UK Politician Alistair Carmichael Praises "Positive Spirit" of NZ Farmers
A leading British farming politician says he's impressed with the positive attitude of New Zealand farmers that he met during his recent trip here.
This year’s selected innovators feature a wide mix of ideas, from AI and automation to safety, monitoring, and diagnostics, and plenty of ‘why didn’t I think of that’ inventions designed to offer smart solutions and make life on the farm, orchard, or rural block easier and more efficient.
Innovation Pathway Supports Growth and Commercialisation
The programme connects participants to the innovation ecosystem in New Zealand, where they can engage with a panel of expert judges and tap into a wider network of mentors and partners to help refine, fund and amplify their innovation, alongside serving as a direct line to engage with farmers to validate their concepts and gain honest, invaluable feedback.
“Fieldays is where start-ups can move from a viable concept to international impact,” says Steve Chappell, programme manager, New Zealand National Fieldays Society.
“It’s nice to see entrants working their way through the categories again this year and being inspired by the success stories of previous awards entrants.”
Innovators Compete Across Three Development Categories
Award participants are divided into the three main stages of development: 27 in the Prototype category,18 in the Early-Stage category and 13 in the Growth & Scale category.
Five participants are also in the running for the Young Innovator of the Year award for participants aged 19 and under.
More Than $75,000 in Prizes Up for Grabs
Participants are hoping to win a share in a total prize package of cash, services, and products worth more than $75,000 to help get their ideas off the ground or accelerate their path to market.
The People’s Choice Award also returns in 2026, giving visitors the chance to have their say by voting for their favourite innovation, with the top-voted innovator receiving a $2,000 cash prize, while one participating voter will win a $500 voucher.
Award participants can be visited around the Fieldays event and in the Fieldays Innovation Hub, with the Innovation Awards ceremony streamed live on the Fieldays’ Facebook and YouTube channels on 11 June at 5:30pm.
