invited to submit applications for this year’s Innovation Arena, with a €10,000 cash prize fund for this year’s winners

Over the last decade, companies such as Samco, Malone, Moocall, Herdwatch and Cross Engineering have each showcased new products that have gone on to achieve global sales.

Last year’s winners included Dairymaster’s mission control technology, which introduced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to rotary milking, and a sheep handling system called the Cotter Crate developed by Co Limerick brothers Jack and Nick Cotter.

Last year’s competition attracted almost 100 entries with 50 companies shortlisted as finalists and invited to exhibit at the Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships in Carlow.

Companies interested in entering this year’s Innovation Arena can do so online via Enterprise Ireland’s website. The closing date for entries is Friday 10 July.