Total prize fund to the value of over €80,000
Embargo, Friday 6 April 2018
Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation ArenaAwards at the National Ploughing Championships, in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal, are now open for applications from Irish companies within the agri sector. The awards will take place within the popular Innovation Arena at the heart of the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 18-21 September 2018.
The Innovation Arena is a unique platform from which Irish companies can showcase pioneering developments in the agri sector and related subsectors such as agri-tech and agri-engineering. This year’s arena will also feature a conference venue where companies can launch new productsand present to international buyers – over 100 buyers from all over the globeattended last year.
Judging for the awards will take place at the arena throughout the three-day event in categories including ‘Agri Engineering’ and ‘Agricultural Technology’. The overall start-up winner will be eligible to win up to €15,000 prize package.
In addition to propelling Irish innovations to a world stage, this year’s Arena will feature seminars on key issues affecting the sector including Brexit and Global Marketsand facilitate crucialnetworking opportunities for attending companies. Last year’s competition attracted 200 entries ; 69 were shortlisted as finalist exhibitorsat the Innovation Arena.
Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland said: “The Irish agri sector is a rapidly increasing contributor to the economy and 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. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting companies with global ambition who have innovation at the core of their business, and for this reason, the Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships, where the top innovations are showcased for international buyers, is a key event for us. I am also delighted to say that the ‘Innovation Boot Camp’ will once again take place on August 15. This Boot Camp will deliver advice, mentoring, and support for innovators in the agri sector.”
Eoin Lowry, Deputy Editor, Irish Farmers Journal said:“Ireland has a prominent agricultural industry and The Farmers Journal’s involvement with the Innovation Arena is reflective of our position as a driver of innovation within this space. Globally, Ireland has a reputation as an industrial leader and the Innovation Arena highlights the change and development occurring within the sector. The 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.”
Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Championships said:“The National Ploughing Championships has been a focal point of innovation since its establishment. Agriculture is deeply rooted in Irish culture and is a significant factor in rural Ireland’s economic growth. We are again delighted to team up with Enterprise Ireland and the Farmers Journal to facilitate the Innovation Arena for 2018. I look forward to seeing the leaders in agri-innovation as they leverage the Arena to showcase all we have to have offer in terms Irish manufacturing and products.”
The 2018 NPA Innovation Arena prize fund equates to over €80,000 in supports. 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.The final participants for the 2018 Innovation Arena will be selected on July 23.
To enter this year’s Innovation Arena Awards please visit: www.innovationarena.ie