Appeal for innovators to follow in Pius’s footsteps
INNOVATORS and entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector based in Co. Sligo are being invited to enter their pioneering agri-related products and services to an annual awards competition which will continue online for a second year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards 2021, in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA), are now open for entries.
Last year’s competition attracted more than 60 entries with the Micro Engineering Award going to Suip Manufacturing Company Ltd in Dromard in west Sligo.
Founder William Pius McCloat developed an easy-to-use lock to secure quad bikes in place in response to the widespread theft of quads in Britain and Ireland.
The 12 award categories include best agri-technology start-up, best agri-engineering established company, young innovator of the year, farm safety and sustainable agriculture. The best start-up and overall winner of the Innovation Arena Awards will be eligible to win up to €5,000 each.
Aidan McKenna, regional director for the North East and North West at Enterprise Ireland, said: “Despite the many challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the quality of the entries to last year’s virtual Innovation Arena Awards showed that innovative and entrepreneurial activity is unabated in towns and villages all over Ireland.” To enter this year’s Innovation Arena Awards, visit www.innovationarena.ie. Closing date for entries is Wednesday, June 30.