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Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena provides over 50 companies from the agriculture sector the opportunity to showcase their pioneering innovations to over 250,000 visitors at the National Ploughing Championships each year.
This year, the Innovation Arena is inviting applicants both from start-up companies under five years of age and from established companies that are focused on innovation.
Judging for the awards will take place at the arena on day one of the event, featuring categories such as best start-up, the ACE agri-tech award and the IFAC best newcomer award.
The best start-up winner at the arena will receive €10,000 and will be presented with the prize at a formal awards ceremony during the National Ploughing Championships.
Encouraging innovation
Last year, there was phenomenal demand for space in the area, according to senior development adviser for agri-tech, climate and sustainability at Enterprise Ireland James Maloney. He is also the project manager of the competition.
Participants can be involved in any aspect of the agricultural industry, as long as they are focused on innovative development in the sector.
“The competition takes in applicants from all agri-related companies. We always have a keen interest in efficiency and sustainable farming practices," he adds.
He told Irish Country Living: “Last year, we had a number of overseas connections made, with about 150 enquiries. The yielding dividends* out of that probably generated €3.3m in export sales. It is a great place to do business.”
Ag-tech hub
New for 2023 is the chance for previous participants to apply for a space in the new ag-tech hub within the arena, which will give companies the opportunity to return and showcase their progress and growth since first exhibiting.
The ag-tech area is dedicated to companies that are not entering an innovation for 2023, but have entered the competition in the last 10 years.
We had a load of companies who have been in the innovation arena ... and really missed the buzz of being there
According to James, the introduction of this hub came from past companies missing the buzz of exhibiting in the area.
He said: “The request for the ag-tech hub came around because we had a load of companies who have been in the innovation arena for the last five or six years and really missed the buzz of being there.”
Often, the product start-up companies entered at the beginning have been adapted and modified based on the feedback they get from farmers and experts. There was a demand to return to the space with these developed products.
James explained: “We are inviting applicants who have been in the Innovation Arena in the past, who have tweaked or modified their offering and are looking to be part of the agri-tech experience at the Ploughing in the Innovation Arena.”
Competition structure
Since COVID-19, Enterprise Ireland started judging the applicants in an online pitching session. James explains they are keeping this structure.
“We found it is much better to have the pitch online, so every applicant has half an hour with five judges. The judging works really well, we give them the proper time and they get feedback from the judges.”
After a week of judging the initial pitches online, 50 to 55 companies get through to the Innovation Arena.
How to apply
Applications can be submitted from Enterprise Ireland client companies, LEO client companies and all other relevant industry stakeholders.
Innovations entered into the Innovation Arena must be beyond the concept stage and have the ability to be displayed physically at the Innovation Arena.
Entry to the competition is adjudicated by a panel, where each application is evaluated on eligibility and suitability to the competition.
The arena is open to applicants until 2 June. Shortlisting and judging will take place across June and July.
To enter this year’s Innovation Arena awards, visit https://www.eventsforce.net/enterpriseireland/3271/home.
* The dividend yield is a financial ratio that tells you the percentage of a company's share price that it pays out in dividends each year.
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