With a total prize fund valued at over €80,000 this year, Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the National Ploughing Championships, in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal, are now open for applications from Irish companies within the agribusiness sector.

The hugely successful awards will take place within the popular Innovation Arena at the heart of the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, Co Offaly, in September.

Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: "The companies who display their innovations each year at the Innovation Arena are a stellar example of the innovative and revolutionary development taking place in this country."

Global ambition

She added that Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting companies with global ambition who have innovation at the core of their business.

NPA managing director Anna May McHugh said these awards are “an incredible opportunity for anyone who has a good business idea to showcase their product at Europe’s largest outdoor event”. She said the phenomenal achievements of previous years’ winners are a testament that the entrepreneurial spark is alive and flourishing in Ireland.

The Innovation Arena allows Irish companies to showcase pioneering developments in agri-tech and agri-engineering. This year’s arena will also feature a conference venue where companies can launch new products and present to international buyers.

Last year’s competition attracted 200 entries.

The Innovation Arena allows Irish companies to showcase pioneering developments in agri-tech and agri-engineering

The Irish Farmers Journal is delighted to once again partner with Enterprise Ireland and the National Ploughing Championships to promote and support the companies at the forefront of sector.

Top prize

The overall award winner will receive a top prize worth €15,000 from Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Farmers Journal, which includes advertising and PR support, mentoring and a cash prize of €5,000. All finalists will receive an advertising voucher to promote their innovation through the Irish Farmers Journal and a subsidised stand in the Innovation Arena for 2018.

To enter this year’s Innovation Arena Awards, please visit: www.innovationarena.ie

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