18th September 2019
Today, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD joined the Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, Anna May McHugh and Stephen Creaner, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland to present special recognition awards at the Innovation Arena 2019.
Now in its 6th year, Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships in Fenagh, Co. Carlow is showcasing fifty of the most ground-breaking agri-innovations on offer nationwide.
Five awards were presented to companies representing the future of agri-business - these included:
- Safety Award – Shanks Engineering, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan
- Young Innovator of the Year – Reave Technology, Kilkenny
- International Award – Van Boven, The Netherlands
- The best investor pitch award – a €1,000 cash prize goes to Flash Records, Wexford
- Alfred Cox Founder’s Perpetual Trophy for the overall winner of the best start-up innovation – this was presented to The Cotter Crate, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick and includes a cash prize of €5,000 along with mentoring support worth a further €5,000.
Earlier this week, Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon presented a number of Innovation Arena Awards including the overall winner, Kerry based company, Dairymaster.
Announcing the winners of the Special Recognition Awards at the Innovation Arena, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD said: “Supporting indigenous companies to focus on innovation is the cornerstone of a wide range of Government initiatives including Future Jobs Ireland.
“The businesses on show here in the Innovation Arena, and especially those awarded this afternoon, demonstrate that Ireland is a strong innovator with a well-earned international reputation in agri-tech and agri-engineering.
“The winners of this year’s Innovation Arena awards have demonstrated that they have attributes required to build a successful business and, without question, we will see many of them continuing to expand and grow globally.”
Enterprise Ireland Executive Director, Stephen Creaner said: “This afternoon’s awards represent the broader agri-tech and agri-engineering sectors which continue to go from strength to strength. The level of product development and innovation on display to visitors both domestic and international is not only hugely impressive but will undoubtedly prove inspiring for others considering a venture into business.
“It’s heartening to learn that so many applications to exhibit were received from across the country –businesses of all sizes and at various stages in development. Our message to each of the 50 finalists at this year’s Innovation Arena is that Enterprise Ireland will continue to support their innovation irrespective of any challenges into the future.
“We are on hand to encourage agri- business clients to focus on innovation to ensure Ireland continues to provide products and services addressing evolving market needs and thereby achieving continued growth.”
-ENDS-
For further information contact:
Ciara Ahern, Press and Media Relations, Enterprise Ireland 083 8007203 ciara.ahern@enterprise-ireland.comBrigid Burke, Press and Media Relations, Enterprise Ireland 087 1803995 brigid.burke@enterprise-ireland.com
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