Innovation Awards 2026 Winners Showcase Primary Sector Ingenuity
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Sixty-three applicants have been invited to showcase automation, robotics, and AI innovations, alongside practical on-farm efficiency-increasing devices and 'problem-solvers' at the event.
"What stands out is the breadth of areas the entries come from, with ground-breaking ideas that redefine sustainability, automation, and efficiency," says Fieldays programme manager Steve Chappell.
"These include eco-friendly materials that transform waste into valuable resources to AI-powered tools optimising livestock management alongside precision monitoring, and crop growth."
A range of entrants see 33 in the Prototype category, 32 in the Early-Stage sector, and eight in the Growth & Scale competition.
Five participants of 19 years old or younger are also in the running for the Young Innovator of the Year award.
