Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Ratheniska, County Laois, for the 2024 Ploughing Championships—a true celebration of Ireland’s agricultural roots and a glimpse into its innovative future. While many think of the Ploughing as a traditional event, I was struck by how it’s now equally a showcase for cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking entrepreneurship, especially within agri-tech.
What really caught my attention was the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena. It was buzzing with energy as founders and companies at the forefront of agricultural innovation demonstrated their groundbreaking solutions. From sustainable farming practices to new tech that could redefine how we manage land and livestock, the arena was a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship in our region.
A highlight was connecting with Propelor client, Agri Data Analytics who were exhibiting in the arena. Agri Data Analytics, who achieved Enterprise Ireland’s PSSF earlier this year, and who took part on Prep4Seed, the Investor readiness programme run by the Irish BICs, have developed the Bovine Breathalyser, a non-invasive tool that measures methane emissions from cattle, providing invaluable data to support sustainable farming practices. With markets like Australia and New Zealand crying out for solutions to accurately understand and measure methane, the Agri Data Analytics team are working to finalise their MVP and attract seed investment.
The focus on sustainability was a recurring theme. Companies like Bionua, which uses satellite technology to help farmers manage nature-positive initiatives, and Agrotopia, with their hydroponic rapid-cycle sprouting, are proving that agriculture and environmental stewardship can—and must—go hand in hand.
One thing that truly stood out was the diversity of the crowd. Young families, seasoned farmers, and everyone in between were deeply engaged with what was on display. The energy was palpable. At one point, while I was chatting with a representative at the Moonsyst stand—learning about their smart rumen monitoring system—a passerby was called over. It turned out, the cow on their demo screen was his! That brief exchange was a perfect snapshot of what the Ploughing Championships represent: a tight-knit community, bound by tradition, but eager to embrace the future. Farmers aren't just hearing about innovation—they're living it, integrating these technologies into their everyday operations.
Laois and Offaly, with their strong agricultural heritage, are natural hosts for this event. These counties have long been the backbone of Ireland's farming economy, and they continue to foster innovation that will drive the industry forward. I look forward to returning next year, eager to see what new innovations emerge from our local founders and companies, particularly from the other counties in our region - Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow.
The Ploughing Championships are a vivid reminder of the incredible opportunities that arise when tradition meets innovation. And for founders in our region, there’s never been a better time to explore how your own ventures can intersect with the agricultural sector's evolving needs.
If you're an entrepreneur in Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary or Carlow with a vision for innovation, now is the time to act. At Propelor, we're here to help you turn your ideas into a reality—whether you're in tech,agri-business, or any other sector. Reach out to us today to see how we can support your journey!
hello@propelorbic.ie
