Agri-tech is quite a wide portfolio for us in Enterprise Ireland.

At the core for us in the past has been the engineering sector that is now worth over half a billion euro in exports.

Agri-tech is moving towards helping with climate change and efficiencies on farm.

The challenge of reducing carbon, managing pastures with less inputs and controlling emissions are key drivers within this sector looking forward to meeting the targets set out by the EU green deal for agriculture.

Companies have a high priority on innovation. Ireland has some world-leading education and research through an established network of universities and research centres.

Ireland, for its population size, is making a valuable contribution to farming and technology in every continent.

This can be seen with some of our early stage companies that are leading on innovation, such as Magrow, Moocall, Apis Protect, Hexafly, Microgen and this year’s Innovation Arena winners IAMUS having the potential to increase efficiency in the poultry sector.

Ireland as a country is getting the fact that agricultural practices will change - I think this understanding will put us ahead for a bright future

We will launch the virtual Innovation Arena in association with the National Ploughing Association.

If possible, and depending on COVID-19 numbers, we hope to have an actual Innovation Arena in September showcasing the winners from the virtual competition. It’s too early for us call at this stage.

The Innovation Arena has a prize fund of €10,000. The best start-up and the overall winner will be eligible for a €5,000 prize each. Previous overall winners include Malone Farm Machinery with the Bale Express with global interest in the innovative new concept.

The closing date for applications is 30 June. All interested entrepreneurs and companies can apply at https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/events/ourevents/innovationarena/about.html.