Category: Exhibitor News

Applications are now being accepted for Enterprise Ireland’s 2026 Innovation Arena Awards competition, which returns to this year’s National Ploughing Championships. Hosted in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA), this year’s Innovation Arena will focus on ‘Helping Irish Agri Business Go Global’. Entries are open until 1st May, and pictured launching this year’s competition at Enterprise Ireland’s head office in Dublin this week were (l-r); James Maloney, Innovation Arena project manager, Enterprise Ireland; Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the NPA; and Mark Christal, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland. Pic Orla Murray/Coalesce

Applications open for Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships

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  • Entries open until 1st May, with €10,000 prize for best start-up winner 
  • Opportunity for Irish agri innovators to participate in one of Europe’s largest outdoor events
  • ‘Helping Irish Agri Business Go Global’ is the focus of this year’s exhibition and competition

20th February 2026: Applications are now being accepted for Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships.

Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena, hosted annually in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA), is one of the most visited exhibitions at the National Ploughing Championships, and this year it will focus on ‘Helping Irish Agri Business Go Global’.  

Irish innovators are synonymous with agriculture around the world, and have an established reputation for delivering pioneering and groundbreaking solutions for shared global challenges, such as animal health and nutrition, strengthening food security, and addressing sustainable practises. 

Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish-owned companies to start and scale, and to grow in global markets. The long-term ambition of our strategy, ‘Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025-2029)’, is that Irish exporters, including agri innovators, will become the primary driver of the Irish economy.

The Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championship offers these innovators the opportunity to showcase their pioneering solutions to visitors, and to engage with customers and international buyers at one of Europe’s largest outdoor events.

With three categories in this year’s Innovation Arena competition, applications are now being invited from Irish-owned companies and innovators who are delivering future-focused solutions with the ability to deliver sustainable changes in the sector, by bringing new inn

ovative practises and efficiencies which can address costs and helping to secure global agriculture and food supply chains.

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

Successful applicants will be offered an exhibition space within the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships, which is returning to Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly from 15th to 17th September.  

The live competition will also return to this year’s Innovation Arena, and 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.

Mark Christal, Executive Director for Sectoral and Client Solutions at Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting pioneering Irish businesses to achieve sustainable growth and to create high-quality jobs across all regions, and this includes our agri innovators who have an established reputation as being global leaders in their field.

“Helping our innovative enterprise base to be more competitive, to increase productivity and to achieve their global ambitions 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 practises.”

Applications are now being accepted for Enterprise Ireland’s 2026 Innovation Arena Awards competition, which returns to this year’s National Ploughing Championships.Hosted in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA), this year’s Innovation Arena will focus on ‘Helping Irish Agri Business Go Global’. Entries are open until 1st May, and pictured launching this year’s competition at Enterprise Ireland’s head office in Dublin this week were (l-r); James Maloney, Innovation Arena project manager, Enterprise Ireland; Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the NPA; and Mark Christal, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland.

Applications are now being accepted for Enterprise Ireland’s 2026 Innovation Arena Awards competition.

Anna May McHugh, NPA Managing Director, said:
“The Innovation Arena remains an important feature of the National Ploughing Championships, highlighting Irish innovators who are making a positive impact both at home and abroad. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Enterprise Ireland for 2026. The Arena provides a valuable platform for Irish agritech businesses to showcase their solutions and connect with industry and international audiences.”

The Enterprise Ireland hosted ‘Agritech Hub’ exhibition space also returns to this year’s Innovation Arena, giving Irish agritech entrepreneurs the important opportunity to exhibit within the National Ploughing Championships, which last year attracted 225,500 visitors, including an Enterprise Ireland hosted delegation of international buyers who met with agri innovators and exhibitors in the Innovation Arena and across the site over the course of the three days.

James Maloney, Innovation Arena Project Manager, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland’s 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.”

To enter this year’s Innovation Arena Awards, please visit: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/innovation-arena

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 1st May 2026.

Bord Na Móna

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Partnering with the National Ploughing Championship to bring sustainable solutions to live events.

Waste collection and management is of upmost importance at live events. Such events can generate a significant amount of waste, including food containers, beverage cups, promotional materials and more. Unmanaged waste can pose safety, hygiene, and fire hazards. Proper waste management helps maintain a clean and safe environment for attendees/staff and promotes a positive image. Proper waste management also ensures that an organiser adheres EU and Irish regulations, avoiding potential penalties. For this reason, Bord na Móna Recycling have been selected as the waste management partner for the National Ploughing Championship for over 19 years, forging a trusted relationship. Chosen for our reputation for managing waste in a sustainable manner together we sought to encourage more recycling, composting, and correct disposing of waste to help the National Ploughing Championship reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability at their event. By proactively adopting sustainable practices and revamping their waste management process the National Ploughing Championship could not only improve attendee experience but also ensure compliance with future legislation and regulations. A number of new sustainable initiatives have been implemented in conjunction with key successful waste management services;

  • A site visit and in depth waste plan was devised with the National Ploughing Championships to ascertain waste management needs, bin quantities, collection schedules and signage requirements.
  • We are providing 1000 x 240L general waste and recycling bins and a number of 1100L bins.
  • These are strategically located at key footfall areas across the site.
  • Recycling Stations have been created to neatly house bins and detail what waste goes in each bin so that patrons can dispose of their waste correctly.
  • To ensure waste streams are segregated and to help reduce contamination of recycling bins a number of measures have been introduced;
  1. All bins are clearly labelled and colour-coded for each different waste type
  2. Recycle points for all waste types are clearly labelled
  3. Suitable recycling bins are available throughout the main event area
  4. Food waste bins are provided at all concession stands and main areas
  5. Special compactors are on site for cardboard and general waste
  • Cooking oil containers are provided so all food and trade stands can dispose of their cooking oil in an environmentally friendly way.
  • Skips and compactors are provided for larger waste. Roll on roll off skips are used for pre-clean and clean up after the event, along with timber ROLO’s.
  • Compactors with bin lifters are used to collect bins at the end of each day.
  • Waste is sent to Bord na Móna Recycling facilities in Tullamore and Portlaoise for processing. Recyclable material is segregated, processed and sent to a licensed waste recovery facility for recycling.
  • Designated Bord na Móna Recycling staff are deployed on site during the championships to attend to any potential emergencies.
  • A fleet of bin lorries and helpers work during the night to collect all waste, ensuring the site is spotless and ready for the next day.

Our Rural Future

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Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien look forward to promoting outdoor recreation and community engagement at the 2023 National Ploughing Championships. 
·       8-metre climbing tower for visitors to try out skills
·       Department exhibit to showcase supports available to communities
·       Hands-on computing and robotics demonstrations
·       Mobile library and games to feature
The sustainable development of outdoor recreation in rural areas will be a key focus for the Department of Rural and Community Development at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, due to begin in Ratheniska, Co. Laois on Tuesday 19th September.

The Department’s exhibit, ‘Our Rural Future – Supporting People and Communities’ will be located in the heart of the Government of Ireland Village (Block 3, Row 22, Stand 348).

It will include an eight-metre climbing tower, supplied in partnership with Mountaineering Ireland and Awesome Walls, where visitors can try out their climbing skills and learn more about how to embrace Ireland’s outdoors.

Speaking about the benefits of outdoor recreation Minister Humphreys said:

“Last year I launched a new government strategy – ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’ which is helping us to shape the future of outdoor recreation in Ireland.

“The strategy provides a framework to support the sustainable development of outdoor recreation activities such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming which will, in turn, provide social, economic and health benefits for all.

“Indeed in the last five years Government has invested over €2.4 billion in outdoor recreation related amenities and the National Ploughing Championships is an ideal event to showcase what has been delivered, and what is planned for the future.” 

While the Department is encouraging people to embrace Ireland’s outdoors it is essential that it is done in a safe and respectful manner.

The Department’s exhibit will include Water Safety Ireland demonstrations, advice and support from Rural Recreation Officers and an area focusing on responsible dog ownership. 

The issue of dog attacks on livestock is of grave concern to the farming community. 

Local authority vets and dog wardens will be at the exhibit discussing the importance of keeping dogs under control, the issues of livestock worrying, the requirement to have a dog licence and general animal welfare.

In relation to responsible dog ownership the Minister added:

“Visitors to our exhibit will notice the focus on responsible dog ownership where we will be emphasising the importance of keeping dogs under control in rural areas and dog owners responsibilities.

“We will be reminding attendees of the need to respect landowner’s requests and about where dogs are welcome and where they are not.

“Attacks by dogs on livestock cause huge emotional and economic harm to our farming families.

“It is vital that we promote responsible behaviour so everyone can enjoy the countryside without causing harm to farmer’s livelihoods.”

The exhibit will also include; information on rural and community funding, Public Participation Networks, Volunteer Ireland, coding and robotics demonstrations, a mobile library, and more.

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien TD said:

“My Department’s presence at the National Ploughing Championship is always a highlight of the year and is an important opportunity for ministers and officials to engage directly with those who have a specific interest in rural Ireland.  

“We play a vital role in supporting rural communities across a range of programmes and initiatives. The exhibit at the Ploughing Championship is a fantastic opportunity to both highlight that work and to listen to feedback and suggestions on how best we can continue to support rural Ireland.”

The ‘Our Rural Future Supporting People and Communities’ exhibit will also include stands from:

•         Unfair Trading Practices,

•         Revenue Commissioners,

•         Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,

•         Workplace Relations Commission,

•         Department of Social Protection, and

•         Health Insurance Authority.

For further information visit gov.ie/ploughing

Follow the Department for regular Ploughing updates on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

Hosts in Ireland’s Ukraine Response

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Celebrating the role of Hosts in Ireland’s Ukraine Response

Helping Irish Hosts, in partnership with the Irish Red Cross, Peter McVerry Trust and IOM, has helped accommodate over 15,000 displaced Ukrainians in more than 7,000 Irish households since March 2022. As the need for accommodation becomes ever more critical, the role hosts have played in Ireland’s Ukraine response is truly remarkable. 

Helping Irish Hosts, an organisation set up for hosts by hosts, is heading to the Ploughing Championships with a shipping container they’ve turned into a home where they’ll be inviting hosts from all over the country to stop by for cups of tea around the kitchen table to share about their experience and get some support. 

Angie Gough, CEO and Co-Founder of Helping Irish Hosts, says:

“The Irish community response to the invasion of Ukraine has been overwhelmingly positive, and the phenomenal host response is at its heart. With more than 7,000 households currently hosting across the country, offering shelter, hope and solidarity to 16% of the displaced Ukrainians living here, where better to meet and celebrate than at the Ploughing Championships? We’ve built a kitchen – the heart of Irish hospitality – in a shipping container and we would love to welcome hosts and wannabe hosts to come say hello and have a cuppa and a chat.”

Visit Stand 471, Block 4, Row 31 (beside the Green Car Park entrance) for daily scheduled sessions at 11.00am and 3.00pm, including Ukrainian cultural exchange and host support chats.

If you’re curious to learn more about what’s involved in hosting a displaced individual or family in your home or property, drop by to get your questions answered and learn about the support and resources in place.

To learn more, visit https://www.helpingirishhosts.com/.

The Irish Red Cross, Peter McVerry Trust, the International Organisation for Migration and Helping Irish Hosts are funded by DCEDIY to activate pledges of shared accommodation on behalf of the State. Local Authorities are activating pledges of vacant properties via the Offer a Home scheme. All partners will be on hand at The Ploughing to provide practical information about what’s involved in hosting displaced Ukrainians and how to go about it, as well as on the spot support for those who are currently hosting.