Wanted: Ireland's best agri-innovators who might like to get their hands on a €10,000 prize at this year's National Ploughing Championships.

Enterprise Ireland today (Friday, February 20) announced that it is accepting applications for its Innovation Arena Awards at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships.

According to Enterprise Ireland, Irish innovators are "synonymous with agriculture" and have an established reputation for delivering pioneering and groundbreaking solutions for shared global challenges.

This year Enterprise Ireland's focus at the National Ploughing Championships will be on "Helping Irish Agri Business Go Global".

Mark Christal, executive director for sectoral and client solutions at Enterprise Ireland, believes that helping Ireland's innovative enterprise base to be more competitive not only contributes to the Irish economy, "but it helps to build sustainable communities around the country". 

"Our agri focused entrepreneurs are at the heart of that, by growing jobs in local communities, and delivering solutions which address a range of global challenges, including animal health and nutrition, strengthening food security and supply chains, and addressing sustainable and efficient practices," Christal said.

National Ploughing Championships

According to Enterprise Ireland its Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championship, gives innovators the opportunity to "showcase their pioneering solutions" to visitors and potential customers.

This year's Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the National Ploughing Championships will also give ambitious Irish-owned companies and innovators a chance to shine.

There will be a total of three categories in the awards including:

The Start-Up Innovator of the Year award - this includes a €10,000 prize and mentoring/specialist supports from Enterprise Ireland advisors;
The Green Impact Award - aimed at a company whose solution is focused on driving sustainable progress in the sector and securing it for future generations;
Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Champion Award - aimed at established companies with a focus on scaling and innovation, who are exploring new global opportunities.

Nine finalists- three per category- will be selected to participate in a live pitching competition in front of a panel of judges and audience on the first day of the National Ploughing Championships

Successful applicants will also be offered an exhibition space within the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena this year.

According to Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA) the Innovation Arena remains an important feature of the championships.

"The arena provides a valuable platform for Irish agritech businesses to showcase their solutions and connect with industry and international audiences," she said.

The Enterprise Ireland hosted Agritech Hub exhibition space will also feature as part of the Innovation Arena.

According to James Maloney, innovation arena project manager, Enterprise Ireland, the Innovation Arena is "an institution in the agritech calendar".

"It is now an established platform which fosters the development of agri focused innovations, and gives our entrepreneurs and innovators the opportunity to meet face to face with potential customers and key stakeholders at this renowned international event," he added.

The closing date for entries to Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships is May 1.