This year saw remarkable interest in the Innovation Arena Awards from a broad range of initiatives on farm, in schools, technology, food and safety.

With over 150 entries to the competition, the judging panel scrutinised and scored each application to select the final panel to present at the National Ploughing Championships in September. The applicants who qualified for the Innovation Awards are listed in the table below.

The competition for places is tough and the rewards are great, according to Denis Duggan from Enterprise Ireland. Denis explained that winning this award is just the start of a long relationship with Enterprise Ireland.

The competition, which is also sponsored by the Irish Farmers Journal and the National Ploughing Association, has given great opportunities to businesses. Companies such as Farmflo have developed continuously since receiving an award last year.

The good news this week is that the competition has been reopened for a wildcard entry. The website and application form are now live for the wildcard applications at www.enterprise-ireland.com/innovationarena. The closing date for all wildcard entries is Friday 17 July. It is guaranteed that this will be the final opportunity for the late arrivals.

NPA PR officer Anna Marie McHugh said: “The opening of the competition gives anyone who has a good business idea the chance to enter and possibly become the next big success story in Irish agriculture or business. Missing entry deadlines is easy with high workloads and family pressures all part of modern life. We are delighted to be able to offer this last chance for entries to the Innovation Awards with the National Ploughing Association, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Farmers Journal.’’

This year, the area for the innovation stands will double in size. There will also be additional categories for a junior award for under-18s and a student category.

The prize fund has increased by €15,000 to €65,000, showing a clear commitment from Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Farmers Journal and the NPA to innovation in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has also secured further funding for some of the category winners, with a good business plan and a willingness to succeed.

Justin McCarthy, editor and chief executive of the Irish Farmers Journal, said that he and his team are delighted to support homegrown talent.