Ireland’s most innovative Agri-Tech Products named
From a solar powered water pumping system to a water treatment machine that reduces the need for antibiotics in poultry flocks, the most innovative Irish agri-tech products were named this week by An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald as she presented the 2017 Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards at the National Ploughing Championships. Representing the future of Irish agri-tech, the awards recognise innovative agri-tech capability and new product development in the agriculture sector.
This year’s Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena, in conjunction with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Farmers Journal, features ground-breaking agri related products and innovations from 69 Irish agri companies, including new machinery and software solutions that save time and increase efficiency in the agricultural sector.
The Innovation Arena has become Ireland’s event to showcase agri-tech innovations to a global market. More than 100 buyers from global regions including the US, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Europe, will be visiting the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena to see the best of Irish agri-tech capability.
150 applications to exhibit were received with 69 exhibitors selected, all of whom are finalists in the Awards competition. Of these, eight are spinout research projects, 11 are established companies and 45 are new start-up entrepreneurial led exhibits. All successfully completed the newly introduced Innovation Bootcamp earlier this year.
The total prize fund this year is in excess of €70,000 including a top prize worth over €15,000 for the most innovative start-up.
The first Innovation Arena seven years ago featured eight exhibitors in a gazebo and has grown to become the largest marquee hosting world-class agri-innovations at the National Ploughing Championships.
Announcing the winners, an Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald said: “I’m delighted to be here today for my first ever visit to the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena. Ireland is fast establishing itself as a global agri-tech innovation hub and the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards successfully showcases the future of agri-tech and puts Irish agri-innovations on a world stage. My Department through Enterprise Ireland is focused on working with the winners and finalists as they start, innovate and scale their businesses, grow exports internationally and create jobs in Ireland.”
Award Winners
Overall winner: Alfred Cox Founder’s Cup Perpetual Trophy, recognising his contribution to the agri-engineering industry
Solar Pump Solutions
Young Innovator
Brian Davis of Solar Pump Solutions
Agri-Engineering Start-Up
Remote Signals Ltd
Agri-Engineering Large Established Company
Keenan – an Alltech Company
Agri-Engineering SME
Samco Agricultural Manufacturing Ltd
Agri-Technology Start-Up
OneClick Accounts
Agri-Technology Established Company
Equilume
Agri-Environmental
Ozone Industries
Research Emerging from Third-Level DIT Hothouse
Safety Award
Safe-Shaft Systems
International Award Agrispeed Ltd
Special Awards will be announced on Thursday 21st September, including: • Anna May McHugh Female Leadership in Agriculture Perpetual Trophy • The People’s Choice Award – voting can be done online.
