The Irish agritech sector is gaining significant recognition on the global stage, driven by a wave of innovation from forward-thinking entrepreneurs. With over 4,700 individuals employed in this dynamic industry, the sector is witnessing a surge in demand for its products and services from business leaders around the world. This momentum was palpable at the recent 11th annual Innovation Arena, hosted by Enterprise Ireland at the National Ploughing Championships, where 50 agritech innovators showcased their cutting-edge solutions to an international audience.
Enterprise Ireland is committed to bolstering Irish-owned companies, providing support to approximately 130 firms across various domains, including smart farming solutions, livestock handling, crop cultivation, and animal health. In 2023, these companies reported impressive sales of nearly €1.6 billion, with exports alone reaching €1 billion. This robust performance underscores the growing global appetite for Irish agritech innovations, particularly as the sector adapts to meet evolving market needs.
The Innovation Arena served as a platform for 80 international buyers from 20 different markets, including North America, the eurozone, and Asia, to engage with Irish agritech innovators. This interaction allowed buyers to witness firsthand the innovative solutions being developed to address pressing challenges in agriculture, such as the increasing demand for food, environmental sustainability, and the need for sustainable farming practices that support future generations.
This year’s theme, “Innovations for Future Generations,” highlighted advancements in animal science, agri-engineering, digital technology, and sustainability. Among the standout innovations was Reap Interactive’s BovinePlus, which earned the title of ‘Start-Up Innovator of the Year’ and a €10,000 prize. This innovative solution utilizes artificial intelligence and image analysis to track individual animals, providing real-time data on weight, health, and water intake. By identifying underperforming animals and optimizing feed efficiency, BovinePlus offers insights that can significantly enhance farm profitability.
The competition also recognized Easyfix, which received the new ‘Green Impact Award’ for its groundbreaking slurry treatment technology, ‘ePulse’. This system employs an electro-photomagnetic treatment that stimulates microbial activity without chemicals, effectively reducing ammonia and methane emissions from slurry storage. Such innovations are crucial in the context of climate action and sustainability, aligning with global efforts to combat environmental challenges.
Samco Manufacturing Ltd. was awarded the ‘Innovation Arena Champion Award’ for its innovative application system and mulch film designed to facilitate earlier planting and harvesting of potatoes. This advancement not only improves efficiency but also positions growers to capitalize on market opportunities by entering earlier and potentially securing better price premiums.
Several other companies, including HerdSync, Herdwatch, and Precision Microbes, received ‘Certificates of Achievement for Innovation’ for their contributions to the sector. This recognition underscores the diverse range of solutions being developed within the Irish agritech landscape, all aimed at promoting digital and sustainable farming practices.
As the agritech sector continues to evolve, the support from Enterprise Ireland plays a pivotal role in helping these companies scale and compete in global markets. The Innovation Arena not only showcases the talent and creativity of Irish innovators but also highlights the sector’s potential to address critical challenges in agriculture. With a strong foundation and a commitment to innovation, the future looks promising for Irish agritech as it seeks to make a lasting impact both domestically and internationally.
