Nine pioneering Irish agri innovators are set to showcase their groundbreaking solutions at this year’s Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards, taking place during the National Ploughing Championships. This live competition highlights the importance of innovation in the agricultural sector, where efficiency and sustainability are increasingly crucial. The finalists, representing a diverse array of agritech advancements, will deliver live pitches to a panel of judges, vying for three prestigious awards.
Among the innovations on display is a dosing gun designed to minimize medicine usage, which could lead to significant reductions in veterinary costs and improved animal welfare. Another standout is a smart weighing scale that employs artificial intelligence and image analysis to monitor animal performance and growth, offering farmers valuable insights for optimizing livestock management. Additionally, several solutions focused on reducing methane emissions reflect a growing commitment to sustainability within the sector, addressing one of agriculture’s most pressing environmental challenges.
This year’s competition features three distinct award categories: the ‘Start-Up Innovator of the Year,’ the ‘Innovation Arena Champion 2024,’ and the newly introduced ‘Green Impact Award 2024.’ Each category has three finalists, with the ‘Start-Up Innovator of the Year’ award offering a €10,000 prize to encourage emerging talent in agritech. The ‘Innovation Arena Champion 2024’ will recognize established companies that are scaling and innovating, while the ‘Green Impact Award 2024’ will celebrate innovations aimed at ensuring the sustainability of food and farming for future generations.
The Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena serves as a vital platform for 50 Irish-owned agritech companies, researchers, and academia to present their innovations to a broad audience at one of Europe’s largest outdoor events. This year’s theme, ‘Innovations for Future Generations,’ underscores the focus on developing solutions that enhance animal science, agri-engineering, digital technologies, and farm health and safety. With the Irish agritech sector employing over 4,700 people and generating nearly €1.6 billion in sales in 2023, these innovations are not only pivotal for the industry but also for the broader economy.
Enterprise Ireland plays a crucial role in supporting approximately 130 companies in the agritech space, fostering the development of smart farming solutions, livestock handling technologies, and crop protection methods. The presence of 80 international buyers from 20 global markets at this year’s Innovation Arena further emphasizes the importance of showcasing Irish innovations on a global stage. These buyers will engage with exhibitors, potentially opening doors for collaboration and export opportunities.
Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, highlighted the significance of innovation in the agricultural sector, stating that agility and forward-thinking are paramount for future success. He commended the participants for their contributions toward the sector’s sustainability and resilience. Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how Irish agri innovators are addressing global challenges while ensuring the livelihoods of farm families.
Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, expressed pride in hosting the Innovation Arena, noting its popularity among visitors eager to explore cutting-edge agritech solutions. The finalists competing for the awards include BovinePlus by Reap Interactive, Cotter Agritech, and RT Sales Ltd. for the ‘Start-Up Innovator of the Year’; Grassland Agro, EASYFIX, and Brandon Bioscience for the ‘Green Impact Award’; and Dairymaster, Samco Agricultural Manufacturing Ltd, and Mastek for the ‘Innovation Arena Champion Award.’
As the finalists prepare to pitch their innovations, the anticipation builds for the awards ceremony later today, where Minister Burke will announce the winners. The Innovation Arena not only celebrates the ingenuity of Irish agritech companies but also highlights the sector’s commitment to addressing the challenges of modern agriculture, ensuring its viability for generations to come.
