Ireland’s strong farming heritage, along with our renowned reputation for having an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, has meant business leaders are increasingly turning to pioneering Irish agritech entrepreneurs for solutions to some of the toughest global challenges.
The importance of innovation for increasing productivity on farms, while minimising the impact on our climate and biodiversity, is of primary focus for all.
And like many sectors, with an increase in the price of fertilisers, fuel, energy, and shipping costs, coupled with supply chain issues, costs are a real concern for farms right now.
Solutions that can help the industry to navigate forward in a progressive and profitable way are essential for agricultural and food industries, and trailblazing Irish agritech entrepreneurs have a formative role to play in helping to address these challenges with their innovative and cutting-edge products and services.
Irish agritech
From real-time farm management software and systems, to embedding more sustainable practices in agriculture in support of global climate and nutrition challenges, the Irish agritech footprint is undoubtedly evident in every continent, as products and services from Irish enterprises are now exported to every global sector.
Recent figures published by Enterprise Ireland showed that exports from client companies it supports in the climate, sustainability, and agritech sector specifically increased by a remarkable 12% last year to a total value of €364 million.
And as global issues increasingly demand forward-thinking solutions and efficiencies, fostering the development of innovative Irish agritech companies has never been more important.
Key to the development of these companies and supporting this ecosystem is Enterprise Ireland’s annual Innovation Arena competition, which is returning to this year’s National Ploughing Championships.
Innovation Arena 2023
The eight annual Innovation Arena Awards, which is held in conjunction with the National Ploughing Association, will this year provide over 50 companies from the agri sector with the opportunity to showcase their pioneering innovations to over 250,000 visitors at Europe’s largest outdoor event.
There are six awards categories in this year’s competition and the first-round of judging will take place at the end of June.
This year’s categories include ‘Start-up of the Year Award’ from Enterprise Ireland, the ACE Agri-tech award, the IFAC best newcomer award and the University College Dublin (UCD) AgTech Accelerator Award
Applications close on June 1, and this year the Innovation Arena is inviting applications from start-up companies that are under five years old and from established companies that are focused on innovation.
The first round of judging will be completed online, and successful shortlisted applicants will then be invited to an information webinar to prepare for the next round, which includes the judging pitch and the event.
The best start-up winner will receive €10,000 and will be presented with the prize at a formal awards ceremony during the National Ploughing Championships.
2022 winners
Co. Kildare-based Pearson Milking Technology, which manufactures milking parlours and robotic systems, were the overall winners of the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards in 2022, and the team there described the process as “invaluable” as it has opened up a range of significant potential international opportunities for their business.
“Winning the Overall Enterprise Ireland Innovation Award at last year’s National Ploughing Championship was a real highlight for all the team here at Pearson Milking Technology,” said Lloyd and David Pearson, the co-managing directors of Pearson Milking Technology.
“The award made a positive impact in multiple ways. For our own team it was great recognition for the investment in research and development and product development. From an employer branding perspective, it makes us more attractive to high-quality talent.
“Importantly, commercially it has given us a range of international opportunities which are very significant for the business.”
They said they would encourage any agritech business to enter the awards, adding: “The whole process was invaluable, from getting really good perspectives during the judging session, all the way to having a stand in the Innovation Arena and the commercial opportunities that developed after the Ploughing Championships”.
Terra NutriTech won the Animal Health Award at last year’s Innovation Arena Awards and they said they would also encourage other companies to enter “as it provides a unique platform to showcase innovation and gain valuable industry connections”.
“Winning the award at the Innovation Arena was a tremendous honour for our team. It not only validated our hard work and dedication but also gave us the exposure we needed to propel our business to the next level,” according to Padraig Hennessy, CEO of Terra NutriTech and Chairperson of Agtech Ireland.
“The Innovation Arena, along with Enterprise Ireland, plays an important role in promoting and supporting the growth of the agritech sector, which has a significant impact on sustainable agriculture and food production.”
New addition to Innovation Arena 2023
As well as hosting the awards, this year Enterprise Ireland is also proud to present a new addition to the Innovation Arena as it will host the inaugural ‘AgTech’ hub, which will enable previous exhibitors and early-stage companies to demonstrate the journey they have been on and the successes achieved to date.
It will also provide an important networking and learning opportunity for entrepreneurs who are in the early-stages of their business journey, or even those who have an idea and want to take that important first-step.
As well as the competition and networking opportunities, the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena also supports commercial opportunities.
Last year, the Innovation Arena facilitated 154 meetings with international buyers and companies that have since led to as many as 64 contract opportunities, generating exports sales orders of in the region of €3 million.
The Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena will be at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, from September 19-21, and the deadline for applications is June 2.
To enter this year’s competitions, click here.
By James Maloney, senior development adviser for agritech, climate and sustainability, Enterprise Ireland
