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 today by An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD 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 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.
-- Advertisement --
Minister Fitzgerald TD 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."
Julie Sinnamon, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland, said: "The Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards are a strong reflection of the high level of agri-tech innovation and provide an important platform for established companies and start-ups to showcase their innovations to international buyers attending the event from across the world. Recognising the value and potential of the agri sector to drive economic growth and export sales, Enterprise Ireland is supporting the sector to innovate and create new business opportunities across the world."
(CD/LM)
